Farmers in south Somerset have increased sales, service and parts support following the appointment of Mark Baker's engineering business, based at Ashwell near Ilminster, as a main dealership for McCormick tractors.
M Baker Engineering now represents McCormick in a territory that neighbours established McCormick dealers RSM Beare, Stoke Cannon; Read Agriservices, Wanstrow near Shepton Mallet (covering north Somerset); and Martin Richards Agricultural Engineers, Kingston near Sturminster Newton.
It's a big step for Mark as this is the first time he has entered the competitive world of new tractor sales. But he relishes the opportunity to develop his business and, potentially, create more jobs.
"Until now, we've always focused on servicing and repairing any make of tractor or implement that farmers bring us," he says. "We'll continue with that but with greater focus on McCormick products. Becoming a main dealer for a major tractor brand is a bit daunting but it's also too good an opportunity to miss."
Steve Cann, area sales manager at McCormick distributor AgriArgo UK, said, "When the McCormick territory in the area became available to a new dealership, Mark was the obvious candidate for it. He does a good job providing workshop services to loyal customers and can now put his past McCormick experience to good use."
Mark Baker (second from right) works alongside trained technicians Ali Haine (left) and Mark Wareham (right), and parts storesman Dave Fox.
To make the most of the opportunity, Mark Baker and his team now occupy larger premises at Ashwell, with a bigger workshop and more space to store a greater selection of parts.
An indoor tractor showroom is being prepared alongside a retail shop for hand tools, work clothing and consumables such as oil and filters, batteries and general fixtures and fittings. There are also refurbished sales and administration offices.
"Preparing the building is hard work but it's worth the time, late nights and investment," says Mark. "I want to make the most of this opportunity."
