Valtra, part of the KONE Materials Handling division in Finland’s KONE group, has received an order from Iran for 500 tractors. The tractors are 140-horsepower, 6-cylinder Valtra 8400 models equipped with air-conditioning and are adapted to conditions in Iran. They will be built in Valtra’s Suolahti factory in Finland and delivered sometime in 2003.
The order includes spare parts and extensive training. Delivery will be made this year and represents the single largest order ever in Valtra’s history. The Valtra tractors will be delivered to the Fars region in southern Iran, near to the city of Shiraz. Local farmers would be able to purchase tractors affordably through financing available from the Iranian Agricultural Bank.
The mechanization program of the Iranian Ministry of Agriculture calls for the purchase over 5,000 new tractors with a capacity of over 100 horsepower during the next five years. Some 10,000 tractors with a capacity less than 100 horsepower will also be needed during this period.
Through this program Iran aims to increase the productivity of its agricultural sector and reduce its reliance especially on imported wheat. The program also aims to gradually increase the share of local assembly work.
KONE is a global service and engineering company that specializes in moving people and goods. Annual net sales total 5,500 million euro. The company employs some 35,000 people. KONE's B shares are listed on the Helsinki Exchanges. — (menareport.com)
© 2003 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
