By carolemetcalfe

Tong expands dealer network with new appointments in the UK and overseas

(L) Eddy Deschuymer & (R) Charlie Rich - Tong Engineering

As part of the company’s continued focus on providing the highest levels of customer service, sales and aftersales support throughout the UK and overseas, Tong Engineering is pleased to announce a number of new representative appointments in its home and export markets.

Currently exporting to over 50 countries worldwide, Tong has recently appointed sales and engineering professional Eddy Deschuymer to develop sales of the company’s advanced range of potato and vegetable grading, washing and handling equipment in the French, Belgian and Dutch markets.

“We are very pleased to welcome Eddy on board our expanding network of dealers and representatives in our export markets,” says Charlie Rich, Export Sales Manager at Tong Engineering. “Over the years we have built some very strong relationships with customers in France and bordering countries. Having a new dedicated representative to focus on taking care of these customers and developing relationships with new customers, will allow us to be even more responsive to those market demands. In addition, Eddy is fluent in speaking the language of each country, which will be invaluable to improving our communication with our market.”

Based in Kortrijk, Belgium, Eddy will be responsible for visiting customers to discuss their handling equipment requirements, generating new business leads whilst providing local sales and service support for existing customers.

“I am very proud to be representing Tong; a well-respected and Internationally expanding equipment manufacturer,” says Eddy. “Due to my previous roles within the industry, I already have many connections with customers of Tong, and look forward to building these relationships and working closely with customers as they look to increase the efficiency of their handling processes with advanced equipment from Tong.”

Closer to home in the UK, Ken Jackson, of Jackson Machinery Services near Taunton, has been appointed official dealer for Tong Engineering in Somerset.

“Ken is a very well-known agricultural machinery specialist in the South West of England, having serviced Tong equipment for many years,” says Nick Woodcock, UK Sales Manager at Tong. “Appointing Jackson Machinery Services Ltd as an approved Tong dealer to continue to provide excellent local service support, as well as new equipment and spare parts sales, has been a natural partnership for us. I look forward to work alongside Ken in this area, where he has a great understanding of the ongoing requirements of our customers,” says Nick.

Of the new appointments, Edward Tong, Managing Director at Tong Engineering comments “Maintaining an active network of approved dealers and representatives helps us to ensure the very best customer experience for Tong customers throughout the UK and worldwide,” commented Edward. “I am very pleased to announce the new appointments. Both Eddy and Ken are very committed to our company growth strategy, and their capabilities and reputations will bring added value to our current and future customer bases in their respective regions.”

The latest appointments are part of a wider growth strategy at Tong Engineering to increase export sales and regional customer support. In 2018, Tong announced International expansion with the opening of a new Tong USA spares, service and sales facility based in Fremont, Michigan. The Tong USA office provides additional support to Tong’s USA-based customers, with very responsive spares and service backup, including a wide range of spare parts available with a quick turnaround, when they are needed the most. “The Fremont-based office is proving to be the ideal meeting place for Tong and customers who operate locally, as well as a base from which we can visit customers all over the USA,” adds Charlie.

Pictured: Eddy Deschuymer (left) and Charlie Rich (right).