Argo Tractors, increasingly important on the international scene
The Fabbrico Group closes 2018 in style. At the beginning of December, did Argo tractors not only start the construction of the new French branch in Vaulx-Milieu, the Isère town south-east of Lyon, but also signed an important collaboration agreement with India's ITL, sixth manufacturer in the world in the range from 20 to 120 Hp
At the beginning of December, the foundation stone was laid for the new Argo France headquarters, namely the French branch of Argo Tractors, which will be built in Vaulx-Milieu, in the Isère area (south-east of Lyon). The new branch will strengthen the presence of the McCormick and Landini brands in France. The ceremony took place in the Technological Park near the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Nord-Isére, in the presence of the heads of the Italian corporation, Argo France General Director Jean Luc Fernandez, and French local authorities, represented by the mayor of Vaulx-Milieu.
“The Group has made strong investments in this project, and the new branch – said Fernandez – will play a leading role in French agribusiness. In the next five years we plan to cover 70% of the territory with a 5% market share and with a turnover of 70 million euros. Our target segments are those of the vineyard and orchard, where we intend to gain positions, as well as the medium-high power sector, in which we aim to strengthen our position”.
But the new Argo France headquartes will also represent a leading reference role for the technological training, with services to support both the dealer network and customers. This is a wide-ranging project, that fully fits a strategy of global empowerment of the Argo brand. In fact, the Fabbrico Group (Reggio Emilia) is looking with an increasing interest to the markets, where the presence of the Landini, McCormick and Valpadana brands shows a significant potential of expansion: Russia, India and China, above all, but also Africa, where the Johannesburg branch in South Africa can represent a good springboard. Another piece of this global consolidation policy is given by the collaboration agreement that was reached, at the beginning of December, between Argo Tractors and the Indian company International Tractors Limited, the sixth largest tractor manufacturer in the power segment between 20 and 120 Hp.
The agreement was signed between Argo Tractors President, Valerio Morra, and Deepak Mittal, Managing Director of the Indian manufacturer (the headquarters of which are located in Hoshiarpur, in the State of Punjab). According to this partnership, which refers only to non-European markets defined as “Low Regulation Countries” (i.e., with less rigorous regulations on emissions than the European ones), ITL will supply six models of tractors, ranging from 45 to 90 hp and manufactured under the Landini and McCormick trademarks.
“This agreement – said Argo Tractors President – implements our strategy of internationalization centred on the tractor. The synergy that is created with International Tractors Limited will guarantee us a completion of the offer for the so-called “non-emission countries”, and add a family of basic tractors complementary to our range of products. At the same time we will ensure, through our brands, the usual levels of distribution and a high-quality after-sale service”.
