Business success in Yorkshire
07/08/2006

Yorkshire’s entrepreneur in the Plant Hire market, David Baker, has extended his core product line to include ten new Komatsu PC130-7 excavators from the UK’s sole distributor, Marubeni-Komatsu Ltd (MKL).

David Baker, Managing Director of Plant Hire 4U Ltd, based in Goldthorpe near Barnsley, has turned the phrase ‘think big, act big’ on its head.  He demonstrates that being a good businessman is not always about embarking on large enterprises and taking big risks to succeed.  David’s business strategy is simple yet highly effective - “Be a specialist in a particular area by providing core products of what customers really want.”  By adopting this fresh approach, in just over a year, Plant Hire 4U has acquired a good reputation and a growing customer base.

Prior to setting up his own business, David had spent twenty years working for large plant hire companies.  It became apparent that customers preferred trading with people who had specialist knowledge in a few areas rather than a basic understanding of many products.  David comments – “Depots with too many brand names lack consistency - by offering core products we are able to provide a good customer service and support.”  In response to customer demand, David decided to add the Komatsu brand to his selective core product line.

With 60% of Plant Hire 4U customers interested in excavators, David was especially impressed by the quality performance of the PC130-7 excavator.  Designed specifically for the UK market, buyers are assured the PC130-7 satisfies the legislative requirements and more.  The PC130-7 offers reliability, comfort and productivity, with an impressive horsepower of 66kW 88 HP @ 2,200 rpm.  The operating weight is 13,000kg and bucket capacity is 0.8m3.

Komatsu has addressed environmental concerns by lowering the fuel consumption and emissions of the Dash 7 range.  Furthermore, the machines are constructed for easy end-of-life recycling.   Uncomfortable surroundings can have a detrimental effect on a driver’s concentration and performance and so the PC130-7 features a very spacious cabin, with climate control and a cabin damper for quieter noise/vibration levels.

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