Jason Periam was appointed head of sales at Takeuchi UK late last year. The experienced plant sector stalwart has been tasked with helping to drive forward the brand’s growth plans and further strengthen the dealer network, which in Scotland includes Argyll Engineers, A.T. Best, CAM Engineering, JMS Equipment, and Ramsay & Jackson. Jason recently told Project Plant about Takeuchi’s latest innovations, dealer developments, and exciting plans for ScotPlant 2026.
Q: What’s your background? How did you break into the construction equipment industry?
A: I grew up in Norfolk surrounded by agricultural machinery so naturally fell into that. I started out as a design engineer for agricultural and construction attachments straight after college. I always had a passion for engineering and the way that things work. I loved seeing products that you’ve designed and developed come to life. After a while, I got sick of being behind a desk and moved into sales, initially in compact equipment attachments, then heavy line attachments, before moving into excavator sales.
I spent eleven years at Ulrich Attachments, starting out as an area sales manager and ending up as managing director of that business. I then spent two-and-half years at SANY UK, before joining Takeuchi in October 2025.
Q: What does your current role at Takeuchi UK comprise of?
A: I’m head of sales, which effectively controls everything across sales and marketing, dealer network management, dealer development, as well as product launching. No two days are the same at the moment. We’re very much on a growth plan, which means growing the sales team and support network around that.
Q: What are some of the latest product launches?
A: Most recently was the reintroduction of the track loaders, which we launched at PlantWorx last year. This year we will be launching our TB3150R excavator in the UK, following the global launch at CONEXPO in March in Las Vegas.
Q: How does the business stand out in a very competitive UK market?
A: We’re focused heavily on our product reliability, our product quality, as well as the controllability – particularly of the hydraulics – which is what the operators absolutely love. Second to that, we command a very strong residual value in the market, which gives that overall competitive product, which really is our core selling point.
Q: Takeuchi is celebrating 30 years in the UK this year. What have been some of the milestone moments from the past three decades?
A: Moving to the distinctive red and grey colours, which have become synonymous with the brand. Takeuchi machines are instantly recognisable. Other milestones have included the move to a brand new 56,000 square feet facility in Rochdale, which contains a class-leading parts centre and training facilities.
Significant machine advances include the push into the larger 15-tonne excavator category and the recent third generation 3-Series.
Q: How important is Scotland to the overall Takeuchi UK business and do you see scope for expanding the brand’s presence further north of the border?
A: I definitely think so. Scotland is a particularly large geographical area, which means having a good dealer network is key; a strong dealer network that matches our core values. We like to think that we have that across Scotland to give people that local service. Our market share in Scotland is strong on the back of that. In terms of expansion, I would like to think that with the launch of the track loaders and the potential for those machines in forestry applications, which is obviously a large industry in Scotland, that might bring us future opportunities as well.
Q: Do you have a close-knit relationship with the dealer network?
A: Yes. A lot of our dealers have been in place for a very long time. Having a strong, stable dealer network is the key to success across the UK and Ireland. We are trying to further strengthen that dealer network this year. We’ve recently appointed a dealer sales manager, who will be solely responsible for working with the dealers on a daily basis. We’re really trying to strengthen those relationships with our dealers to the strongest that they can be.
Q: What can you tell us about Takeuchi’s plans for ScotPlant 2026?
A: We’ll be showing the track loaders in the flesh for the first time at ScotPlant, along with our updated TCR50-3 tracked dumper. We’ll also be running our very popular Takeuchi time game operator challenge, hosted by Dave Vickers (Digging with Dave). I’m a big believer in the exhibitions and the importance of bringing the industry and people together to talk about the industry as a whole, and of showcasing your products and services in the flesh. I consider our industry quite traditional really. You also see the younger generation coming through and their presence at exhibitions and they’re engaging.
Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
A: There’s a couple of things that come to mind. A saying that’s always stuck with me is ‘It is what it is’ and sometimes it is exactly that! The other thing would probably be that the decisions you make are not always going to please everybody, but don’t be afraid to make those decisions to benefit the business.
Q: Any funny career anecdotes?
A: There’s been a lot of laughs. I’m struggling to think of one off the top of my head. There’s lots of things I could say but we probably couldn’t publish them!
Q: How do you relax when you’re not working?
A: Family is important to me. I spend a lot of time with my two young children, aged 11 and 9. My son and I are season ticket holders at Manchester United for our sins. We might be on the road back at the moment!
