AVR acquires Underhaug/ TKS planter division
Vin Rowe Farm Machinery is excited to report news from Europe that Belgian Potato Machinery manufacturer AVR has acquired Norwegian manufacturer TKS/Underhaug’s planter division. The deal includes all activities and intellectual property rights related to Underhaug planters. This is great news for Australian growers who can be confident in the continued development and production of the renowned Underhaug planter.
Tonnes H. Kverneland, Underhaug’s general manager said “Underhaug is very pleased to have found with AVR a suitable partner for the acquisition of its planter business. The customers of Underhaug know they can rely on a strong, high quality supplier, having the knowledge in-house for further development of this successful product line”
Stefan Top, General Manager of AVR: “The acquisition of this division fits perfectly within AVR’s strategy to become a full-line supplier for the potato field machinery. AVR responds to the market trend towards cultivation / plant combinations, supporting with this acquisition our existing department of spring machines. We are convinced that, using the know-how within Underhaug and AVR, we will acquire with this product line a solid position among the suppliers of potato planters. AVR will discuss with Miedema to continue its long-term cooperation in a constructive way.
With this acquisition AVR hopes to continue the steady growth it has enjoyed in recent years. It will continue to focus on product quality and production capacity. In mid 2011 AVR took over the buildings from AVR Tools NV. This 5000 m² hall was converted to a production facility for spring equipment and haulm toppers. The facility will be used to produce planters.
AVR will produce all existing models of planters of Underhaug, with the exception of the 4 row 3-point link machine. The introduction of AVR planters is scheduled for autumn 2013.
Underhaug will provide parts and service support for the next two years before AVR takes over full technical support.
What it means for growers.
Graham Rowe of Vin Rowe; “Whilst Underhaug were committed to providing parts and service advice for existing Underhaug planters for the next 10 years, there is no doubt
that customers had some reservations about investing in a planter that was out of production. What this new deal means is that the Underhaug planter will continue to be produced and developed by AVR in Belgium and as a result growers should have no doubts about the future parts
back up, service and development of the product. Given Vin Rowe’s strong relationship with
both Underhaug and AVR we are well placed to pass on the benefits of this to our clients”
The Underhaug planter has been a mainstay of Australian planting for over 30 years. It is exciting that an innovative company in AVR has taken the product on not only for continued back up for the grower but also for the future investment and development of the product.