Kubota Strengthens Dealer Network Across South-East England
Kubota is reshaping its dealer landscape in the South-East of England, expanding the territories of Shellplant and Boss Plant Sales from January 1, 2026.
The move comes as part of the company’s strategic effort to consolidate its network and enhance customer support across the region. Northamptonshire-based Shellplant will extend its coverage to include Norfolk and Suffolk, while Hertfordshire’s Boss Plant Sales will take over neighbouring Essex.
Rob White, Construction Division Manager at Kubota (UK), expressed enthusiasm for the expansion: “We are delighted to be able to increase the territory of these two exceptional dealers, as we continue to grow our product range across the construction business.” He added that this marks an exciting chapter for Kubota as it diversifies its offerings: “With the addition of larger excavators, wheeled excavators, and compact tracked loaders to the line-up, we will be offering customers and dealers a whole range of new opportunities next year. The introduction of driveline technologies such as ‘Requip’, Kubota’s award-winning Electric Retrofit for mini excavators, is only the beginning. We will have the best network of dealers to support those new machines.”
Shellplant’s Major Investment and Regional Growth
Shellplant, a family-run dealership with more than five decades of heritage, is gearing up for the expanded territory with a significant £3.5 million investment in its Northamptonshire headquarters in Earls Barton. The upgrade will deliver larger, fully equipped workshops and extended parts and machine storage areas, laying the groundwork for accelerated growth.
Julian Payne, Shellplant’s co-owner and Managing Partner, said: “I am absolutely thrilled to be entrusted with this additional Kubota territory of Norfolk and Suffolk. We look forward to working closely with our new customers in this area, replicating the reputation that we have built up over the past 54 years.” He highlighted the family business’s long-standing ethos: “Our business is built on our core values, centred around providing exceptional service and market-leading products. This expansion represents a great opportunity for our future growth.”
The new depot will enable Shellplant to better support its enlarged customer base and handle the growing range of Kubota products arriving next year. Payne added that the firm is already planning for the future: “Our aim will be to have additional premises within our new territory to fully support our projected sales growth in Norfolk and Suffolk.”
Boss Plant Sales Extends into Essex
For Boss Plant Sales, the expansion into Essex is a natural and strategic evolution. With its Hertfordshire base bordering the new territory, the move strengthens Kubota’s regional footprint while allowing Boss Plant Sales to reconnect with long-standing clients.
Managing Director Graham Stansfield commented: “Everyone at Boss Plant Sales is thrilled with the opportunity, and I personally am looking forward to getting in touch with customers from years ago and meeting new businesses.” He noted that the dealership’s expansion reflects its ongoing investment in infrastructure and customer service: “We have invested significantly in premises and facilities since we started, and just two months ago took on another 1.5 acres of secure storage and warehousing to assist with Kubota’s increasing range of products.”
Boss Plant Sales’ modern fleet of mobile service and aftersales vehicles, combined with a strong focus on training and development, underpins its customer-first approach. “We understand how important it is to support the machines that are already in the field, as well as those going forwards,” Stansfield explained. “Our engineers continually attend the latest manufacturers’ training courses. We’re committed to investing in the best people and facilities to ensure that our new customers in Essex get the level of sales and service they deserve.”
Kubota’s Expanding Product Range and Innovation Drive
Kubota’s strategic dealer realignment comes at a time when the company is expanding its construction product portfolio in the UK. The introduction of new machine classes, including larger and wheeled excavators, signals Kubota’s determination to compete more aggressively in the mid-size and heavy equipment markets.
A standout innovation driving this growth is ‘Requip’, Kubota’s electric retrofit system for mini excavators. The technology allows existing diesel-powered machines to be converted to electric drive systems, supporting the industry’s transition towards low-emission construction equipment. As the UK’s construction sector faces mounting pressure to decarbonise, solutions like Requip are expected to play a crucial role in meeting sustainability targets.
Kubota’s ongoing investments in hybrid powertrains, compact equipment, and connected technologies reflect its broader global mission to merge performance with environmental responsibility. In the context of its expanding UK network, these innovations will be supported by a strengthened dealer infrastructure, ensuring both sales and aftersales excellence.
A Legacy of Reliability and Global Reach
Founded in 1890, Kubota has evolved into one of the world’s leading manufacturers of construction, agricultural, and industrial machinery. Headquartered in Osaka, Japan, the company now operates in more than 120 countries and employs over 52,000 people across North America, Europe, and Asia.
While Kubota’s compact construction equipment remains at the heart of its success, its product portfolio extends far beyond machinery. The company also produces systems for city water purification, irrigation, piping, and home construction, underscoring its multifaceted contribution to modern infrastructure and sustainable living.
This combination of innovation, diversification, and regional empowerment has positioned Kubota as a trusted name across global markets. The UK remains a critical growth hub for the company, particularly as demand increases for efficient, reliable, and sustainable construction machinery.
Strengthening the Future of Kubota’s UK Network
With both Shellplant and Boss Plant Sales investing heavily in facilities, equipment, and people, Kubota’s latest network expansion is about more than just geographical coverage. It represents a renewed commitment to supporting customers through advanced technology, responsive service, and local accessibility.
By empowering its dealers and broadening its portfolio, Kubota (UK) is ensuring that its customers, whether contractors, plant hire firms, or infrastructure developers, have the tools they need to build efficiently and sustainably. The addition of new territories for two of its most experienced dealers cements Kubota’s vision of delivering first-class service backed by the strength of a global brand.
Building on a Solid Foundation
The growth of Kubota’s UK network reflects not just expansion but evolution. Both Shellplant and Boss Plant Sales have demonstrated the adaptability, service quality, and technical expertise required to represent Kubota’s expanding product range in the years ahead.
As the construction sector embraces electrification, digitalisation, and more demanding sustainability standards, Kubota’s dealer partnerships will be central to enabling change on the ground. With forward-thinking dealerships, advanced product innovation, and a global legacy of reliability, Kubota is building more than machines, it’s shaping the future of connected construction.
