Gong for NH dealers
New Holland dealers from around Australia and New Zealand came together last month for the Dealer of the Year Awards, which recognises the top-performing dealerships across the New Holland network.
This supply route continues to grow across NZ with several expansions unveiled in the past few weeks.
Stevenson and Taylor have operated a Case IH branch at Waipukurau, Central Hawke’s Bay, since they started business in 1951, but this month have seen a significant expansion with the opening of a new branch in nearby Hastings.
Based at 1420 Omahu Rd, Hastings, an existing building has been renovated to accommodate sales, parts and service departments, alongside an expanded product offering, since the addition of the New Holland Agriculture brand to the business.
“While we always had a second dealership in our long-term plan, the changes around New Holland this year, offered the opportunity to represent both the Case IH and New Holland brands. We realised we needed to expand our dealership space and staffing numbers, so the new dealership in Hastings became an immediate priority,” said Robby Smith, Stevenson and Taylor General Manager.
Further south, Case IH dealer Cochranes – with branches at Amberley, Leeston, Ashburton and Timaru – has recently opened a new branch at 342 Stuart Street Blenheim, to assist with the addition of New Holland to the company’s brand portfolio and to support increased customer demand for products, parts and service.
“It’s certainly been a big year with the addition of the New Holland brand, but thanks to the support of CNH Industrial and all our staff, who are enthusiastic about the opportunity and really got on board, things have gone very well. New Holland customers have also been very welcoming, so there’s a lot to look forward to and exciting things ahead,” said Chris West, Cochranes’ managing director.
Both companies acknowledged New Zealand farmers in every sector of the industry were facing challenges, but noted that machinery supply was no longer an issue, with good stock levels across the CNHI brands.
Smith noted that with the opening of the Hastings branch would come increased demand for specialty tractors for the horticulture and viticulture sectors, and higher horsepower machines for grain producers.
