Porter Equipment – Reflect on an Extraordinary FY24 in Melbourne

KEIL DAVIES, Territory Manager at Porter Group – Oceania’s largest privately owned construction equipment importer and distributor.

The past year has truly been a whirlwind. The Victorian market presented its fair share of challenges and opportunities which I expect will be present for a while. However, reflecting on the year and despite these challenges, I have seen significant progress for our Victorian-based team and even growth personally which injects a much-needed sense of optimism into the current narrative. So, I thought I would share some of these.

A Record Year in Numbers

It’s pleasing to share the Victorian team delivered a record number of machines, punching well above our weight with significant growth in the wheel loader and compaction markets.
This achievement also marked our highest achievement to date. This wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication of our after-sales, logistics, and marketing teams, as well as our loyal customers.

Bergmann Dumpers – A Success Story

We were excited to welcome our first Bergmann dumpers to Australia. Since their arrival late last year, we’ve delivered over 20 units across the country, contributing to some of Australia’s largest major infrastructure projects for our Victorian-based customers. This success highlights the Porter Group’s commitment to leveraging our national network to meet our clients’ needs.

Milestone Deals

We successfully negotiated one of the Group’s largest oneoff deals with a Victorian-based tier 1 contractor, delivering over 50 units throughout 2024 across the eastern seaboard. This was a massive team effort and a significant milestone for us. This deal not only showcases our capabilities and expertise but also solidifies our relationship with a major player in the Australian construction market.

HRIA Event

Attending the HRIA’s HIRE24 event in Brisbane was another highlight. Our investment in the hire industry continues to grow, and the event provided us with valuable networking opportunities. It was fantastic connecting with our friends, customers and suppliers, discussing the latest innovations and industry trends. We are looking forward to furthering our involvement in the association and attending HIRE25 with home-town advantage in Victoria next year.

Increased Involvement in CMPA Victoria

This year, we deepened our engagement with the Construction Material Processors Association (CMPA) in Victoria. Our increased involvement has not only strengthened our industry connections but also opened up new opportunities and has strengthened our position as a key player in Victoria’s quarrying sector.

NZ HQ Visit with National Sales Team

Earlier this year, I along with our national sales team had the opportunity to visit our New Zealand headquarters. We engaged in a series of workshops and discussions, focusing on overcoming market challenges and enhancing our customer experience. This trip also allowed us to strengthen internal relationships, ensuring a unified approach to achieving our goals and shaping our strategies moving forward.

Porter Group have been a CMPA Associate Member
since 2019. They have attended CMPA workshops and
are a Sliver Sponsor at the upcoming Annual Dinner.

Visit to HD Hyundai in South Korea

One of the highlights of the year was my visit to the HD Hyundai headquarters in South Korea. This trip offered an invaluable insight into their operations and allowed us to tour the state-of-the-art construction equipment assembly line and ship building facility showcasing the massive scale and advanced technology involved in producing some of the world’s largest vessels. Witnessing the precision and efficiency with which these machines are built was truly impressive.
I had the opportunity to meet key executives who shared their strategic vision for the future as well as being amongst the first to get hands on with the new pre-released Hyundai
excavator line.

Looking Ahead

As we move into the new financial year, we remain committed to further growth and success. Our focus will continue to be on providing exceptional customer service first and foremost, expanding our product range, and strengthening our presence in key markets. In contrast to the media, we are excited about what lies ahead for us in Victoria and look forward to tackling any challenges that come our way with determination and commitment to our customers.

Thank you for your continued support as we strive towards another remarkable year ahead. Let’s make it happen!

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