Proudly serving the industry for which it was named for more than 50 years, Outdoor Power Equipment provides dealers who sell and service outdoor power equipment with valuable information to succeed in a competitive market.
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/120369
Kawasaki announces plans to exit handheld power products segment B3C Fuel Solutions partners with Advex International for international expansion Kawasaki Engines and Power Products, the Grand Rapids, Mich.-based division of Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (KMC), announced March 21 that it will no longer remain in the handheld power products business category after Dec. 31, 2013. The company's dealers were notified of the supplier's decision to halt production of the Kawasaki-branded equipment, effective at the end of this year. Kawasaki said the move allows the company and its dealer network to focus resources on its core business: premium 4-cycle engines, which have always been the mainstay of its operations and will continue with even greater emphasis. Kawasaki's handheld power products line includes string trimmers, blowers, hedge trimmers, hedge clippers, an edger, and a multi-task series, and it has been a popular choice among lawn and garden professionals since 1997. The company told its dealers that it will continue to implement programs and promotions that had previously been announced for the 2013 calendar year, and all service and warranty support programs will remain in force for any units ordered prior to Dec. 31, 2013. This includes the stocking of parts needed to satisfy any claims for the life of the standard product warranty. Kawasaki is assuring both customers and dealers that its supplier's decision to discontinue production doesn't affect KMC's intention to honor after-sales responsibilities for products purchased before the end of 2013. B3C Fuel Solutions, LLC, a Conway, S.C.-based manufacturer of environmentally friendly products and solutions for ethanoland bio-fuel-related problems, announced Feb. 20 the formation of a partnership with Advex International to accelerate its growing international presence. "Prior to the Advex International partnership, B3C Fuel Solutions expanded to China and Australia, with Canada planned in the near future," said Brian O'Neil, chief business development officer for B3C Fuel Solutions. "Partnering with Advex will only further our already-increasing international presence." Founded in 2002, Advex International brings a strong track record of developing and expanding export markets for differentiated U.S. manufacturers. With a network of customers in more than 40 countries, Advex International has assisted companies, particularly in the outdoor power equipment industry, with reaching a broader global market across all components of the export process on a tactical and strategic level. "Advex International views its partnership with B3C as an opportunity to help consumers worldwide get more out of their small engines, and help a rapidly growing U.S. manufacturer capitalize on global growth opportunities," said David Sugg of Advex International. With more than 15 years of experience in the global OPE market, Sugg is a leader in international expansion for American OPE manufacturers, and leads the efforts of Advex International. OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT APRIL 2013 11