Trade media representatives got a first look at Bobcat Co.'s newest machinery and toured the company's Bismarck manufacturing plant one day before the facility was to temporarily shut down due to slow sales.
The West Fargo-based maker of skid-steer loaders and light construction equipment unveiled eight new machines, ranging from loaders to excavators, on Tuesday to about 20 industry media representatives from the U.S. and Canada.
Bobcat spokeswoman Laura Ness Owens said the event was held in hopes of spurring sales in a sluggish worldwide economy. The prices were not advertised, but industry writers were allowed to test-drive Bobcat products and were treated to a riverboat cruise and a barbecue.
The company hopes for favorable reviews, publicity and sales from the event.
"Their readers are our customers," Owens said. "Hosting this now is more critical than ever, given the economy."
Bobcat announced last week that its plants in Bismarck and Gwinner will shutter for part of June and July due to the sluggish worldwide economy.
The company says its Bismarck plant will be closed Wednesday through Friday and again July 6 through July 10.
At the Gwinner plant, production workers will be off the job from June 10 through June 12, from June 24 through June 26 and June 29.
Media representatives seemed generally impressed with Bobcat's new offerings.
"Awesome," said Katie Ernzen, an editor with Rental Equipment Trader, after using a Bobcat excavator to dig a huge hole near a race car track in Mandan.
Owens said Bobcat's new machines have been under development for at least three years and began rolling off assembly lines in April. The company produces 55 types of construction machines - the smaller ones costing more than most automobiles - and has the only compact excavator in built North America, she said. |
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