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21/04/2009
STOLL hosts International Press Days in Bavaria
Journalists from all over Europe invited by STOLL to an information event covering the market launch of the complete FZ frontloader model range.
Complete FZ frontloader model range
At the last Agritechnica in November 2007 in Hanover STOLL introduced the first FZ models to a huge public. These were the largest loaders in the range, designed for tractors of up to 300 HP. The target then was to develop, test and launch by spring 2009 a complete range of models for tractors from 70 to 300 HP.
New FC frontloader series for compact tractors
Also introduced by STOLL at the press days was a new frontloader range under the designation FC “Frontloaders for Compact tractors”. The FC range is to be launched soon for tractors of from 15 to 50 HP and feature a programme of three sizes. Behind the new launch is recognition of substantial development and future sales possibilities in this market segment. Promise is also seen in opportunities through expanding cooperation with OEM partners (Original Equipment Manufacturer) as well as a higher market penetration especially in the USA where alone 60,000 compact tractors are sold annually.
Press support for the market launch
As supporting action for the usual marketing activities such as prospects, posters and media advertising STOLL organised a press event on two days for specialist journalists from all over Europe. Aim was to increase the STOLL presence in specialist agricultural machinery magazines as well as consolidating and building on personal contact with the journalists involved.
A total of around 50 journalists attended the event, held from March 18 to 20 at Rieneck near Würzburg with one session for English-speakers and another with German as main language. Especially appreciated was the participation of a 15-strong delegation from France, particularly as STOLL currently aims for substantial increases in market share in that country. Along with German and French journalists participants from the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, the Czech Republic, Sweden, Denmark and Norway were also present and reported positively on the STOLL developments.
Perfect press days programme and implementation
Karsten Rewitz presented a positive annual report
The programme for the press days started with a welcome from Karsten Rewitz, STOLL managing director and also managing director of the mother company Freudendahl Invest A/S. In the subsequent press conference Mr Rewitz detailed his company’s successfully concluded 2008 business results and commented that particular efforts would be required to achieve the same level of results during the present year, especially with the world economic crisis in mind, a crisis that would also affect companies in the agricultural machinery sector. Despite this, he continued, we will maintain our position in the market because:
- with the FZ frontloader range we have the most modern and the most technically innovative product;
- we are in a position to access new markets with the FC range for compact tractors;
- we will achieve further progress through intensifying cooperation with our OEM partners;
- and will succeed in expanding our export activities.
An additional current development reported is the carefully planned rebuilding of the STOLL factory into a production point specialising in frontloaders with an investment of 4 million Euro.
Product information presented by Sales Manager Detlev Blume and Sales Manager Export/OEM Armin Walter.
FC frontloaders were presented first, including a show of models outside the conference rooms. The large FC 450P loader was mounted on a Deutz-Fahr Agrokid 230 so that all functions could be practically demonstrated.
In conclusion, detailed technical specifications of the new FZ frontloaders were given. Highlighted in particular by Armin Walter and Detlev Blume were the following technical advantages of the FZ range:
1. the Z-Kinematik, with parallel linkage members fitted inside the arms
2. the “+” Plus function for loading bulk materials without spillage loss
3. the protected positioning of hydraulic piping
4. the optimal visibility for tractor driver
5. the bushed bearings with heavy duty bolts
6. and the new shock-absorbing system with piston accumulator
The first day was concluded with an evening meal together. Everyone being very well entertained with high quality musical offerings from Advertising Manager Philipp Bako and Armin Walter.
Practical demonstrations featuring the FZ frontloader range
A further highlight for journalists on day two featured a fleet of different sized tractors on which STOLL fitters had mounted the appropriate sizes of FZ loaders. Location was the Hohenroth SOS Kinderdorf farm and nine tractors of the makes New Holland, Massey Ferguson, Fendt, Claas, Deutz-Fahr, Steyr and John Deere were prepared.
Technical details of all the frontloaders were individually presented by Detlev Blume und Armin Walter before the models were put through their paces carrying out a variety of practical frontloader operations including loading of wrapped roundbales, big rectangular straw bales, farmyard manure, palettes, loose brushwood, compost, soil and grain. Loading with the “Maxi” grain shovel demonstrated particularly well the “Plus” function. Hereby the shovel is raised filled to the brim and without spillage loss through the “auto curl” system that automatically tilts the bucket further back as height is increased.
Following the official conclusion a vote of thanks was given by Dr Gottfried Eikel (PROFI) on behalf of the journalists for the informative STOLL press event 2009, its efficient planning and execution.
A special “thank you” to the SOS Kinderdorf Hohenroth
We sincerely thank H. Schmidt of the Hohenroth SOS-Kinderdorf for the permission to stage our event on the Kinderdorf farm and for the friendly and expert support from Messrs Maiberger and Rützel during the preparations.
