McConnel’s international machinery parade

McConnel's tenth anniversary Open Days drew its biggest international audience yet last week delighting senior company officials and prompting plans to expand the successful industry day in 2009.

General Manager for the award-winning Shropshire machinery manufacturer Christian Davies believes the successful format can now go from strength to strength having received a positive response from almost 1,000 dealers and customers from throughout the UK; right across Europe and as far as Canada and Asia.

"Our international business is growing and this has been reflected in the highest proportion of overseas customers and distributors that we've ever had. We also enjoyed record numbers from throughout the UK which is really pleasing," he says.

"The format is simple, but effective. We throw open our doors and give customers a behind-the-scenes insight into our entire manufacturing operation here in Ludlow. They then put our latest machinery to the test on the demonstration site and it's a great opportunity for us to gauge precisely what's going on in the industry and it drives our innovation in the future."

McConnel launched its PA600 power arm along with its new flail technology and V4 PRO control system on a demonstration site that boasted the industry's latest hedge, verge and tractor technology with a total machinery value estimated at £2 million.

The company is now considering expanding the five-day annual event to cater for increasing numbers and introducing key trade affiliations.