German farm equipment manufacturer Fliegl – known for its manure and slurry machinery and push-off trailers – is set to open a new HQ and factory in the UK. The family run business is in the final stages of negotiations to sign a lease on a property at Frampton Fen in Boston, Lincolnshire. The HQ and factory will initially employ around 10 people, and while the focus will primarily be on high-capacity conventional monocoque tipping trailers, other products could follow at some point. Commercial director Jose Viedma says the company is looking forward to building on the success that they’ve had elsewhere and offering British farmers the very latest in agricultural innovations. “We know it’s competitive and there are already a lot of other manufacturers but we’re confident that we’ll be able to make inroads into the market,” he said. “We have to look at the long term – and that, for us, is becoming an established name within the UK.” Mr Viedma said the new premises will allow Fliegl to custom fit its products specifically to meet the requirements of UK farmers, while it will also enable the company to provide a greater level of customer service. A lot of the materials will be shipped from Germany, but where possible they would also use the UK supply chain, for example in sourcing steel. The HQ will also be used to support Fliegl’s current network of UK dealers, which the company is looking to expand. “Until now we’ve dealt with a small number or people approached us directly. But as farm sizes increase, our customers need bigger, more technologically advanced and more efficient machinery, backed by great service and support. That’s what we want to provide.” One area where Fliegl expects to see a lot of growth is in the renewable energy sector – particularly in the transport and management of woodchip for biomass and maize silage for anaerobic digestion. “The more we talk to people the more desire we have to be serious in that market. We will manufacture augers, trailers, woodchip blowers and dryers,” added Mr Viedma. “Anything that helps with the transport, delivery and drying of woodchip. It’s going to be a tremendously important area for us in the UK.” Caption: Commercial director Jose Viedma (left) with director Johann Fliegl of Fliegl’s international operations.