Claas celebrates 100 years

The event was co-hosted by Landpower, Claas distributor in both countries, and its local dealership, Claas Harvest Centre Canterbury, at the Air Force Museum of New Zealand.

A satellite telecast linked the Christchurch event with the Claas factory in Harsewinkel, Germany and 17 other locations including China, India, Ukraine, USA, UK, Poland and Turkey.

The telecast, hosted by Claas family members and directors was watched by 12,000 employees at Harsewinkel and other representatives and their families worldwide.

New Zealand was first in the telecast, which included several videos on New Zealand and Australian farming. 

“Landpower and the Claas Harvest Centre network enjoy a strong and enduring partnership with Claas,” Landpower chief executive Richard Wilson says. “We are proud to represent the brand in this part of the world.”

Herby and Pam Whyte set up Landpower (then called Farmrite) in 1975, at first to buy machinery for their farming in Southland. The company has represented Claas in New Zealand since 1987 and in Australia since 1997.

Whyte developed a friendship with Helmut and Erika Claas, and now with their daughter, Cathrina Claas-Mühlhäuser, “a relationship pivotal to the success of my business,” Herby says. “In Claas I found a partner… I have profound respect and admiration for.”

Landpower represents Claas, Amazone and Grimme in Australasia. The group has 26 Claas Harvest Centres in the two countries.

“We want to be seen as farm machinery professionals, not dealers,” Whyte says. “To do this, we have to deliver quality products, expert knowledge, innovation and service second-to-none.”

August Claas established his engineering works in 1913 to make straw balers. He developed a simple knotter in 1921 that was the cornerstone of the company’s growth and success. 

He then began making harvesting machinery – a long line of combine innovations and developments. The company holds 3000 patents. More recently it has entered the tractor and telehandler markets.