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 “the largest and leading construction machinery provider in Wales” according to its website.
Carlisle-based Lloyd Ltd, by contrast, is a £150m turnover business with a network of eight branches and 60 years of history behind it. Lloyd also sells competing brands, including Develon, Kobelco, Bobcat, New Holland, Mecalac, Bomag and Manitou.
LiuGong UK dealer development manager Andrew Millen said: “We’re expanding our dealer network in the UK to meet our customers’ demands. That’s 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.”
Dragon Plant Sales managing director Jason Derraven said: “The quality of LiuGong’s machines is excellent. They’ve been very helpful from day one, with strong training and support. Whether it’s the yard staff or the wider team, you can always pick up the phone and someone’s there to help. I see a great future ahead and a strong partnership for us.”
Lloyd Ltd managing director George Lloyd said: “The 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.”
LiuGong’s push into the UK market is not without challenges, including tariffs on some Chinese manufacturers following the UK’s Trade Remedies Authority investigation.
“While the TRA’s investigation is largely behind us and it’s business as usual, we’ve appealed the tariff applied to our battery electric machines,” said Dean Thornwell, managing director of LiuGong UK. “It’s a short-sighted move that conflicts with the UK’s 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.”
He added: “We’re 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.”
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