JLG Industries Inc is withdrawing JLG-branded telehandlers from the agricultural market sector globally and announcing a global supply agreement with SAME DEUTZ-FAHR Group (SDF) of Italy.

Jonathan Dawson, JLG's director of sales and customer support for telehandlers, says SDF has developed a market for its Deutz-Fahr Agrovector telehandler range over the past five years.

"Simultaneously, JLG has invested time and effort into the development of a dealer network and brand recognition in the agricultural sector in certain regions of the world. Upon mutual reflection, we have decided that focusing on the world-renowned Deutz-Fahr brand and having access to its global dealer network will provide JLG the best opportunity to market in the agricultural sector," Dawson explains.

Under the agreement, local JLG product specialists will work directly with Deutz-Fahr subsidiaries, dealers and distributors to promote, sell and provide after-sales support of the Agrovector range.

The 10-year agreement is effective from 1 October.

JLG says the agreement allows the company to plan a product development strategy aligned with market needs and meeting new emission regulations coming into force in 2012 and 2015.

JLG currently manufactures five models of Agrovector telehandlers ranging from 2.9-4 tonne capacities for Deutz-Fahr and plans to expand the range in the next 24 months. It is now focusing on the SDF and Caterpillar brands to grow its market share in the agriculture sector.

SDF manufactures tractors, agricultural machinery and diesel engines.