The deal has been made, the training has started and the staff of Power Equipment is ready to bring on a new line.

On Jan. 1, Wirtgen America equipment will officially be available at Power’s branches in Tennessee, although customers already are able to order the machines. Power will continue to sell Volvo road machinery (formerly Ingersoll Rand) at its Tupelo, Miss., branch until the end of 2008.

The line-up includes Wirtgen milling machines, Vogele pavers and Hamm compaction equipment.

The Wirtgen milling machines are already recognized as “Best in Class” among a majority of contractors, said Andy Moon, vice president of sales. The Hamm compaction products are quickly gaining market share in the U.S. market due to some nice features like the offset drum capability and oscillation system available on the asphalt compactors, he added.

Vogele has recently introduced its new “Vision 5200 series” of 10 ft. highway class pavers. This paver has been designed specifically for the U.S. market incorporating proven technology already available on the Wirtgen milling machines.

Of the manufacturers they met with, Moon said the Wirtgen America was the best fit for Power. The fact that its headquarters are in Nashville makes the arrangement that much sweeter.

To prepare for the transition, Power sent 25 full-line sales reps to a two-day training session at the manufacturer’s headquarters. They were joined by a similar group from its sister company, Brandeis.

The sales reps were briefed on the history of Wirtgen America and were brought up to date on its place in the market. Then, they were educated on the company’s full line-up in the classroom and with the machines.

Power’s technicians started their Wirtgen training at the end of October.

Moon said special attention is being placed on service training for the milling machines, as this is a completely new product for the Power employees.

The area, which was previously served by a Wirtgen factory store, has a good population of the Wirtgen and Hamm branded machines, but Moon hopes Power will be able to increase the prevalence of Vogele machines working on Tennessee’s roads.

Power has ordered plenty of compaction machines for its rental fleet, which should begin arriving at the branches in early 2008.

Following the transition at the end of the year, Power Equipment will continue to service the Volvo machines of its current customers. CEG Staff

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