Metso to relinquish Rammer franchise

METSO Minerals (UK) Ltd, the sole UK importers of Rammer products, have announced that they are to relinquish the franchise with effect from 31 July 2007. The move follows the recent decision by Rammer’s parent company, Sandvik Mining and Construction (SMC), to rebrand the Rammer range as Sandvik.

Metso said that SMC’s decision would have left them in the difficult position of having to market a brand with which they compete in the construction and mining sectors, and that having discussed the situation with Sandvik, both parties had reluctantly decided that Metso could no longer distribute Sandvik hydraulic hammers, booms and demolition attachments in the UK.

‘In the past 10 years that we have sold and supported Rammer products in the UK, we have always given 100% commitment to the products,’ said Alan Matchett, Metso Minerals (UK) Ltd’s Rammer business line manager. ‘However, Metso Minerals (UK) is primarily a supplier of construction and mining systems and solutions, a market in which Sandvik is a major competitor. The rebranding of Rammer and its further absorption into Sandvik Mining and Construction has, therefore, made our position untenable.’

Metso will continue to fully supply, support and promote the product until 31 July, including their appearance at Hillhead from 26–28 June. Both parties plan to work towards a fully seamless changeover to Sandvik Mining and Construction Ltd in Coventry, who will take over from Metso on 1 August.

Mr Matchett confirmed that the established Rammer UK dealer network will remain in place. ‘Our relationship with the UK Rammer dealers will end at the same time that we relinquish the franchise,’ he said. ‘But it is of paramount importance to both us and Sandvik that current UK Rammer dealers do not lose from this change. Both parties are, therefore, committed to maintaining continuity of all aspects of the current arrangements.’