ISEKI is celebrating 100 years of manufacturing excellence in 2026.
The extensive range of compact tractors, collecting ride-on mowers and ride-on brush cutters typify Japanese engineering quality and design.
Founded 100 ago in Japan and represented in Europe for over 50 years, ISEKI was the first company to introduce compact tractors to the UK market in the mid-seventies.
The centenary comes as ISEKI UK & Ireland has announced that David Withers, Managing Director, will retire at the end of 2025 following a distinguished career spanning more than four decades in the turf care and grounds maintenance industry.
Speaking at the SALTEX show in 2025, Mr Withers reflected on his time at ISEKI, describing the process of building the brand as “one of the most fun and satisfying things I have done in my career.” Under his leadership, the company has doubled its sales over the last eight years and continues to grow.
He will be replaced as managing director by long-time colleague Alan Prickett.
Mr Withers began his career demonstrating verti-drains for Charterhouse Turf (now Redexim), followed by 25 years at Jacobsen, including six years as President. His eight-year tenure at ISEKI UK & Ireland as a stand-alone entity marks the culmination of his full-time professional journey. He commented, “I feel it is time to finish full time work... I may still do a bit of consulting and advise for a couple of companies, but plan to end serious work and focus on developing a golf swing and a tan!”
Expressing confidence in the future of ISEKI UK & Ireland, Mr Withers said, “I have worked with Alan Prickett for around 30 years and am very comfortable leaving the business in his hands to keep it growing and prospering for many years to come.” He also extended his gratitude to dealers, customers, and fellow manufacturers for their support and partnership throughout his career, wishing them continued success.
In addition to his role at ISEKI, David Withers has been an influential figure within the industry, serving as a director of the Agricultural Engineers Association (AEA) for many years and as its president in 2022. During the recent AEA 150th celebrations, he spoke at an event in the Houses of Parliament. Mr Withers has also recently taken up a Directorship at the Grounds Maintenance Association and intends to continue contributing to the organisation in his retirement.
ISEKI UK & Ireland, its staff, and partners would like to thank David Withers for his years of dedication and leadership and wish him all the best in his future endeavours both on and off the golf course.
Alan Prickett brings a wealth of experience to the role, having spent nearly three decades working closely with David, fostering a shared management ethos and strategic vision that has underpinned numerous successful initiatives in the UK and export markets.
His extensive background in the groundcare industry includes a 23-year tenure at Ransomes Jacobsen, where he held various positions across the UK and internationally.
"The future direction of Iseki UK & Ireland under my leadership will remain largely unchanged from the present successful path, with an ongoing focus on quality products, good staff and dealers, plus the provision of excellent after-sales care," he said.
