Sleator Plant Continues to Grow Sany’s Market Share

Sleator Plant are gearing up to have an even bigger presence at this year’s Balmoral Show where they’ll have a wide selection of machines on display, chief among them models from the increasingly popular SANY range.

Balmoral has been one of the company’s primary shows in Northern Ireland in recent years and that hasn’t changed, according to General Manager Aaron McCaul. “We believe it is critical that we have a presence at the show; potential customers want to get up close to the machines, they want to see just what the machines have to offer. By climbing up into the cab they can begin to appreciate how the machines could work for them,” says Aaron. It’s an approach that certainly works for Sleator Plant, because it brings in more business and helps them to increase market share. “Last year, for example,” says Aaron, “we enjoyed a huge response. On day one at Balmoral we had interested customers from as far away as Galway on the stand from early morning to see the SANY excavators. “We believe a lot of our sales volumes are off the back of being able to present the machines directly to customers at shows like Balmoral, so we are very happy to be returning this year; it will be good to get in front of people after two years of social distancing because of Covid-19.” Not surprisingly, perhaps, Sleator Plant won the award last year for Best Trade Stand at the Show, and they will be going all out to impress the judges this time around as well with an ever bigger and better designed and located exhibition area. EXCELLENT AVAILABILITY

Of course, it is all very well having a good display at the show, but what about machine availability at a time when many dealers are struggling to get stock into their yards?

Aaron McCaul, General Manager, Sleator Plant

“We are very fortunate that we have an extensive range of SANY excavators readily available, probably about one and a half million pounds worth of stock, with more SANY machines on the way.” The available models range from the 1.8 tonne SY16 excavator right up to the 23.5 tonne SY215, and adds Aaron: “We are aiming to triple our sales of SANY machines in 2022 compared to last year which will significantly grow our market share.” That will be in reach as the manufacturer is giving Sleator Plant priority when it comes to delivering new machines, supplied direct from SANY’s new hub in Scotland. POPULAR MODELS

“Currently, about two thirds of our SANY stock either in our yard or on order has already been sold. One of the most popular models is the 2.8 tonne SY26. We had six of the machines in stock and they were all sold within a week, so we have another 24 machines being delivered shortly and about half of those are already pre-sold.” Featuring a zero tail swing radius and independent boom swing, it is ideal for working in extremely confined spaces. Its independently developed intelligent control system matches pump output to available engine power for greater hydraulic system efficiency and lower fuel consumption, while its load sensing hydraulic system offers excellent efficiency and performance. Other popular excavators in the SANY range include the 14 tonne SY135C. Extremely powerful, it offers outstanding driver comfort. Despite its compact design, it displays impressive versatility and performance, outstanding at digging, crushing, loading and backfilling. Its power allows it

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to reach high excavating forces which would otherwise only be possible with significantly bigger machines. Perfect for use in places where space is limited. Meanwhile, the 16 tonne SY155U short-tail-swing excavator is extremely economical to operate thanks to its very high productivity, exceptional driver comfort and low consumption data, while the 23.5 tonne SY215C, features a Cummins engine, strengthened components, high operating efficiency, low fuel consumption, easy maintenance and comfort cab. STRONG DEMAND

So, what’s the big attraction of the SANY brand? “Good availability is obviously one reason, but the main appeal to operators is the strong build quality, reliability and excellent value for money.” Clearly, the Chinese manufactured machines are in big demand in this part of the world from operators who may not have considered them in the past; once they see the SANY up close and climb into the cab they begin to appreciate what they are getting for their money. SANY use some of the best components on the market and haven’t taken any short cuts in producing the range. In addition, all the machines, which extend from 1.6 tonne up to 50 tonne, come with very generous 5 year warranties. “Feedback from operators has been very positive. They like the fact that the SANY machines pack a powerful punch, are robust and reliable, and are highly spec’d with very comfortable cabs.” Selling the machines is one thing, but providing a dependable aftersales service is equally or even more important to the customer, which is why Sleator Plant carry an extensive stock of spare parts. “Presently, across all our product ranges we have about half a million pounds worth of spare parts, so availability will never be an issue, and certainly not where SANY is concerned as they recently tripled their parts warehouse in Scotland,” says Aaron. OTHER FRANCHISES

Sleator Plant’s other successful franchises include Mecalac, specialising in the manufacturer’s range of backhoe loaders, dumpers and site rollers; Genie access equipment, supplying the North and South of Ireland with access platforms and lifting equipment including material lifts, aerial work platforms and scissor lifts, as well as the larger range of Genie access machines including tracked boom lifts and telescopic boom lifts; and Rokbak (formerly Terex Trucks), supplying the Scotland based manufacturer of the world renowned range of articulated dump trucks.

Aaron McCaul, General Manager and Brian McCartan, one of four Regional Salesmen.

www.sleatorplant.co.uk