Source: Supplied.

KTM Australia and Husqvarna Motorcycles Australia (HQVA) are currently relocating their head office and warehousing facilities to Sydney from Perth as parent company Automotive Holdings Group centralises its business.

Importers and distributors of KTM motorcycles from Perth since 1993, Automotive Holdings Group took over the Husqvarna brand in 2014 with general manager Jeff Leisk overseeing operations across Australia and New Zealand.

“When we first began importing, the volume was around 400 units a year,” said Leisk. “In 2016 we are handling more than 10,000 bikes across the two brands and the market will continue to grow.”

The move to Sydney will put KTM and Husqvarna in a new purpose-built facility at Prestons in Sydney’s west designed by AHG to house its automotive corporate office and the motorcycle business.

“We look forward to being closer to the majority markets and increasing our levels of interaction – much of our inventory has been landed in Sydney for some time,” Leisk explained.

“There will be no disadvantage whatsoever to our Western Australian dealerships, but this move will allow us to better service the near 80 percent of our dealerships along the east coast of Australia and it will put us closer to the vast majority of motorcycle riding activities and racing events.

“Having the parts operation based on the east coast will speed up delivery to many dealer points and will allow larger parts orders to be sent overnight to most east coast locations. The improved time zone will also benefit our New Zealand operations.”

Leisk said relocation of staff from the current Welshpool base will commence in February 2017 and, as some staff will not be relocating to Prestons, the company will be seeking to recruit Sydney-based staff for vacant positions as the transition occurs.

“We are thankful that staff members who will not be relocating have offered to assist in the transition to ensure there is minimal disruption to our operations,” added Leisk.

The new purpose-built facility will bring together management, operations, marketing, motorsports and state of the art dealer training under the one roof, and will allow for increased collaboration and efficiencies.