When in 2025 the words were spoken in Kielce: “Rolmex has become the official supplier of the Empire of Japan,” many refused to believe it. We are talking about a Polish company with a few dozen employees that won against renowned German and British brands as well as giants from overseas. How did it happen that Rolmex – a manufacturer of boom mowers – landed this contract? This is a story of passion, consistency and the work of an entire team.
The beginnings of Rolmex – Polish quality from Kielce
Rolmex is a company rooted in Kielce. From the very start we specialized in municipal and agricultural machinery, and our flagship products are boom mowers and hydraulic arms. They work along roads, waterways, railways and in forestry. Since day one we have put emphasis on quality and solid workmanship – and it has paid off.
YouTube and Google Translate – marketing before it became fashionable
Ten years ago I started recording simple videos showing our machines at work and publishing them on YouTube. I translated the descriptions into several languages using Google Translate – including Japanese. About 20 videos were made. For some it was an experiment, for me – an investment in visibility. Years later, it was precisely those videos that opened the door to Japan for us.
The inquiry from Japan
In 2022 the Crown Agency reached out to us – a global organization supporting regions affected by disasters and war. The project concerned equipment deliveries to Ukraine, where the war coincided with a major flood risk. Tools were needed to maintain embankments, clean ditches, clear brush and carry out cleanup work – and boom mowers are essential for these tasks.
An international partnership
Several partners were invited to cooperate:
- Kanematsu – a Japanese trading house listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange,
- Aries Power Equipment – Polish machinery distributor,
- Kubota Polska – Japanese tractor manufacturer,
- Rolmex – supplier of the boom mowers.
Why was Rolmex chosen?
The Japanese do not act by chance. What matters are concrete goals and equipment that actually solves the problem.
After the deal was finalized, we learned that in the quality-to-price ranking our boom mowers turned out to be the best among European suppliers. We beat companies from Germany, England and the USA. Our machines were not the cheapest – they were well made, solid and reliable. That was appreciated.
The effort of the entire Rolmex team
I held several tough conversations with consultants from Tokyo – often at night, when in Japan it was daytime – but the heart of this success was teamwork. The engineers refined the specifications, sales reps answered dozens of inquiries, logistics staff planned transports, service technicians prepared machines and training. This is a shared victory.
A three-year project: from the first call to the final delivery
Almost three years passed from start to finish. In August 2025 we completed the deliveries, and with the end of the month – the online training for operators. The scale? Hundreds of machines and an enormous logistical challenge. This is the largest undertaking in the history of our company – and proof that boom mowers from Kielce can be part of a global humanitarian mission.
Significance for the company and for Poland
This contract is a matter of prestige, but also a confirmation for the entire industry: Polish technology – including boom mowers – can compete with the largest players. We have shown that a smaller, efficient organization built on quality and teamwork can win on international markets.
Acknowledgments
I thank all the partners of the project:
- the Embassy of the Empire of Japan in Warsaw,
- the Crown Agency,
- Kanematsu, Aries Power Equipment, Kubota Polska,
- and the entire Rolmex team.
Summary
From amateur YouTube videos to the title of official supplier of the Emperor of Japan – that is our journey. It is a story of consistency and quality, but above all of people. Boom mowers from Kielce have reached a project of global importance. It is a source of pride for us and motivation to keep going even further.
