The newest member of the Kobelco dealer network, Westco Equipment has sold its first Kobelco excavator before even officially opening its doors.

The Western Australian dealership has also received several requests for parts from Kobelco owners in the earthmoving equipment industry.

Westco Equipment is run by business partners, Andrew Abbott and Dean Kovacevich, combining Andrew’s machinery sales and administration skills with Dean’s product knowledge and customer service focus.

According to Kobelco Australia Brand Leader, Doug McQuinn, Andrew and Dean also run a major equipment dealership in South Australia, and know how to provide the kind of expert advice, service and support expected by Kobelco owners from their local dealership.

Andrew explains that the Kobelco product was the primary reason for taking up the Western Australian Kobelco dealership. Aware of the great reputation Kobelco had with dealers and customers alike, the partners decided to take on the dealership when the opportunity presented itself.

According to Dean, the WA industry is poised for an upswing in 2012 after a slow showing last year.

Westco is currently located in the Perth suburb of Beckenham, but will relocate to a main road location once the right site becomes available.

The dealership is preparing itself for significant business growth over the next 12 to 18 months by adding service support staff and ensuring a well-stocked parts department.

Westco’s customers include a loyal Kobelco owner-operator who held off upgrading his machine until he could buy from a dealership within the Kobelco network.

According to Andrew, the customer, who has always had Kobelco machines, traded his SK35SR-3 for a brand new SK35SR. The dealership already has several other customers considering the purchase of new Kobelco excavators shortly.

He explains that Western Australia is one of the biggest excavator markets in the country, and he would like Westco to build on Kobelco’s market share particularly in the 85-tonne segment.