Adrian Winnett, has been appointed general manager at AgriArgo UK Ltd, the distributor of Landini, McCormick and Valpadana tractors in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

He succeeds Ray Spinks, who has stepped down from the role after 40 years working in the farm equipment industry.

Adrian Winnett

Adrian Winnett is no stranger to the Argo Tractors product line, having worked as Landini sales manager for seven years before joining the UK arm of implement manufacturer Amazone, where he was appointed general manager in 2009 and then managing director in 2014.

He started his career in the family’s Northamptonshire-based farm machinery dealership, which held the Landini tractor franchise, before joining the Landini sales operation in Britain.

Simeone Morra, Corporate Business Director, Argo Tractors, said: “Adrian brings invaluable experience of managing a successful agricultural equipment distribution company, which combined with his knowledge of our business and the Landini product range, will be a great asset. We welcome him back to the Argo Tractors family.”

Adrian Winnett, who is married with three children, said of his appointment: “I’m very pleased to have this opportunity to work with Argo Tractors again and a product line that has been transformed while I’ve been working elsewhere.

“We face turbulent times in the agricultural machinery industry, with cost, staffing and competition pressures, and also with restructuring in the dealer sector as some manufacturers go ‘full line’ in the hope of securing more business from their dealerships.

“Argo is taking a different path, continuing to specialise in what it does best, producing well-engineered and performance tractors for all sectors, and promoting and supporting independent dealerships free to decide on the products they sell.

“I’m looking forward to steering the AgriArgo business and encouraging more farmers and contractors to consider a Landini or McCormick for their next tractor.”

Commenting on Ray Spinks’ decision to step down, Mr Morra said: “Ray has experienced many roles with us in manufacturing, sales and management, and he was pivotal in the re-introduction of the McCormick brand back in 2001.

“For the past 10 years, he has dedicated his knowledge and experience to the running of AgriArgo UK Ltd and he now deserves some well-earned downtime. On behalf of the Morra family and Argo Tractors, we thank Ray for his contribution and dedication over the years and wish him well for the future.”