Trelleborg signs up as first ‘Tractor of the Year’ sponsor

Trelleborg has become first ever official sponsor of Italian magazine Trattori’s Tractor of the Year awards after signing a long-term agreement with the publication. Upon announcing the deal, Trattori editor Stefano Agnellini said “the choice of Trelleborg as our official sponsor of the awards was naturally driven by the key role which the company plays in the agricultural industry and its strong partnership with the leading tractor manufacturers. The partnership is also the result of the special attention Trelleborg has always given towards the real needs of farming professionals.”

Launched by Trattori in 1998, the awards – now in its 16th year – celebrate the very latest innovation in tractor design and technology from the world’s leading manufacturers and agricultural machineries. The judging panel, made up of 21 journalists from the European agricultural industry publications, evaluates the performance of both open field and specialised tractors under field conditions. This year’s winners are due to be announced at EIMA International 2012, which take place in Bologna from 7 to 11 November. Trelleborg will also showcase its latest range of agricultural tyres and complete wheel solutions at the show.

“As agricultural industry awards schemes go, the Tractor of The Year awards are, quite rightly, widely considered the ‘Oscars’ of our industry,” commented Lorenzo Ciferri, marketing director of Trelleborg Wheel Systems’ Agriculture division. “We are proud to associate ourselves with them. Having assisted original equipment manufacturers with their evaluation events for the judging panel in previous years, the natural extension of our involvement in the illustrious awards scheme was to become its official sponsor.”

Tractor manufacturers will compete in three award categories – Best of Specialised, Golden Tractor for Design and the overall Tractor of the Year title. “Over the years, Tractor of The Year has been an important stimulus for the development of the agricultural industry,” Ciferri added. “Through this partnership, Trelleborg confirms its commitment to improve the efficiency, productivity and sustainability of future farming.”