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Origin Ag was formed as a co-operative to introduce European machinery brands to the New Zealand’s farm machinery market.
With roots dating back to 2004, Origin Ag was formed as a co-operative business model that removed the traditional distributor, using the backing and support of farm machinery retailers, to introduce European machinery brands to the New Zealand farm machinery market.
Managing director David Donnelly, already well known in the industry as Double D, says “We knew that simply starting up a new company to import farm machinery and introduce new products would be difficult, so we needed a ‘point of difference’ that would benefit both the farm machinery retailer and their customers.”
Twenty years on, the company imports Alpego cultivation and seeding equipment, Bogballe fertiliser spreaders, Gascon cultivation equipment, Hatsenbichler air seeders and tine arrows, Joskin effluent tankers, muck spreaders and trailers, and Pottinger harvesting and cultivation equipment, cumulatively covering the agricultural, viticultural, horticultural, and civil construction trailer markets.
Origin Ag’s founding dealers are typically family owned, like the majority of its European suppliers, with both parties focusing on a customer- centric approach, who in turn are also largely family enterprises.
Currently, 28 individually owned and operated farm machinery dealer retailers cover NZ from Whangarei to Invercargill for after sales, spare parts and servicing requirements.
“We pride ourselves on providing dealers and customers a one-on-one experience, with questions, answers and solutions addressed straight away,” says David.
Darryl Russell, managing director of Piako Tractors, one of Origin Ag’s founding shareholders says, “Our customers enjoy the close-knit relationship we have with Origin Ag, meaning they can pick up the phone to Piako or Origin Ag and have an answer in a matter of minutes – a huge point of difference in the agricultural business today.
In terms of the Origin Ag products, our customer base really likes the idea that we are directly associated as a shareholder in Origin Ag, and the quality, which is second to none in many areas”.
Robby Smith, director of Stevenson and Taylor, who were one of the first dealers to sign-on back in 2005, explains: “We were excited by the access to a wide variety of gear that was not offered in New Zealand at the time. Being part of its unique cooperative structure has given us a significant advantage in the industry. Being a family business, their values align closely with ours, making our partnership all the more meaningful. Origin Ag’s motto of “We have you covered” reaffirms the company’s values and that they can provide backup service for their products all over New Zealand”.
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