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Winter 2022 13 www.hae.org.uk www.eha.org.uk Kubota has opened a new European Parts Centre (EUPC) to strengthen its global parts supply chain network. Located in Thionville in the French region of Moselle, the new warehouse was built as a dedicated parts distribution hub primarily to supply dealers and distributors across Europe and the UK, but with the ability to also support key regions such as the US and Japan. With a €15 million investment, the new EUPC covers a 20,000 square metres, and currently employs around 90 staff. From this hub, dealers and distributors will have access to a vast stock of spare parts for agricultural, groundcare and construction products, and industrial engines. Kubota (UK)’s Business Development Manager for parts, Simon Chadbone, said it will provide greater access and availability to support the company’s existing regional parts supply operation in the UK. “Having a European parts centre will greatly benefit our dealer and distributor network, by providing a more timely and cost-effective solution for the supply of original parts, which in turn will reduce the impact of downtime for our customers,” he said. Globally, Kubota has a spare parts strategy to build distribution centres that cover key regions in Japan, Europe and north America. This latest hub, centrally located in Europe, has a vital role in stocking a wide variety of parts and of sufficient volume, to ensure the best product availability across Europe. AJC Easy Cabin, a Luton-based manufacturer of sustainable temporary accommodation units and emission-free power systems opened its doors and displayed its innovations to interested parties throughout September and October. A wide range of eco-centred products designed to lower carbon emissions, reduce operating costs and contribute to a greener, cleaner environment, were on display, with its latest invention, the EcoSmart SolarMax, taking centre stage. The EcoSmart SolarMax is a hybrid-powered temporary accommodation welfare unit that maximises the use of solar power. It features energy-efficient lithium batteries backed up by a Stage V Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), and a variety of alternative eco fuels. A leading UK rental company has placed an order for 15 EcoSmart Max 22.9 sets, the largest within the range, and the company has received substantial orders for other items in the range from both plant hire and end-users for static and mobile units ranging in size from 12 to 40 ft. It has also been developing the latest generation of SolarPod, (hybrid, off-grid site generator) which utilises solar, battery, and HVO fuel combinations to deliver low- emission, and emission-free power for construction sites and outside events. The 2023 models boast a smaller footprint alongside upgraded systems and are now available in static and trailer options. Also on display was the SolarSmart solar panel system designed to connect to existing modular site buildings, and furnish solar power directly to the sockets. Visitors were able to view the AJC EasyCabin hybrid solar street lighting and flood lighting solutions, alongside a battery bank storage set, designed to lower on-site generator usage. NEW EUROPEAN PARTS CENTRE OPENS ECO CENTRED PRODUCT RANGE DISPLAYED TO VISITORS