Two independent agricultural engineers hope that taking on a new tractor franchise for the first time will give a significant boost to their businesses.
Brian Smith at Cornhill, Banff and Mark Wood, Premnay near Insch have been appointed to the McCormick tractor dealership network by GB distributor AgriArgo to cover north and south Aberdeenshire, respectively.
They launched their new ventures on a joint stand at the Turriff and Keith Country shows in August to highlight that they now supply the full range of McCormick tractors, provide parts from their own stock and from AgriArgo's stores at Harworth near Doncaster, and are equipped to service and repair existing McCormick tractors in the field.
"It's exciting but also a bit daunting," admits Brian Smith. "Servicing and repairing tractors comes as second nature but I'll be on a steep learning curve when it comes to sales!"
He set up Brian Smith Engineers 15 years ago, having earned his spurs as a workshop technician at a leading machinery dealership in the area.
"We pride ourselves on offering a first class service and as well as being a McCormick main dealer, we carry large stocks of parts for NH combines," he says. "We also supply Agrolube farm machinery lubricants, have an extensive range of hydraulic pipes and fittings, and can obtain parts and accessories from Granit, Vapormatic, Sparex, Kramp Agri and Bepco."
Mark Wood sees the appointment as a great opportunity to develop the business - Mark Wood Agri-Sales - he started just five years ago: "It needed a bit of direction and focus, and becoming a McCormick dealer is certainly providing that," he says.
Mr Wood gained experience at agricultural machinery dealers in Aberdeenshire and Australia before deciding to establish his own operation. He is sole proprietor but his partner Lynda Watt will soon be running an expanded parts store.
"We're improving our premises and increasing the parts stock to provide a fully professional service," says Mr Wood. "I'm determined to make the most of this opportunity and look forward to making our first delivery of a new McCormick tractor to a customer."
