Greg Hill, Product Manager, Makita Australia

How was 2021 for Makita? What were the highlights? What were the challenges?

2021 was another positive year for Makita. Many of the challenges we have faced since the beginning of the pandemic remained throughout 2021.

Adjusting forecasts to meet demand and frequent changes to international and domestic freight timelines has meant we are waiting until stock is physically in our warehouse before releasing it to the market.

What will be the immediate focus for Makita in 2022?

First quarter will see us expand our XGT 40V Max product range. New and innovative products are paramount to success, and we feel these additions will provide further opportunity for growth for our distributors and increased performance and productivity for our consumers.

We are also excited to grow our business with the RapidClean Group. Having been accepted as a preferred supplier, we are keen to start engaging with these new distribution partners.

What are the major opportunities you foresee for Makita in 2022?

Relaxed travel restrictions will allow us to put a renewed focus on new product development. Being able to safely identify, understand, and evaluate our customers problems on site, will allow us to develop the best cordless solutions for them.

Are there any new products to be launched in 2022?

We are excited to be launching our first XGT 40Vx2 Max Brushless Wet/Dry Vacuum, which will deliver suction that rivals 240V vacuums.

Also due in first quarter is our new LXT 18Vx2 Robotic Vacuum which will be equipped with mapping and scheduling capabilities to deliver optimum performance and efficiency. These products will complement our existing products to continue to move consumers to a fully cordless site.

What the opportunities and challenges you see for the wider market in 2022?

I think there will be lots of opportunities for new business into 2022. The dust is looking like it will settle on a national level with people returning to work and international travel returning.

Supply chain challenges may persist, but Makita will be getting on the front foot and will begin construction of a new distribution centre, service centre, and training facility in Truganina, Victoria with the goal of being operational in early 2023.

This will complement our Sydney, Hobart, and Perth DC’s by providing more immediate service and support to Victoria and South Australia.

Is there a message that you would like to share with the industry?

Get excited about the year to come! Makita’s product pipeline is sure to get you excited and our national commercial cleaning product team are ready to provide product demonstrations to achieve the most effective solution for your application.

This article first appeared in the January/February issue of INCLEAN magazine. 

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