September 2005 - "Coming to Clark Equipment is just like visiting family."

"I am extremely proud to be associated with a partner like Clark Equipment. It is a very special relationship, which, for me, goes back 30 years. From before in the mid 90s when Clark Equipment bought the business."

Visiting Clark Equipment for the Open Day Mr. Chin Wah Ying…Ingersoll Rand VP of Asia Pacific for the Construction Technologies and Compact Vehicle Technology Sectors talked with affection about his years of working with Clark USA, and Clark Equipment.

He continued "Clark in the early eighties focussed mainly on manufacture; fork lift trucks and Bobcats were manufactured here. I was a young district manager then."

"Since then Clark has changed dramatically. John Hammond has really mentored Rob and the managers and I know he is very proud to see what has happened. I have known both sides' father and son."

"Rob has done a great job in modernising the organisation. He has taken young people coached them and today they are the managers. People can identify with the company. He has shown them "I can have a career with Clark." It is gratifying to see. I just like visiting."

"IR is a well known global brand that is either No. 1 or 2 in each of its markets e.g. ABG pavers No.1, Air Compressors No.1 our road equipment is world class in compaction and paving. IR is targeting to be No.1 in the Asia Pacific."

" Historically we have not done well here as our own distributor, so when the time came it was natural to talk to Rob as all IR products represent a great opportunity and great fit for Clark. I have always been in touch with Clark through the Bobcat business."

"When I see the commitment and passion of the whole team, I am confident it is all going to change with Clark as our distributor. I know it will. Look what they have done with Bobcat."

"IR believes in partnerships. In building relationships with distributors the partnership has to be Win Win. IR too has changed dramatically. Our new Chairman has taken the company to new heights over the last 5 years. We now have the right bundle of products and the training and support."

"It is now up to the dealers themselves to adapt to the new world of selling products across the range to the customer, to catering for all the customer's needs to make up in volume what they are losing in reduced margins."