FOUR new models from the  AMAZONE line-up have been awarded internationally-acclaimed iF Design awards. These awards were made to the Cataya 3000 Super seed drill combination, the UF 2002 mounted sprayer, the Catros XL 3003 compact disc harrow and the ZG-TS 10001 trailed fertiliser spreader.

CLAAS Harvest Centre Product Manager - AMAZONE, Craig Hopkins, says the prestigious awards underline the exceptional work of the company’s designers and developers. “Each of these designs incorporates cutting-edge technology with functionality, operator-friendliness and clean, smooth lines,” he says.

“In fact, ease of use was mentioned in the judges’ comments for all four winning machines.” Established in 1953, the Industrie Forum Design awards promote excellence in industrial design.

Judging criteria include innovation, functionality, manufacturing quality, safety and environmental compatibility. This year’s awards attracted almost 6300 entries from 54 countries across 15 different categories.

AMAZONE invests more than seven percent of its income in research and development each year. Established in 1883, the fourth-generation family-owned business now employs 1,850 people, including 130 apprentices, across eight sites in Germany, France, Austria, Hungary and Russia. Its range of cultivation, drilling, spreading and spraying technology is distributed in New Zealand and Australia via the CLAAS Harvest Centre network.