Hardi North America and Equipment Technologies (ET) jointly announce a new cooperative agreement that will leverage the strength of both companies. In the coming months Hardi’s manufacturing operations will be consolidated to Mooresville, IN, where ET’s Apache AS and HS brands are manufactured. The joint effort will be led by long time ET veteran Adam Kivett. Adam and his team have over 20 years of manufacturing and leadership experience to draw upon to efficiently build high-quality products for both brands. “The team in Mooresville is confident and excited to bring an additional sprayer to our manufacturing line-up”, says Kivett.

In addition to manufacturing efficiencies, the two companies will begin to realize sales synergies that many have anticipated since the 2016 purchase of ET by Exel Industries. Paris, France based Exel owns several global sprayer brands including Hardi International since 2007. Mike Flatt, President and CEO of Hardi North America comments, “I spent nearly 20 years of my career with ET in a variety of roles but was presented with a senior leadership opportunity with Hardi, a sister company. Very quickly I realized that there are many things Hardi and ET could cooperate on to make each of us more efficient at manufacturing but also more effective with our go-to-market strategy and execution. It’s time to realize some of the synergies having two great companies within the same group.”

The cooperation will allow both companies to add to their distribution networks. The expanded distribution will improve customer access to both parts and service support by increasing the number of retail outlets stocking parts and having more trained and motivated staff ready to help.

Matt Hays, CEO of Equipment Technologies comments, “I think our industry, in general, could benefit from more cooperation among the major players which would strengthen more companies and provide more selection and better service for our farmers. In the case of ET and Hardi N.A., it’s a no brainer. We’re both part of Exel and we have complementary products and distribution networks. We are excited to get started.”