STM Trucks & Machinery has been named Kobelco Dealer of the Year for 2024, a testament to the dedication and professionalism of the company.
With more than 45 years in the business, the family-owned and operated STM has often been the first port of call for operators wanting not just an opportunity to choose from a wide selection of equipment, but also for friendly service and honest advice provided by a team with plenty of experience and skillsets.
Receiving the Kobelco Dealer of the Year award signifies STM’s leadership in the Australian machinery market.
Since becoming an authorised dealer for Kobelco in 2008, STM has grown as a business across all departments – sales, service, parts, and more – for the brand.
The recognition from Kobelco, a global leader in construction machinery, underlines the business’ consistent ability to meet and exceed customer expectations, excel in sales performance, and provide unparalleled after-sales support.
It follows on from a stellar 2022-23, when the company won three Kobelco awards: the Most Improved Heavy Excavator Share, the Parts Dealer of the Year (second year in a row), and the Greatest Number of Units Sold.
STM founder Michael Gerace said the prestigious industry accolade highlighted the team’s unwavering dedication, outstanding customer service, technical expertise, and exceptional product support.
“At STM, our difference lies in our personalised, practical, and customer-first approach,” Michael said.
“As a family-run business based in Smeaton Grange, Western Sydney, we pride ourselves on offering a comprehensive range of solutions—from trucks and machinery to genuine parts, servicing, and flexible finance.
“Our one-stop shop approach simplifies processes for our customers, helping them stay productive and profitable.”
People power
Michael said that one of STM’s greatest assets was its people.
“Our team’s combined industry experience exceeds 200 years, positioning us uniquely to offer deep, actionable insights to customers across a range of industries, from construction and logistics to agriculture,” he said.
“This cumulative expertise enables us to consistently recommend the best-fit machinery solutions, maximise equipment uptime, and deliver unmatched technical support.
“At STM, we understand machinery isn’t just about equipment—it’s about reliability, efficiency, and achieving results.
“Our team’s collective experience has allowed us to swiftly troubleshoot complex issues, recommend machinery suited to specific projects, and minimise downtime for our customers.
“Whether it’s finding the ideal Kobelco excavator for a large-scale construction project or delivering quick on-site servicing, our expertise translates directly into tangible benefits for our customers.”
The sentiments were echoed by STM Territory Manager (Western Sydney) Matt Dench, who despite only joining last year, has found the feeling of family tangible and fruitful.
“From day one, I could see why STM has such a strong reputation in the industry. The team is passionate about what they do, and there’s a real focus on delivering quality service,” he said.
“It’s been great to be part of a company that genuinely values its customers and works hard to support them.”
Matt said the Kobelco award was no surprise as the STM team had an incredible depth of knowledge, especially when it comes to the blue machines.
“Whether it’s sales, service, or parts, everyone is committed to making sure customers get the best possible experience,” he said.
“The workshop team is highly skilled, and our field service team is always on the road, keeping customers up and running.
“That level of dedication is a big part of why STM won the Kobelco award—it’s not just about selling machines, but about long-term support and service.”
Matt said STM carried a wide range of Kobelco excavators, from the compact SK008 and SK17SR models for tight access jobs, all the way up to larger models like the SK380XD and SK500XD for heavy-duty applications.
“We keep a strong stock level so customers can get what they need without long delays,” he said.
“Kobelco excavators continue to be in high demand, and for good reason.
“Their fuel efficiency, power, and durability make them a top choice for operators in construction, civil, and earthmoving industries.
“The low noise levels are also a big plus, especially for urban worksites. And, of course, Kobelco’s reliability means less downtime and lower operating costs, which is exactly what customers want.”
A commitment to excellence
Kobelco said the award aligned with its significant achievement of becoming the top supplier of heavy excavators in Australia by sales volume in 2023.
It said its commitment to quality and innovation has solidified its position in the construction machinery industry, and that the success of STM and Kobelco underscored the importance of strong dealer-manufacturer relationships in delivering outstanding products and services to customers across Australia.
Michael said STM was honoured by the Kobelco Dealer of the Year recognition, which fuelled its ongoing commitment to excellence.
“It’s not just another trophy on the shelf. STM will continue to deliver outstanding customer support, reliable machinery solutions, and expert advice,” he said.
“Experience the STM difference firsthand — talk to our award-winning team today to discover how we can support your business.”
Matt said that winning the accolade was a testament to the hard work of the entire STM team.
“We’re proud to be recognised, but the real reward is seeing our customers succeed with the machines and support we provide,” he said.
“The focus now is on keeping that momentum going and continuing to deliver the best for our customers in 2025 and beyond.”