Q&A: A new partnership is ready to transform tech access for Canadian contractors

In a noteworthy step forward for Canadian contractors seeking improved access to construction technology, SMS Equipment has been named the world's first Trimble Technology Outlet. This partnership marks a significant milestone for both organizations. 

With construction businesses across Canada facing increasing pressure to integrate technology while managing mixed fleets and tight timelines, access to streamlined, reliable solutions has become a growing challenge. SMS Equipment's national footprint and hands-on experience with equipment and technology positions the company to help bridge that gap.

For many contractors, sourcing and integrating technology, which can be disconnected from equipment purchasing, may lead to delays, compatibility issues, and limited support. Historically, Trimble was distributed directly through SITECH's established dealer network. Leveraging this new partnership, SMS Equipment is now positioned to deliver Trimble's field solutions directly to Canadian contractors.

To better understand the implications of this partnership, and how it benefits Canadian contractors, I reached out to Ron Bisio, senior vice president of field systems at Trimble, and Mike Brown, executive vice president of technology and innovation at SMS Equipment. With decades of combined experience in equipment innovation and industry solutions, both leaders offer insights into what this partnership means for construction businesses in Canada, the impact on technology adoption, and how contractors can maximize their investment in new solutions.

Meghan Barton: What led to SMS Equipment being selected as the first Trimble Technology Outlet worldwide and what significance does this have for Canadian construction businesses?

Ron Bisio, Trimble: SMS Equipment fits the profile of the kind of company Trimble wants to partner with. They are the largest independently owned Komatsu dealer in the world, with a first-class reputation for supplying grade control solutions to their customers, and, as such, they were a high-priority relationship for Trimble.

Mike Brown, SMS Equipment: SMS Equipment's partnership with Trimble is rooted in our expertise in equipment technology and commitment to customer-driven solutions. We're not only a leading Komatsu dealer, we're also in a unique position to provide equipment and technology beyond what OEMs offer, like Trimble's aftermarket solutions. Formalizing our relationship with Trimble bridges a gap in technology sales and support. It gives our construction customers greater access to the technology they require and ensures mixed fleet contractors benefit from best-in-class technology support.

Barton: How does this new model change the purchasing, implementation timelines, and support experience for Canadian contractors?

Brown: This new model gives Canadian contractors more control over their technology choices. Now they can select the machines they need along with the technology solutions that best support their operations early in the purchasing process and as an integrated machine-technology offering.

By formalizing our partnership with Trimble, we ensure a faster, more streamlined purchasing process and seamless technology support, helping contractors maximize uptime and efficiency.

Barton: What type of training and support will SMS Equipment provide to help contractors adopt and optimize Trimble's solutions?

Bisio: Trimble is known for providing the highest level of training and support in the industry, and we are providing all the capabilities at our disposal to help SMS deliver this same level of training and support. 

SMS Equipment will also be working closely with us to make sure customer feedback is incorporated back into the product development cycle, which is a key part of optimizing the technology for all users.

Brown: SMS Equipment provides tailored training and support to help contractors adopt and optimize technology solutions. From on-machine learning for operators to classroom sessions for engineers and project managers, we want to make sure customers are getting the maximum value from their technology investment.

The SMS Equipment team is recognized as an industry leader in technology support, offering remote diagnostics and troubleshooting to minimize machine downtime. As a Trimble Technology Outlet, we look forward to working with our technology partner to make sure customer feedback is incorporated back into the product development cycle.

Barton: Does this new distribution model include only certain products or will customers have access to the full lineup of Trimble software solutions?

Bisio: SMS Equipment has access to the Trimble civil portfolio for the brands they represent and can therefore provide solutions for any and all of their customers' technology needs.

Brown: We are currently focusing on Trimble field system technologies, and specifically Trimble Earthworks products. These solutions align with our expertise and allow us to deliver the most value to our customers. As we continue to collaborate with Trimble, we will explore expanding our offerings based on customer needs and our ability to provide strong support.

Barton: What's your vision for how this partnership will evolve to serve Canada's growing construction industry over the next five years?

Brown: This partnership between SMS Equipment and Trimble is a significant step toward expanding technology choices for Canadian contractors. Over the next five years, we expect it to drive greater adoption of machine control solutions overall by giving customers more flexibility in selecting and supporting their preferred technology and technology provider. For example, our Komatsu and BOMAG customers can now purchase Trimble technology from SMS Equipment and know it will be supported as part of their machine purchase.  

Barton: For contractors who may be or who have been hesitant to adopt new technology, what would you say to convince them that now is the right time to integrate Trimble solutions into their operations?

Bisio: With the introduction of Trimble Technology Outlets, we're making it easier than ever for customers to purchase technology for all types of machines, and then to maximize the use of technology once they have it. The key to successful technology adoption in a contractor's business is having a partner who can provide the right level of training and support. With this latest partnership, SMS Equipment's customers can be confident that the benefits of Trimble's technology will be realized in their work. 

Brown: Staying competitive as a contractor comes down to your ability to get the job done accurately, efficiently, and on budget. Trimble's machine control solutions give operators greater precision and control — regardless of machine type or operator experience — resulting in improved productivity and reduced rework.

This is a flexible, scalable solution that delivers immediate results, and with our industry-leading support, contractors can confidently adopt technology that maximizes their return on investment.