Kubota UK has achieved the landmark sale of its 50,000th excavator in the British and Irish market.

This is a major milestone for the company that was among the first to introduce the concept of mini-excavators into the UK in 1979. That year, the company sold just 41 machines; but the popularity of mini-excavators has gone from strength-to-strength ever since.

It took five years for Kubota to reach 1,000 machines in 1984. By 1988, yearly sales had increased to 1,000 per annum and by 1998, approximately 20 years since the concept was first introduced, Kubota had sold its 10,000th machine within the British and Irish market. This exponential trend continued into the new millennium, with 25,000 Kubota mini-excavators sold by 2006.

In the last 10 years, growth has been phenomenal, with Kubota reaching the 50,000 landmark following a stellar 2015 for the firm, setting new records in terms of volumes and market share for the 3rd consecutive year. Whilst the brand is widely known for its mini-excavators within the UK and Irish construction market, Kubota has also expanded its product offering in 2015, with the launch of new ranges of wheeled loaders and tracked carriers.

To commemorate the achievement internally, the business will be showcasing the 50,000th machine, identified as a Kubota’s K008-3 micro excavator, within the reception of its UK’s headquarters in Thame Oxfordshire, alongside a plaque honouring the feat. The sold model of the K008-3 has been delivered to Hawes Plant & Tool Hire Ltd via Kubota dealer Boss Plant, which is fitting as the plant hire firm has been one of Kubota’s longest standing construction customers.

Externally, a whole host of activity is planned throughout 2016 to celebrate the 50,000th sale. Firstly the business will be exhibiting its original Kubota KH10 model at the Hillhead show in June, where it will be positioned next to a ‘special edition’ gold painted KX-71 machine, considered to be a modern day equivalent in terms of size and power to the KH10. Kubota will then donate the ‘gold-digger’ to the Lighthouse Club, who will be auctioning it off at its prestigious summer ball, with all money donated going to the construction industry charity.

Dave Roberts, Managing Director of Kubota UK, commented: “It is quite remarkable to consider the journey Kubota has been on to reach this 50,000 excavator sales milestone. It was not plain sailing in the early years, quite the contrary, but now the results are there for all to see.

“This significant achievement is testament to the market leading build, performance and reliability of the Kubota machines. Another major part of our success is thanks to our extensive network of independent dealers, who ensure Kubota has strong local presence in each specific territory within the UK and Ireland, which is essential to our sales strategy.

“I’d also like to thank the great team we have here at Kubota UK. Everyone works really hard to keep Kubota number 1 in terms service, product and after sales support."