Business Central July 2021

28 | Helping to keep farmers on the move Tim Myers: “For us it is important that our people feel as though they have a very meaningful contribution to make.” T from page 26 REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Manawatu - CEDA: Norwood Farm Machinery While a diverse range of brands are stocked, the primary brands are Vaderstad, Horsch and Kuhn. Norwood’s machinery retail business is sup- ported by the largest network of service loca- tions/dealerships in New Zealand, all of which offer 24/7 support to New Zealand farmers. “Norwood’s purpose, and something that we expect all our employees to identify with, is simply to keep farmers moving. Irrespective of what the farmer is driving or using, if it goes down, it needs to be up and it needs to be up as quickly as possible, hence the dealerships we have.” Of critical importance to Norwood support- ing New Zealand farmers is that it owns and manages New Zealand’s largest in-country inventory of spare parts, currently valued at $20m and stored at Palmerston North. “We can deliver any part out of our Palmer- ston North warehouse to any address within 24 hours, and often much less. Reflecting upon the importance of the 500 strong team that work across all of Norwood’s dealerships and the National Support Centre in Palmerston North, Tim reaffirms that the business is dedicated to keeping farmers moving. He says in order to do that the company de- pends on the best people in the industry who operate as the ‘One Norwood Team’. “Everyone, irrespective of the role held, has the opportunity to contribute to a customer outcome and that’s really important. By ac- knowledging the ability to help we are taking responsibility at the same time. “It’s saying we are part of a team than can make a difference. And that is the culture of our team. “For us it is important that our people feel as though they have a very meaningful contri- bution to make. “Creating that clarity is critical, not only to the outcomes that we deliver on farm but also to the general sense of well-being and task fulfillment amongst staff. “We believe in a very close alignment be- tween job satisfaction and that sense of feel- ing as though we are making a contribution. So the welfare of our staff is a very important feature to that essence of the business.” But Tim says the heart of the business is also very much about understanding the role Norwood and the ‘One Norwood Team’ have to play within the agricultural eco-system. “We believe in the value in New Zealand food produce and we are very aware of the opportunity that New Zealand agriculture has on the world stage, particularly at the mo- ment. The global consumer is becoming even more discerning which is exciting to all of us who play a role in the production of food.” While farmers have long been the bread and butter customer base for Norwood, Con- tractors and lifestyle block owners are emerg- ing as a very large and important segment to the Norwood family. In addition to looking after its customers’ machinery needs, Norwood enjoys playing a supporting role in the communities in which it operates. “Our range of products and services are often called upon in times of emergency and we have a formal relationship with the Civil Defence and Emergency Management team in Central Government, and that is nationwide. “Here in Palmerston North, along with other businesses, our people are mentors with the Chamber of Commerce. In the Manawatu we sponsor several scholarships for aspiring agricultural leaders and offer internships — we normally have about six operating at any one time.” A primary partner for some of the regions’ leading sports teams like the Cyclones and Turbos, at a local level in Palmerston North Norwood Sponsors the Ford Ranger Rural WORKING TOGETHER, WHATEVER THE WEATHER At UDC, we’re all about supporting the beating heart of rural New Zealand. That’s why we’ve been, and still are, working hand in hand with Norwood to help grow your business with the most trusted farm equipment, expert advice and hassle-free finance. TALK TO YOUR LOCAL NORWOOD DEALER TODAY udc.co.nz/equipment | 0800 322 888 UDC Finance Limited