Reaping benefits of franchise

10:03am Tuesday 19th February 2008

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AN agricultural engineer is celebrating after winning his first tractor franchise.

Rob Stevenson set up his farm machinery business less than three years ago, concentrating on repairs, maintenance and servicing.

Now his Agriplus dealership based at Dunsdale, near Guisborough, east Cleveland, plans to expand after being appointed to sell and service the full range of McCormick tractors.

"Being offered the McCormick range as our first tractor franchise is a real step up that will take the business to new levels," said Mr Stevenson.

McCormick - part of the Argo Group whose world sales were more than £620m in 2006 - is Britain's fourth largest tractor manufacturer and is based in Doncaster.

The Agriplus dealership covers an area from Peterlee, in County Durham, to Whitby, North Yorkshire, and across to the A1 at Scotch Corner.

Richard Winter handles parts orders and distribution, while Mr Stevenson looks after sales alongside technician Simon Muir.

Mr Stevenson said: "My background is in the workshop, so while I'm enthusiastic about selling new tractors, the business is run with a strong emphasis on looking after our customers with good maintenance, repairs and parts services.

"We're already planning to recruit more workshop staff to make sure we have the skills and manpower to achieve this."

Cleveland Land Services, a plant hire firm and specialist contractor, have already bought five tractors and ordered six more.

A tractor and tanker has also been sold to Impetus Waste Management for dust suppression work.

Mr Stevenson said: "I left the service department of a dealer at Northallerton to set up my own business, and am really pleased with the way things have gone."