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SUNSEEKER U . S . DEBUT
On April 16 in Monroe , N . C ., Sunseeker held a new-product launch event for its new Orion X7 wire-free robotic mower . After the event , we got an update from Justin Novosel , the VP and GM of North American Operations , and Matt Moore , director of sales for Sunseeker US .
OPE +: Why did you decide to launch into the U . S . market with the robotic lawnmower , and not a more affordable power-equipment tool ? Sunseeker : Right now , in the U . S . market , there is a dramatic shift toward greener products . We also find the ability to reimagine lawn care and find better ways to be environmentally friendly doing so . Time is a precious resource and developing products that allow people to get time back is something that keeps growing . With the robotic mower we are answering those market demands but taking it a step further by developing a smarter , user-friendly mower that can cover the vast majority of situations that may cross its path without breaking the bank .
OPE +: What might be the next product line you bring to market here ? Sunseeker : At Sunseeker , we review all current products and categories and look for organic assortment , expansion and continuous improvement on existing products . Like with the Orion X7 , we are looking for ways to further automate lawn maintenance . Our goal is for all to spend more time enjoying their lawn and less time tending to it .
OPE +: Are you setting up independent dealers and retailers here for product sales and service ? Sunseeker : We are in the process of setting up independent dealers that will focus on our commercial 60V products and robots for sales and service . For retail , we are working with several now . You can visit sunseekertech . com / dealerlocator to show a listing of our current dealers . ( Editor ’ s note : The website shows , on May 1 , 67 dealers in the U . S ., and the Orion mowers can also be purchased on the company ’ s website and shipped to a buyer ’ s home .)
OPE +: Are you considering sales through larger retail chains , such as Home Depot , Ace Hardware , or other retailers ? Sunseeker : We are examining the retail landscape very closely and are taking a strategic approach to e-commerce and retail accounts . Our goal is to sell programs , not SKUs , and to align with longterm partners who share our vision of the lawn and garden category .
OPE +: Who is Sunseeker ’ s largest competitor in the U . S .? Sunseeker : Within the green industry there are a lot of competitors . Names like Stihl , Echo and Husqvarna come to mind . They are great . But what we are doing with our products is making something unique , something different , especially in the robotics space that will allow us to stand out .
Sunseeker views itself as a tech company in the outdoor power equipment space . Like traditional tech companies , we view our category through a different lens . Unlike the major OPE brands of the past we are agile , make decisions quickly and can pivot easily .
OPE +: Do you have products in mind for professional users , like landscape contractors ? Or is it all for homeowners and residential users ? Sunseeker : We have , alongside our robots , a commercial 60V product line . We are launching our commercial battery backpack blower here in a few
Justin Novosel , Sunseeker ’ s VP and
GM of North American Operations .
months before fall clean up as well as a top handle arborist chainsaw . We will continue to develop and add products with more to come in 2025 . Within the robotics space , our Orion X7 Plus and X7 Pro will be available in late May or early June and will feature increased cutting capacities and 4G connectivity . The X7 Plus will have a capacity of 1.5 acres while the X7 Pro will have a 3-acre capacity , allowing use for sports turf as well as large open areas such as parks and schools .
OPE +: Why did you choose Charlotte , N . C . as your U . S . base of business ? Sunseeker : Charlotte , N . C . has become the hub for the OPE / Lawn & Garden industry . To draw top-tier talent , we choose to be positioned in the same region as our peers .
OPE +: Are you growing the office here and hiring staff members , whether in Charlotte or in other parts of the country ? Sunseeker : We have recently relocated to a larger corporate office to support our growth and have been actively adding field sales personnel across North America . Our objective is to maintain a lean and efficient operation as we strive for continued success .
6 OPE + May 2024 www . OPE-Plus . com