ONE of the region’s leading farm machinery dealerships, CLAAS Harvest Centre, has moved to new premises at 239–241 Port Road, Whangarei. Branch Manager, John Haile, says the move will provide much-needed room for the dealership’s growing product range and service team.
“We now have 12 staff, including eight service technicians and apprentices, and we were struggling to fit everyone and everything in,” he says. John attributes the dealership’s growth to service. “Farm machinery is a competitive business and service is the difference,” he says.
“We are committed to providing genuine 24/7 service and we have a technician on roster every weekend. “If you break down on Saturday or Sunday, we will answer the phone and solve the problem on Saturday or Sunday, not the following Monday. “We service an area from Cape Reinga to Albany, which is more than six hours’ travel.
“One of technicians is based at Kerikeri and our goal is to put another in the south so we can further reduce travel times and provide better service our customers. “If we don’t go the extra mile, then someone else will.” Originally from Gloucestershire in the UK, John moved to New Zealand 12 years ago and has lengthy experience in the farm machinery, earthmoving and contracting sectors.
His team includes Sales Manager, Shane Powley, who has worked at Northland for nine years in range of sales, operational and management roles, and Sales Representative, Chris Duncan. Workshop Manager, Sam Clarke, heads a team of five service technicians, Bran Horsford, Joel Marsh, Isuru Pinto, Jason Rudolph and Peter Smith, and two apprentices, Josh Gregory and Billy MacGilllvray. Parts Manager, Ross McRae, completes the team.
The dealership is the regional sales and support centre for the complete line of CLAAS fodder harvesting technology and tractors; AMAZONE spreading, spraying, cultivation and drilling equipment; JCB telehandlers and wheeled loaders; and Trioliet mixer wagons.
“We have everything you need to plant, grow, harvest and handle quality pasture and silage with maximum efficiency,” John says. “Each one of our brands is recognised as a leader in its field. “Combined with our reputation for service and support, you can be confident that you’re getting the very best solution for your requirements.”
CLAAS Harvest Centre is the largest privately-owned farm machinery distributor in Australasia, with 31 company-owned and franchised branches throughout New Zealand and Australia.