Samart Kasat Yon, manufacturer of sugar cane harvesters from Thailand, forecasts positive business during the current year 2023 and an even better 2024. To a large extent this is thanks to the good sugar price, which drives the business climate not just in Thailand. Also the export market is doing well.
“Post COVID, the outlook is bright. Already we are seeing improved interest in cane harvesters” says Srinaul Leethirananon, sales director at Samart. “We have all fought through COVID with its restricted budgets and uncertainties, but now, it seems that sugar farmers are ready to move on. In Thailand we are in our low season. Despite this, there has been an unusually high rate of enquiry and genuine interest in preparing for the coming crushing season”, she enthuses. “I see this as a positive indication that demand will increase throughout this year and well into 2024”.
Samart launched their new Predator cane harvester during the latter part of 2022 and it is thought that this may be the stimulant as far as the local Thai market is concerned. However, the improved sugar price is generating a much broader interest from prospective customers from countries outside of Thailand. Indian companies for example have made up a large percentage of enquiries where previously interest has been minimal, the suspicion being that as fuel costs rise some are looking to more efficient machinery to reduce their fuel cost per tonne.
2023 has also seen a resurgence in orders for the SM200 Superspeed. This has now been fitted with the upgraded base cutter system from the Predator and with its “on road” capability and travel speed of 50kph it is becoming the “go to” product for many farming contractors.
Ms Srinaul expands further, “our work on making the harvesters more fuel efficient is starting to be recognised together with the contribution this makes to the environment. I am not saying that farmers necessarily focus on environmental issues, but they certainly recognise the fuel cost savings which are substantial. They also value the lower cost of ownership and the accessibility of parts and technical advice which comes with having a dedicated manufacturer located in the SE Asian region.”
