Chinese construction machinery manufacturer LiuGong will now be represented by start-up Dragon Plant Sales in Wales and by Lloyd Ltd across northern England and Scotland.
Dragon Plant Sales is a new business set up in Pontypool by former Phoenix Hire director Jason Derraven. Incorporated in February 2025, it is already 鈥渢he largest and leading construction machinery provider in Wales鈥� according to its website.
Carlisle-based Lloyd Ltd, by contrast, is a 拢150m turnover business with a network of eight branches and 60 years of history behind it. 聽Lloyd also sells competing brands, including Develon, Kobelco, Bobcat, New Holland, Mecalac, Bomag and Manitou.
LiuGong UK dealer development manager Andrew Millen said: 鈥淲e're expanding our dealer network in the UK to meet our customers' demands. That鈥檚 only achievable by appointing dealers who truly understand their local markets and customers. This is about extending our reach and getting advanced technology into the hands of more users. Ultimately, we aim to help customers overcome their toughest challenges.鈥�
Dragon Plant Sales managing director Jason Derraven said: 鈥淭he quality of LiuGong鈥檚 machines is excellent. They鈥檝e been very helpful from day one, with strong training and support. Whether it鈥檚 the yard staff or the wider team, you can always pick up the phone and someone鈥檚 there to help. I see a great future ahead and a strong partnership for us.鈥�
Lloyd Ltd managing director George Lloyd said: 鈥淭he opportunity to partner with LiuGong is an exciting one for Lloyd Ltd. Their extensive range complements our current portfolio and provides cost-effective ownership and impressive innovation. LiuGong is already ahead of the game with the fifth generation of their battery and electric models, so we are looking forward to working with them and preparing for what the future holds.鈥�
LiuGong鈥檚 push into the UK market is not without challenges, including tariffs on some Chinese manufacturers following the UK鈥檚 Trade Remedies Authority investigation.
鈥淲hile the TRA鈥檚 investigation is largely behind us and it鈥檚 business as usual, we鈥檝e appealed the tariff applied to our battery electric machines,鈥� said Dean Thornwell, managing director of LiuGong UK. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a short-sighted move that conflicts with the UK鈥檚 ambitions around net-zero and sustainability. As a manufacturer delivering world-class BEVs, we believe this could discourage progress at a time when low-carbon innovation should be accelerating.鈥�
He added: 鈥淲e鈥檙e doubling down on the UK market. Even with tariffs, we are stronger than ever. Our dealer partners see real potential, and we want to be there for our customers with the best products, technology and support.鈥�
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