DEALER JOINS MCCORMICK FROM COMPETITOR BRAND

Truro Farm Machinery is the latest dealer to agree to sell and support ARGO Tractors’ McCormick brand, with the business having taken on the full franchise for McCormick’s 44-310hp range from November 15.

The change follows a shuffling of tractor brands amongst dealerships locally. Service Dealer understands that Truro Farm Machinery has switched to McCormick from Case IH, which has chosen to move its franchise to former local John Deere dealer Cornwall Farm Machinery, after the John Deere area the latter held was given to Smallridge Bros in an extension of Smallridge's territory. 

A family-run business, Truro Farm Machinery was founded in 1983. In summer 2010, the company outgrew its original premises in the centre of Truro, and moved to a purpose-built new site in a more convenient location just off the A30 at Mitchell, complete with larger, better-equipped workshops and parts department complex.

“Our aim has always been to deliver a first-class service to all our customers, large or small,” says Kevin Andrews, the company’s managing director.

“We know our farmers value the quality of our machinery, and in the rare case something goes wrong, they know we will bend over backwards to get them working again as soon as possible.

“We had been talking with McCormick’s UK team for some time, but it was the launch of a brand-new range of X7 short wheelbase models due at LAMMA in January that finally convinced us. We feel this is a great time for TFM and our loyal customers to join forces with McCormick.
 
“This hasn’t been a spur of the moment decision on our part, but has come from close communication with McCormick Tractors UK and Ireland. We are particularly excited about the new X7 models, especially as the 150-200hp bracket is a strong sector for our business. McCormick has already been working closely with us, delivering a tractor from its Doncaster headquarters to send out to some of our customers for appraisal. The result was excellent feedback and very good reviews. 

“That reinforced our conviction that this is the right franchise for us, and as a committed stocking dealer we already have models in our yard ready for demonstration and sale.

After signing with McCormick back in 2001 when the marque was relaunched, the TFM later switched to another make following a local reshuffle of franchises. Now the McCormick signage is back on the building at Mitchell, alongside the signs for the firm’s other franchises, which include JCB, McHale, McConnel, Teagle, Shelbourne Reynolds, Watson and Conor, plus trailers from JPM, AW and Indespension.

Truro Farm Machinery’s team of seven engineers – which includes one apprentice - are preparing to begin service training on McCormick tractors, whilst the two-strong team in the parts department are also setting up new systems and stocking up to support any customer needs. 

"We’re really excited by the new franchise, and can’t wait to show customers the new X7 and other models at LAMMA in January," said Kevin.

Commenting on the appointment, Managing Director of Argo Tractors in the UK and Ireland, Adrian Winnett said “ We are delighted to welcome a dealer of TFM’s calibre to our rapidly expanding network. The McCormick brand is growing constantly, and our focus on dealers who provide exceptional aftersales service is key to our growth."