MERLO UK has celebrated its 30th anniversary at an event in central London.
Greeting those arriving at the Renaissance St Pancras Hotel was a Merlo telehandler trio comprising current and historic models. A fully electric 2023 eWorker 25.5-90 was flanked by the recently restored classic 30-year-old P60.10XS and a current MultiFarmer 44.9 telehandler.
Almost 130 attendees from the UK dealer network, industry associations and invited guests were joined by members of Merlo UK and Merlo Group staff.
The evening kicked off with a reception in the gothic themed upper rooms of the hotel. Paolo Merlo (president), Massimo Biei (business manager of Merlo Group) and Shaun Groom (general manager of Merlo UK) gave speeches reflecting on three decades of operations in the UK.
Guests were able to visit the Gallery Room, featuring a timeline display, photo montages and video footage dating back as far as 1993.
Following dinner, a number of awards were presented to dealers that had notched up significant periods of service.
Among the awards presented by Paolo Merlo were two for 30 years service as a Merlo dealer. West Wales dealer Brodyr Evans Bros and Devon-based CR Willcocks have both been with Merlo UK since its inception.
The final award went to an individual who has been selling Merlo products since 1988, prior to the founding of Merlo UK. Jeff Jones, now of North Yorkshire-based Brian Robinson Machinery, received an award for 35 continuous years of Merlo sales. Jeff sold new in 1993 the now fully restored P60.10XS model, on display that evening in front of the hotel.
Reflecting on the evening, Shaun Groom said, “It has been great to be able to acknowledge in style all those present and that have gone before us in the last 30 years in bringing Merlo UK to where it is today. Whether be that as a customer, dealer, colleague or industry partner we are truly grateful for the support. Here is to the next 30 years!”
