RW Crawford has relocated to a purpose-built, state-of-the-art depot at Writtle, on the outskirts of Chelmsford, Essex, as the family-run agricultural machinery business says they look to strengthen its commitment to customers and staff.

“We are a very service-oriented business and have built a reputation for delivering excellent customer service and support,” explains managing director Wes Crawford. “And while we have the staff, the skills and the knowledge, our former base at South Woodham Ferrers lacked space and facilities to move our business forward.

“We had simply outgrown South Woodham and the location didn’t offer any opportunity to grow,” he says. “So we’ve been looking for 15 years for a chance to redevelop our Essex operation, and ultimately to own our site and premises.”

Built on a three-acre greenfield site at a cost of around £3m, the new depot cements the family business’ long-term commitment to customers and staff. Taking four years from design to completion, the new building boasts a footprint of 1,765 square metres, of which over 800 square metres are allocated to a six-bay workshop.

With workshop space for 12 tractors and being tall enough to house combine harvesters, the workshop also offers room to support neighbouring Writtle University’s engineering department.

“We have a long-standing relationship with Writtle University, and our new premises also provides an opportunity to further the education and development of young engineers,” adds Wes.

A recent open day at Fox Burrows Lane, Writtle, saw just under 1,000 visitors pass through the gates of the new Crawford operation, giving an opportunity to see the larger showroom with extensive product lines, plus a larger stores and spare parts operation that is contained over two floors. With 32 staff at Crawford’s Writtle depot, and 15 mobile technicians, the Essex business is now well-placed to build on what Bob Crawford started almost 40 years ago.

“I like a challenge, I thoroughly enjoy the diversity that agriculture offers, and I enjoy looking after our customers,” explains Wes Crawford. “It’s all down to fantastic team work and a trusted partnership between Crawfords and its customers.”