WASTE MANAGEMENT IN ACTION - COMPANY PROFILE
KF & Peterson: A Rich History WMR LOOKS AT THE ORIGINS OF WHAT HAS DEVELOPED INTO A FRUITFUL RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN KOMATSU FOREST AND PETERSON, AND HOW ITS PRODUCT RANGE HAS EXPANDED.
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omatsu Forest (KF) has had a very keen interest in the Peterson chipper and grinder distribution for the Australian market since the late 1990s. As Brett Jones, Komatsu Forest’s Managing Director recalls, Peterson’s close association of their products with the forest and timber industries was an exciting proposition. “There was an existing dealer at that time, which prevented us from becoming involved with the Peterson products. We were persistent and Peterson were convinced to appoint us their dealer for both Australia and New Zealand,” he says.
Peterson’s 5710D Horizontal Grinder, processing waste wood.
72 / WMR / May 2022
The agreement marked a new era for KF, with the company now exposed to new technology. As such, steps were taken to ensure a beneficial changeover. A smooth transition of spare parts transfer, sales history, and technical support was established with the previous dealer. Brett says it was important to maintain continuity with Peterson’s established customer base. As a result, Peterson retained the services of Mal Windrim, the factory Area Manager for Asia Pacific region. “After many successful years with the KF team, Mal thought it was time to retire, this decision wasn’t taken lightly but Mal wanted to see if the fish were
still biting,” Brett jokes. “KF have been fortunate enough to maintain Mal’s services on a consultant basis where his skills and long product history are invaluable.” “The Peterson Pacific Corporation was purchased by Astec Industries Inc in 2007 and operated as an independent company within the Astec Group. Last year Astec changed its structure, rebranding and the look of its various companies which led to the new company name of ‘Astec’ for all products and companies,” says Brett. “Interestingly, Astec has acquired nearly 20 subsidiary brands across the forestry, road building, aggregate and other industries,” he says.
