Computronics Holdings Ltd (CPS) has signed a two year agreement with Valmont Industries Inc. in the United States to increase distribution of its patented Farmscan Variable Rate Irrigation (VRI) technology globally. Valmont Industries, based in Nebraska USA, is the parent company of Valley Irrigation, the world leader in centre pivot and linear irrigation. The Valley Irrigation network of 430 dealers spreads over 62 countries and will significantly increase the distribution of VRI technology.
The agreement also allows Valley to use its own patented and proprietary technology to further enhance the capabilities of future VRI products. Computronics worked with the University of Georgia in 1999 to develop VRI technology for a global market. The technology was released to the US market through a limited distribution channel in 2001.
Computronics Chief Executive Freeman Wyllie said the agreement with Valley to promote and sell the patented VRI technology through its global dealer network is estimated to exceed AU$500,000. “Through an exclusive deal signed with the US in the early 2000s, our VRI technology is the only one of its kind sold in the USA,” he said. “The need to conserve water due to climate change means that this product’s time has arrived and some US state governments are providing grants for this technology. This agreement widens the global distribution channels that currently exist for our VRI technology and allows future development in the VRI technology space to ensure Computronics and Valley Irrigation remain at the forefront of innovation.
Computronics has appointed a US-based distributor, Advanced AG Systems, to work closely with Valmont. As sole distributor in the US, Advanced AG Systems will provide sales and service support to the Valmont dealer network.
