28 | South Waikato: Waikato Tractors REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Expansion plans for company Waikato Tractors offers an array of tractors and specialised farm machinery brands and services for customers. T T Sue Russell 10 Mainstreet Place, Hamilton • Phone: (07) 957 0210 • Email: lynton@waidry.co.nz www.apparelmasterwaikato.co.nz • www.apparelmaster.co.nz Fully managed workwear & workplace rental solutions Strong. Simple. Smart. www.sammachinery.co.nz Ph 07 847 8472 When asked how business has been Jared Drummond, Manager of Waikato Tractors says overall the past five years or so has been very positive. “Farming has been good with enough years for clients to invest in new machinery. We know these things go in cycles though,” Jared says. Business Central spoke with Jared on the eve of National Fieldays, held at Mystery Creek, just south of Hamilton. Jared says that the event provides a welcomed space to catch up with farmer customers and display some of the current offering. “It’s good to have the chance to touch-base and get a sense from customers as to how their businesses are tracking.” Waikato Tractors operates from its base in Kahikatea Drive and has been there 40 years through periods of expansion in brand and services offering. Now the decision has been made to shift out of town to a purpose built facility in Hautapu just off SH1. Jared says this is going to be a major development forward for the company and he and the team of 53 staff are looking forward to the move. “We bought the land and are just having the geotech work done before starting construction. We hope to get underway with building and move in within a couple of years.” Jared knows that what drives farmers to invest in new machinery is the drive toward greater efficiency and outcome. Farm machinery in all forms is constantly evolving, with more and more expensive on-board technologies designed to make farm work easier and faster. “The workshops at our new premises are the size of our entire site in Hamilton. I think everyone is looking forward to the move.” Waikato Tractors offers an array of tractors and specialised farm machinery brands and services for customers. Farmers tend to be loyal to a brand but are always open to a conversation as to why another brand might be more suitable. On offer at any given time are tractors from Massey Ferguson, Fendt, Valtra, and Iseki. Before changing its name to Waikato Tractors, the company was known as Hamilton Iseki. Beyond tractors, customers can also purchae feed wagons, balers, harvesting, cultivation and ploughing equipment. “We also have a selection of second hand tractors and equipment as farmers upgrade and trade-in. I think what we do really well is that we get to know our customers specific circumstances and can provide equipment best suited.” A Replacement Planning Programme is another service offered. This gives customers the opportunity to let Waikato Tractors know when they may be considering replacement of machinery or tractors. “This gives us a heads up to look out for possible trade-ins coming on the market that may suit a customers specific needs.” Asked what underpins the success of the business Jared says it begins with massive staff retention levels, with a number of staff working 20+ years and many there 10+ years. “The previous owner was very big on staff wellbeing and this has continued to be a priority for me.” And looking ahead to the move out to Hautapu, Jared says its going to an incredible working area for staff, particularly in the service department, with purpose built workshops. “The workshops at our new premises are the size of our entire site in Hamilton. I think everyone is looking forward to the move.”
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