1. HITACHI
HITACHI CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CANADA LTD.
Head Office
Branch
2684 Drew Rd., Mississauga, Ontario L4T 3C4 10118 Swenson
Way, Delta, B.C., V4G 1J4
Tel: (905) 673-0661
Tel: (604) 951-3133
Fax: (905) 673-0854
Fax: (604) 951-3136
February 19, 2002
To Whom It May Concern:
Daniel Plouffe was an employee of Hitachi Construction Machinery Canada Ltd. from August 18th
,
1997 until
January 4
th
, 2002. During this period he was a valued, contributing member of our staff. I was
Daniel’s direct supervisor during his employment.
Daniel worked from his home office in Quebec and his primary duties were to support the Hitachi
dealer network
in the provinces of Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada. In this capacity, Daniel was required
to interact with all levels of Dealer management and assist with the development of a business
plan to grow the Hitachi business
and Share of Market in the territory. The business climate for the period July 1998 to May 2001
was extremely difficult for our distribution but through the efforts of Daniel we were able to
minimize the impact on the Hitachi
Share of Market.
Responsibilities of the position included but were not limited to: -
1. Development of Corporate marketing policy
2. Develop annually, in conjunction with the dealer, a “Business Plan” for each territory
3. Forecast industry market demand and establish Market Share Goals by region
4. Monitor dealer machine inventory levels to ensure product availability
5. Conduct product training sessions for dealer’s sales representatives
6. Customer visits with dealer staff to assist in the marketing of the product
Daniel has exhibited an excellent work ethic and was comfortable working independently out of
his home office or
as part of a team. He was diligent in his work and could always be counted on to be accessible
at all times.
Some of his prime accomplishments while at Hitachi are as follows: -
1. Under difficult circumstances, Daniel minimized our Market Share loss
2. 2. Directed the reduction of “aged” inventory in dealer’s stock
3. Maintained excellent communications with Dealer salesmen during transition
4. Protected our corporate assets
5. Supported the start up of a new dealer
6. Provided training for the new dealer’s sales representatives
DISTRIBUTOR OF HITACHI HYDRAULIC EXCAVATORS
HITACHI
Page No. 2
HITACHI CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CANADA LTD.
In late October 2001 Deere and Hitachi announced a reorganization of their North American
distribution system which resulted in the phase out of this company. The position held by Daniel
was made redundant and he was
given notice of termination. During his notice period, Daniel continued to perform his duties in a
very professional manner and continued to promote the product through the distribution system
with the dealer salesmen.
Daniel was a loyal and conscientious employee and we wish him well in all future endeavors.
Yours truly,
HITACHI CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CANADA LTD.
DOUG KNIGHT
Vice President
