Tractors
and Farm Equipment Limited (TAFE) the world’s third largest tractor
manufacturer by volumes and Iseki & Co., Ltd, the third largest Japanese
agricultural machinery manufacturer for tractors, planting and harvesting
machinery, and engines, inked an agreement for the manufacture of compact
tractors in India.
Under
this agreement, Iseki will offer product technology to Tafe for the manufacture
of these products for the Indian market. The scope of the agreement will, in
addition, cover sourcing of components/ assemblies through Tafe, building on
the volume advantage that Tafe offers. Tafe will offer Iseki’s premium light
utility compact tractors in the 35-54 hp range in India. These multi-utility
light weight tractors with advanced features can be used for puddling
operations, orchard and plantations land preparation, tilling,
inter-cultivation and spraying applications to name a few. The tractors will be
manufactured in Tafe’s Madurai plant and expected to roll out by 2020.
Mallika
Srinivasan, Chairman and CEO – Tafe, said, “This agreement brings together Iseki’s
rich experience in the light utility compact tractor segment globally and Tafe’s
strong position in the Indian market, along with its strong manufacturing
capability and robust supply chain, to offer Indian customers an international
product range that will meet their requirements in new, emerging applications
through a unique value proposition.”
Iseki
& Co Limited was founded in 1926 in Matsuyama, Ehime with a business
philosophy to deliver products that satisfy consumer demand and contribute to
agriculture development both in Japan and around the world. Iseki’s products
enjoy a strong market presence in Japan, South East Asia, Australia and USA,
and, are reputed for their quality and technology. Iseki also manufactures
tractors for Agco, with whom Tafe shares a 50 year-old association, the longest
partnership in the tractor industry.
Kikuchi,
Chairman of Iseki, on signing this agreement said, “We will enter into the
largest tractor market in the world, India and the Indian subcontinent with
greatest partner called Tafe. We’ll promote technical alliances with Tafe by
this agreement and collaborate with each other as important partners not only
for India but also for our global strategy in long term. We believe our global
strategy is founded by this cooperation with Tafe, and we hope we can
contribute great relationship between three companies to promote global
strategy together.”