34 | World class facilities, leading brands Dealer principal Richard Clarke says Power Farming Morrinsville is “absolutely committed to the agricultural sector in the Waikato”. Morrinsville: Power Farming Morrinsville REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Power Farming has made massive investment in its Morrinsville operation over recent years and dealer principal Richard Clarke says the message is clear: “Power Farming Morrinsville is not going anywhere. We are absolutely committed to the agricultural sector in the Waikato,” he says. It’s a proud time for Richard, Morrinsville born and bred. He grew up on a local dairy farm followed by an international banking career for around 20 years, which took him to London and Australia. Five years ago, wanting to return home, the opportunity came up to become a JV partner of the then Maber Motors. The business was rebranded in 2017 to Power Farming Morrinsville and it has developed in leaps and bounds since then including opening a brand new dealership building on the same site in 2019. Richard says the facilities offered to customers are world class including a 16 bay workshop with gantry cranes, stylish and functional showroom and expansive yard. “The new retail facility means an enhanced customer experience,” says Richard. The workshop is around 200% larger than the one it replaced and leads to quicker, more efficient services. “It’s large enough for the big farming equipment of today. Having an inside covered workshop means a clean working environment and the right technology and equipment to get the job done as fast and safe as possible. We recognise that farmers need their equipment back up and running quickly,” he says. Importantly a great facility has also helped the business to attract the best talent. In a tight labour market this has been vital. “The biggest constraint the industry is finding is getting good technicians. We’ve been able to do that. We have six more mechanics than three years ago so total of 14 now. It’s a really experienced team. We have a couple of apprentices as well. Most of team is local so it’s given job opportunities to the community.” The new retail offering and showroom boasts a sales team of three and one in Taupo. “They are all very experienced, generally coming from an agricultural background. The average industry experience in the team would be around 20-25 years. The showroom has fast moving parts that people buy off the shelf as well as two specialised parts staff that have access to a massive range of parts. Being located next door to the national Power Farming parts warehouse is a distinct advantage for our customers.” Power Farming represents top brands such Karen Phelps as Deutz-Fahr, Kverneland, McHale, Kioti, Maschio, Merlo and Fliegel. JCB Construction equipment is a new offering and has just arrived with stock rolling in the door. “We’re very excited to have such a great global brand on our shelves.” The whole business has tripled in size in terms of turnover in the past few years and it’s still growing. Richard says this is on the back of “being good at what we do”: “It’s not all about selling equipment; it’s the parts and service that makes them come back and keep purchasing from you. You have to provide a good service led business to succeed. Our services include on farm servicing, routine maintenance, welding, electrical repairs, air conditioning servicing and diagnostics.” Being local is also important. “We know the families who live here. That immediately brings trust and an affinity. We understand farmers, what they need and how to help them.” Richard says this works alongside the company’s vision, which is always firmly focused on local. “I’m local and I’ve come back and put my own money into the business. I come from a farming, corporate and financial background. The idea was to breath life into the Morrinsville business. Morrinsville is where Power Farming started and it had real room to grow. It has a hell of a legacy here.” He says Morrinsville has always been a service town to the rural sector and it’s growing as new people move to the region. “Power Farming started in the heart of Morrinsville and it’s great to see our business here going from strength to strength, helping the local community and farmers to thrive.” If Morrinsville customers are in any doubt that they are experiencing the best of the best, Power Farming Morrinsville was runner up in 2022 for Dealership of the Year in the Power Farming group. The parts department took out the Parts Department of the Year award for the whole group. “The awards are based on the overall business, not just profitability but growth, customer satisfaction, staff engagement etc. It’s recognition of hard work and doing the job well. This is what being good looks like. We’re proud to be setting the pace.” Proud Partner www.dllgroup.com '// SURYLGHV FXVWRP ƬQDQFH VROXWLRQV IRU WKH FOLHQWV RI WKH WHDP RI 3RZHU )DUPLQJ 0RUULQVYLOOH – we help their clients to keep growing.
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