Cornwall Farmers has completed the sale of its agricultural machinery business, which is now being run by two new John Deere franchises in the county.
A new dealership called Cornwall Farm Machinery Ltd, based at the existing premises in Penzance, continues 42 years of John Deere sales and service in mid- and west Cornwall, and is headed by dealer principal Andrew Nicholas, who was formerly Cornwall Farmers’ machinery sales manager.
In addition, Devon-based John Deere dealer Smallridge Bros Ltd of Barnstaple has set up a new branch under its name at the existing Kelly Bray premises near Callington, to cover mid- and east Cornwall. All 32 machinery staff from the Cornwall Farmers machinery division have been taken on by the new dealerships, including those from the third Cornwall Farmers branch at Roche.
"This deal provides continuity for all our customers in Cornwall," says Andrew Nicholas. "As with all John Deere dealers, Cornwall Farm Machinery Ltd is committed to providing the highest level of sales and service support, and with a team combining over 200 years of John Deere knowledge and experience in mid- and west Cornwall, we will ensure that our customers continue to receive the best possible back-up from our fully qualified technicians, plus a comprehensive parts delivery service across our area."
Dealer principal David Smallridge adds: "Smallridge Bros has been serving farmers in the south-west for the last 33 years and has been a John Deere dealer for over two decades, with a well-established reputation for service and customer support. As part of the plans to expand our new Cornish branch, we intend to greatly increase the availability of spares, as well as the range of machines for sale."
