Ashburton-based Carrfields has signed an agreement with Manitou to take over the distribution and retail rights for Manitou Agricultural Equipment covering the lower North Island and the South Island, effective August 1, 2025.
Carrfields will work alongside Giltrap Agrizone, who will continue to distribute and retail Manitou in the upper North Island.
Carrfields managing director Craig Carr says, “Manitou will complement our current machinery portfolio, which includes global brands Horsch, Krone, and MacDon. Adding the reputable Manitou brand, will allow Carrfields to offer a material handling solution for the agricultural sector. We are delighted to offer the full agricultural range of products, parts and servicing heading into the spring and summer seasons.”
Andrew Giltrap, managing director of Giltrap Agrizone, says he is pleased to see the strengthening and consolidation of the Manitou network in New Zealand.
“Having worked with the brand for many years, we have a wide range of customers who have seen outstanding performance, versatility, low cost of operation and durability that makes the brand a leader in the telehandler sector. The new distribution agreement will allow a greater audience to experience what great performers these red machines really are.”
Stuart Walker, Manitou managing director, welcomed Carrfields to their network as agricultural material handling specialists. “Their dedication to customer care and services aligns perfectly with our values. Their impressive previous market share and customer satisfaction history make Carrfields and Giltrap Agrizone great partners as we look to grow our presence in New Zealand.”
Established in 1958, Manitou has been manufacturing telescopic agricultural machines for over 45 years. Their investment and knowledge in concentrated at its engineering and production facility at Ancenis, France.
AB Equipment will continue to distribute the Manitou product range for industrial and construction equipment in New Zealand.