Kawasaki names Hawaiian distributor
The Engines and Power Products Division of Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. has appointed Honolulu’s Aloha Power Equipment to become the distributor of its products in Hawaii and U.S. Trust Territories of the Pacific, including Guam. Aloha will have responsibility for distribution, sales, servicing, and technical support for replacement engines, handheld power products, and accessories to dealers within its territory.
Karen Howard, national sales manager-dealer channel at Kawasaki, said Aloha brings significant experience to the new relationship. “They’ve been in business since 1985 and have developed a respected staff that is both knowledgeable and well-known in the lawn and garden business community,” said Howard. She stressed the importance of Aloha’s abilities to quickly adapt to fit the needs of Kawasaki’s distribution characteristics.
Michael Ward, owner and general manager at Aloha, said his firm’s industry knowledge and current lawn and garden penetration, along with the broadened distribution relationship with Kawasaki, will give the brand heightened emphasis both within the dealer network and to end-users. He indicated that one of Aloha’s key roles will be to focus on providing in-depth service to all dealers in the territory, ensuring them of both product fulfillment and technical support.
“We’ve built this company around our people, many of whom have been with Aloha for more than 20 years, and we’re justifiably proud of our capabilities,” said Ward. “This new arrangement with Kawasaki — which emphasizes our need to serve as brand-builders — is a validation of our commitment to the market, and we look forward to a long, prosperous relationship.”
According to Ward, approximately 20 percent of the company’s business is derived from service-related activities. Aloha maintains a factory-trained and certified team of technical specialists.
Kawasaki Engines and Power Products, a division of Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A., distributes gasoline engines and professional handheld power products for landscape, industrial and consumer markets. The division is headquartered in Grand Rapids, Mich., and services customers through its network of more than 8,000 independent dealers throughout the United States and Canada.
