Two farmers take over farm machinery business

Press, 30 August 1985, Page 12

Two farmers take over farm machinery business

Two Rangiora farmers are turning their hand to the business of selling and servicing farm machinery. From today, Mr Gary Frazer and Mr Harold Preston become the new owners of Farmack Machinery, Ltd, formerly Motorcorp’s agricultural outlet. The decision to take over the business came after Motorcorp’s head office decided to sell out of its only remaining farm machinery outlet in New Zealand, and concentrate solely on cars. “I had a desire to have another farm business interest,” said Mr Frazer, “So when this opportunity came along I thought it was worth investigating.” Mr Frazer owns a farm in West Eyreton and will divide his time between farming and running the new business, while Mr Preston, who formerly farmed in Oxford, will be concerned with the day-to-day running of Farmack. “I was looking for a new challenge,” said Mr Preston, “and I welcome this opportunity to retain my contact

with the rural community in this new sphere of business, particularly as I will continue to be associated with a product that I have used with confidence over a period of 32 years.” Helping them in their new roles will be the same staff as that employed under Motorcorp. This includes three mechanics, a sales manager, service manager and parts manager. “We’ve got the same building, the same staff and the same products,” said Mr Frazer. “It’s a change of owners rather than dealership, the customers will deal with the same people.” Farmack will continue to sell the Massey Ferguson line of tractors, combines and balers, and Vermeer, Taarup, and Pottinger hay and silage machinery. All products are distributed by Agmac, a company formed out of Norwood Wholesale, which began distributing Ferguson products 35 years ago, and the Motor Holdings, Ltd, Farm Machinery Division. A large stock of spares is

easily accessible for North Canterbury customers. “We’ll be looking at other lines to complement this range, and hope to expand into more horticultural and orchard products as well as hay and silage equipment,” said Mr Frazer. Under Motorcorp, the staff had already converted six Massey Ferguson 265 tractors for orchard work, which demanded higher horsepower for sprayers. Parts and servicing for Leyland tractors will also continue, as will the range of second-hand equipment. Mr Frazer said they would be offering financial assistance through a finance company in a form to suit the farmer rather than only in fixed monthly payment. The two new owners hope they will continue the good service offered in the past to customers who have come from as far away as the West Coast, and total up 1 to 1000. i The area has had a Massey outlet since the early i 1900 s, which became Massey i Ferguson in about 1960, and 1

Mr Frazer said it would have been a loss to the town and North Canterbury had it been discontinued. • “It would have been bad for Rangiora, jobs would have been lost and I think a local business can provide better service for local people,” Mr Frazer said. Their hopes for the future are optimistic, despite the recent hard times in the farming world. “To progress, farming is going to have to be mechanised, and there will always be a need for good machinery, parts back-up, and service,” said Mr Frazer. “There was a surge in sales before the investment allowances were taken off earlier this year, then it slackened off for a while but it seems to be looking up again,” he said. Mr Frazer and Mr Preston think their own farming experience will help them understand the needs of farmers and help keep them up-to-date with developments and trends in agricultural equipment.