Early September saw the holding of the latest Ariens Company dealer meeting . . . with a difference.

Held in two locations, the Countax/Westwood factory in the south and Yorkshire Sculpture Park in the north, dealers were treated to a new format meeting. Presentations were kept to a minimum to allow more time to try out new products on the demonstration ground and for informal small-group sessions introducing a range of new online services.



On the demo ground, a new generation of ECHO products was introduced, including the much-talked-about CS-2510TES top handle chainsaw. The Ariens range of zero-turn mowers was also showcased. Dealers were excited to try out these new products, sales of which say Ariens are rapidly growing in the UK's lawn and garden market.

Those attending the southern meeting were given a factory tour outlining the improvements and efficiencies introduced in the manufacturing of Countax and Westwood garden tractors.

New online services designed to make a dealer's life that bit easier were showcased in three breakout sessions. First up was Solaris, the all-new parts look-up and ordering system specially designed for UK dealers. This generated plenty of interest, with feedback encouraged to help in the further development of the system.

A second session enabled those present to see Knowledgebase for the first time. This is a support system for both dealers and end users seeking technical information/help. Included are a FAQs section, forums and how-to guides/videos.

A demonstration of the Marketing Materials site showed dealers how they can create their own dealership-based print and online marketing products, including adverts, posters and flyers. All three services will be available 24/7.

Ariens say plenty of positive feedback has been received since the meeting, with dealers feeling both informed and inspired for the year ahead.