A GLOBAL GIANT

TOBROCO-GIANT has strengthened its presence in international markets in recent years, building strong relationships with dealers and distributors worldwide, a fact that was well illustrated during a recent four day event at its modern production facilities in Oisterwijk in the Netherlands.

Since its founding in 1996 by Toine Brock and his wife Caroline, the family-owned company has been transformed into a global player with a comprehensive portfolio that includes over 40 models of wheel loaders, telescopic wheel loaders, skid steer loaders, and telehandlers, in addition to more than 650 attachments for a wide range of applications in the agriculture, construction and landscaping sectors. In 2022 the company opened a brand new 8500m2 factory in Fuzesabony, Hungary.

Toine Brock, who is the company’s Chief Executive Officer, says the Open Days were a massive success and underscored the company's high ambitions. “We have come a long way from when we started out in our parents’ barn as a locksmith, after that we manufactured slurry tanks and in 2001 we developed our first wheel loader. We are now producing over 6,000 skid steers, wheel loaders and telehandlers per year and deliver to 81 countries.”

During the first two business days of the event, dealers, suppliers, rental companies, OEMs, and the press, including Awesome Earthmovers, were welcomed in Oisterwijk, where we learned about the company’s current product range and were given a first look at several new models in addition to being presented with a preview of future product developments.

The expansive site in Oisterwijk is also home to the company’s Experience Center, which was opened in late 2022, to showcase TOBROCO-GIANT's customer-oriented approach and offer invaluable product training sessions. In addition, it has a large and impressive demonstration area to provide customers with an opportunity to test and experience the company’s product range before making a purchase decision.

The final two days were open to the public, attracting nearly 20,000 visitors over the weekend when they were able to explore the diverse range of products and attachments. The factory was also open, showcasing the manufacturing process, while live demonstrations of current products, accompanied by light entertainment, made for a memorable experience.

VOICE OF THE CUSTOMER

“We had originally intended to hold this event two years ago to mark our 25th anniversary, but it had to be postponed because of the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown,” says Toine Brock, “so we are delighted that it has now been staged. We have had a lot of new developments in the last five years and it was good that we have now been able to highlight those to our dealers and partners.”

Added Frans van Asseldonk, who has been responsible for the company’s sales and marketing worldwide for more than a decade: “Ten years ago we held a similar event with the tagline ‘We Build What You Want.’

This event had the tagline ‘Voice of the Customer’ so it was good to have customers and dealers from all over the world to share with us their views and suggestions about our markets and our products.

“We are, of course, always in regular contact with the dealer network, but this event was also a celebration to thank them for their loyal support and to show them where we are and where we want to be in another 10 years’ time.”

NEW COMPACT WHEEL LOADERS

The Open Days also saw the unveiling of four new compact wheel loaders—the G2400, G2400HD, G2550HD and G2550HD+. Built from the ground up, these new generation loaders are designed to address the evolving needs of the construction, agriculture, and landscaping industries. They feature advanced hydraulic functionality and precise control for handling a variety of hydraulically driven attachments.

With production scheduled to start in late 2025, the new loaders are designed with the operator in mind, offering enhanced comfort, visibility and ergonomics. They feature a suspended driver’s seat equipped with an integrated armrest console. The armrest controls are ergonomically positioned, putting everything at the operator's fingertips. This arrangement reduces strain on the operator's arms and shoulders, resulting in less fatigue and optimal productivity throughout the workday.

The flat floor design allows for easy entry and exit, and facilitates effortless cleaning. An adjustable steering column in two directions adds to the user-friendly design, while the intuitive user display keeps the operator informed at all times.

The G2400 and G2400HD are powered by a 26 hp D1105K engine, while the G2550HD and G2550HD+ are equipped with a 50 hp Kubota D1803 CR engine.

Both fuel efficient engines are electronically controlled and STAGE V compliant.

All models are compatible with a variety of attachments thanks to the hydraulically locked quick hitch system, allowing operators to easily switch between tools from the operator's seat. In addition to the standard GIANT quick hitches, universal and competitive brand hitches are also available.

Customers can choose from three boom configurations that are already familiar to GIANT users: standard, X-TRA, and TELE. The wheel loader versions feature a standard or X-TRA boom. The standard boom delivers a higher reach up to 2.869 mm, whilst the X-TRA boom enhances tipping loads up to 2.140 kg for the G2400 and G2400HD and 2.460 kg for the G2550HD and G2550HD+, with a slightly lower reach.

The TELE variant with its telescopic boom is an excellent choice where an even higher reach is required. Boom suspension will be optional on all models. The patented STABILO system that will be optionally available, optimizes machine stability on uneven terrain, enhancing operational safety and efficiency.

As we mentioned, the company has come a long way since it launched its first Giant wheel loader in 2001 and based on its success, a telescopic Giant wheel loader was developed and brought to the market in 2003. In the years that followed, the Giant wheel loaders became very popular and the company moved to a larger building in Oisterwijk in the Netherlands and in 2010 moved to its current state-of-the-art production facility.

In 2011 the company developed the first Giant compact telehandler, the Tendo 4548, and in order to keep up with the growing demand for Giant loaders, it invested in a steel fabrication plant in Eger, Hungary.

After producing just a handful machines in the first couple years the company kept growing fast and in 2014 the 10,000th Giant machine rolled of the production line in Oisterwijk. In that year, too, the first compact utility loader, a mini-skidsteer, was introduced to the market. By 2020, the company celebrated the production of the 25,000th Giant machine.

FUTURE IS ELECTRIC

A year earlier, its first electric G2200E wheel loaders were introduced, paving the road for success in the ever expanding market for electric powered equipment. “The future,” says Toine Brock, “will be electric.” Currently, the company is developing a new range of electric machines, with the goal of offering an electric version for every machine in its product portfolio to contribute to a future where productivity and sustainability go hand in hand.

This event not only reaffirmed the company's commitment to continue to innovate in today’s dynamic market conditions, but also showcased its bold determination to forge ahead into the future, united with its partners. With a strong team of employees, partners, dealers, and suppliers, it will certainly be interesting to see where TOBROCO-GIANT's journey as a truly global player takes it in the next 10 years.