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Turlock welcomes Chinese, Volvo partnership
SDLG
Representatives from Shangdong Lingong Construction Machinery Co., in China and Volvo Construction Equipment and Services traveled to Turlock for the grand opening Thursday of SDLG, their first branch in North America. - photo by CARA HALLAM / The Journal

One of China’s top construction equipment producers has opened its first North American branch in Turlock.

The company, Shangdong Lingong Construction Machinery Co., Ltd. – more commonly known as SDLG – has long been the largest exporter of construction equipment within China since its founding in 1972. In a continued effort to expand its product globally, the company has partnered with Volvo Construction Equipment and Services to open seven dual outlets in North America.

As a leading Chinese brand of construction machinery, SDLG specializes in wheel loaders, excavators, compactors and backhoe loaders. The company has entered the North American market by launching two models of wheel loaders, the LG938L – a loader with a rated load of three tons, and the LG959 – a loader with a rated load of five tons.

On Thursday morning, representatives from the company visited Turlock from China, joining together with Volvo Group representatives and Turlock city officials for the official ribbon cutting ceremony of the new outlet.

“This is the first dual store in North America – a real milestone for us,” said Alan Quinn, director of SDLG North America. “This is a reliable, sound machine that will be a great product for the agricultural industry here. It is great for local farmers who want an affordable price.”

According to SDLG, the entry into North America is the latest phase of the company’s ambitious international expansion program. The company has also recently been introduced into other areas of the global market, including Latin America, Russia, Oceania, the Middle East and much of Asia.

With the first SDLG North American store opening in Turlock, Mayor John Lazar expressed gratitude.

“This is a great moment for the City of Turlock,” said Lazar. “We are tickled that this is the first store for North America, and it is a great honor to have you here.”

Turlock Chamber of Commerce President Sharon Silva said that the Chamber is looking forward to developing a long-term relationship with the company.

“This is an exciting time,” said Silva. “Having them here in Turlock is such a wonderful thing for our community, and we’re looking forward to a long, long relationship. It is through business that we are successful, and we will work hard to make you successful. Welcome not only to Turlock, but to the United States.”

Representatives from both the Volvo Group and SDLG said that it had been a positive experience working with Turlock.

“It couldn’t have been a better fit,” said Mike Matthews, president of Volvo Construction Equipment and Services. “Our experience with Turlock has been nothing but fantastic…This is the beginning of something special.”

The dual outlet located at 1275 Venture Lane features SDLG products and a Volvo Construction Equipment and Services branch, providing retail sales, long-term rentals, large rentals and various parts and services. Operations at the new dealer location will begin on Monday morning. The venture will employ four to five people locally.