Yanmar expands European distribution network

The European distribution network for Yanmar Marine International has been extended with the opening of a new sales and customer representative office in France. This new office will assume full responsibility for the distribution of all the company’s products and services.

As part of this, a new South West European Regional Manager position has been established to provide a more integrated approach working in association with Yanmar in the Netherlands.

Julio Arribas, general manager of Yanmar Equipment Iberica SL, will also manage Yanmar France SAS. The company will spearhead the launch of Yanmar’s strengthened distribution activity and the selective dealer network in France. The new French operation will be based in La Roche-sur-Yon.

Floris Lettinga, director of sales and marketing, for Yanmar, said: “We are looking forward to improving customer satisfaction through a closer connection to the market in the key area of France and the wider region of South West Europe. Julio was instrumental in setting up Yanmar Equipment Iberica and rolling out a new network in Portugal and Spain, which made him the perfect choice to lead the set up of our operation in France.”

He added: “Our new distribution base and dealer network will enable our current and new customers to have easy access to our complete line-up of integrated propulsion systems with modern marine engines from 9mph-480mph for leisure and light-duty commercial applications.”

Yanmar say that the enhanced distribution strategy will guarantee both the supply stability and a professional support network which will result in closer relationships with boat builders and dealers. It will allow orders to be placed directly and result in shorter lead times; quicker responses to meeting local requirements and greater levels of customer satisfaction.