| 87 RURAL SERVICES » Power Farming Major milestone Karen Phelps Power Farming is proud to be celebrating its 75th anniversary. “Over the years we’ve grown a lot and it’s nice to reflect on the milestones, achievements and the fun we’ve had along the way working with some amazing people,” says Power Farming Group Director Brett Maber. Power Farming had its beginnings when Brett’s grandfather Laurie, an A grade mechanic, came back from serving in WWII. He set up a small one-man band operation, Maber Motors, to sell and service tractors and implements to the local farming community in Morrinsville. It was Laurie’s wife Vonnie Maber that took the company to the next level applying for the Fergusson franchise after seeing an ad in the local newspaper. This was the pivotal moment that set the company on the path to venture into the agriculture and tractor business. In 1977, Maber Motors secured the rights to distribute Iseki tractors in New Zealand, and Laurie’s son Geoff Maber, formed a separate wholesale company in 1978 to fully develop this new opportunity. The new company was named Power Farming. Iseki quickly became New Zealand’s top selling tractor and Power Farming grew at pace. In 1981 the company was appointed Iseki distributor for Australia and over the next two decades gradually built a stable of high-quality tractor and machinery franchises from around the world. In 2004 the company acquired Howard Australia, an iconic Sydney based importer and distributor of cultivation, mowing, seeding and feeding equipment. Howard branded products now represent a key part of the company’s product line-up. In 2017 the Power Farming Group (PFG) expanded its international footprint by securing the exclusive distribution rights to Deutz-Fahr tractors in the USA creating a truly global company. PFG has now grown to become a major enterprise with a considerable investment in people, facilities and technology – all aimed at serving a customer base spread throughout the length and breadth of Australia, New Zealand and the USA. Brett says PFG’s secret to success over the years has been its desire to grow, expand and do things better for its customers. “Growth is a mind-set and if you have that mindset you’re always looking for opportunities. We’ve always worked closely with Kiwi farmers, understanding their needs and finding ways to assist them and help them to grow their business.” Brett says another key part of the company’s amazing success has been its team. “They’ve shared our dream and all helped to get the business to where it is.” The company is continuing its growth trajectory. Power Farming’s new parts distribution and assembly warehouse in Morrinsville is now fully operational. A new building in Pukekohe is due to open in 2024 as the new Power Farming and JCB Construction Auckland headquarters and will become the company’s main North Island hub setting the company up for the future in that region, says Brett. Power Farming Bay of Plenty, previously Capital Tractors in Tauranga, has moved to a brand new 10,000sqm facility in Mount Maunganui marking big expansion in that region. The company is also about to embark on a new rebuild of the Te Awamutu branch and its staff in Blenheim have just recently moved into brand-new facilities in Riverlands. “We’ve built the business up to be in a position where we can explore different opportunities as they come up,” says Brett. “As to the future of Power Farming – the sky’s the limit.” Murray Barclay Dealer Principal 0274 753 690 Jimmy Barnes Sales 021 717 264 Mike Whitburn Sales Manager 0274 824 614 TE AWAMUTU 200 Benson Road 07 870 2411 We keep you growing Proud to support John Austin Ltd 6G SERIES PAY FOR A 6145G AND GET A 6165G Terms, conditions and standard lending criteria applies. GST paid month 3. Limited time offer while stocks last. deutz nz GET A FREE UPGRADE FOR EVEN MORE PRODUCTIVITY Buy a JS130 and be into win a 45KVA generator 1.99% OVER 36 MONTHS INTEREST* * Terms, conditions and standard lending criteria applies. Limited time offer while stocks last. CONSTRUCTION Powe Farming Wairarapa Masterton | 307 High Street | 06 370 8240 For all of your Service & Parts needs. Fieldays team photo. HQ in Morrinsville. Mabers together
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