Claydon appoints its first dealers

Claydon Drills has announced its first dealer appointments in the UK as part of an ongoing programme of expansion for the Suffolk-based manufacturing business which now sells in 26 countries.

The first to sign up, Buglers, is a family business based at Beaminster in Dorset which has served the agricultural industry in the South West since 1851 and continues to do so from its four branches, in Axminster, Beaminster, Charminster and Yeovil. Covering most of Dorset, East Devon and South Somerset, the business holds a number of key agricultural franchises. The main New Holland dealer for West Dorset, East Devon and South Somerset, Buglers is a past recipient of the prestigious New Holland ‘Mark of Excellence’ award.

H. Curtis & Sons operates two depots, the original at Stanton Wick Pensford near Bristol being joined by a second at Wellington near Taunton in 2012. In addition to farming 2500 acres, H. Curtis & Sons supply new and used quality agricultural and groundscare equipment.

Andrew Symons Ltd, which employs 30 staff, operates from premises at Holsworthy and South Molton in Devon. Over the last 15 years the company has received the prestigious New Holland ‘Mark of Excellence’.

Ross Agri Services, a family business run by Martin, Bill and Ethel Ross, has been operating since 1972 and is now one of the leading suppliers of new and used tractors in Scotland and the UK, holding franchises for Challenger, Fendt and Valtra. In addition to its original depot in Montrose the company also now operates from Turriff. The business has expanded and grown in a manageable, sustainable way and its owners are proud of their reputation for excellent service and reliability.

Announcing the appointments, Charlie Eaton, Sales Manager of Claydon Drills Ltd in the UK and ROI, stated: “Over the last few years the Claydon business has grown very strongly and the brand is now highly respected all over the world. We have traditionally sold directly to farmers throughout the UK but as a result of rapidly-expanding demand for the Claydon range we have been investigating the options for taking the business forward, both in the UK and overseas.

“Earlier this year we engaged well-known agricultural industry consultant Guy Leversha to evaluate our route to market, both in the UK and overseas. This has highlighted a number of opportunities for dealer distribution which will allow us to capture the significant potential which exists for the Claydon range by working closely with strategic partners who share our enthusiasm.

“We are delighted to be working with these professional dealers who have a long track record in the agricultural sector and like ourselves are highly-regarded family-owned businesses with a strong brand. We believe this will provide significant opportunities for all those involved and would also welcome the opportunity to talk to other dealers who are interested in taking on the Claydon agency.”

Claydon Drills was started by Suffolk farmer Jeff Claydon who, in response to falling cereal prices and lower farming profits, developed the company’s patented Strip Seeding System for establishing crops in 2002. Delivering significant economic, agronomic and environmental benefits, it is now used all over the world, in all soil and crop conditions to achieve above-average yields without the need for unnecessary and expensive pre-cultivations.