How was 2022 for Makita and what were the highlights? What were the challenges?
2022 was an exciting year for Makita. With the launch of our new 18v LXT DRC300 Robo Vac and 40v XGT VC008 2.0L backpack vac.
The 18v LXT Robo Vac has taken all the best features of the previous model combined with some exciting new features to create a machine which offers a highly efficient unit with a larger capacity to give the user a versatile unit.
The 40v XGT backpack vac uses popular 18V LXT model combined with the new 40v XGT battery technology combined have allowed us to present to the market a unit that has longer run time in combination with higher suction.
These additions gave our customer a great range of products to choose from in our cordless outdoor power equipment for a complete indoor and outdoor building maintenance solutions with little to no maintenance needed.
Stock the last few years has been challenging and 2022 was no difference. At Makita New Zealand we are very lucky to have a great NZ purchasing team who were able to minimise these challenges ensuring supply to our network.
What are Makita’s priorities for 2023?
In 2023 Makita has an aim to keep growing our range in building maintenance across both our 18v and 40v platforms. 40v XGT, in particular, Makita New Zealand sees as a product that gives us a major opportunity as the market moves to a cleaner and safer workplace.
What do you expect to be the big trends of 2023?
Battery is going to continue to be an upward trend in the market. With safety such a big focus, power leads and petrol in a market will continue to shrink and consumers will continue the trend of moving to battery which Makita New Zealand has a solution to offer with our 18v LXT and 40v XGT battery platforms.
What do you see as the main challenges the market is facing in 2023?
With predictions pointing towards the economy tightening up this creates challenges for both businesses and suppliers. During these times it is important for Makita to work with both our customer and the end user to come up with solutions which best suits their needs.
Is there a message that you would like to share with the industry?
Makita New Zealand is here for the long haul and is dedicated to working closely with key sectors across New Zealand.
Our aim is to use our market leading battery technology to help provide more efficient, cleaner, and safer environments.
We hope to see you out there in 2023.
This first appeared in the February issue of INCLEAN NZ magazine.
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