94 | Quality support at hand for farmers Sales Team - Amberley. Rosa Watson With the agricultural sector facing challenging times, NC Equipment is providing reliable solutions to customers that create efficiencies and keep costs down. Group marketing manager Chris Cox says the past few years have been challenging across the rural sector, with rising input costs, tighter margins and more cautious purchasing decisions. “Despite that, we’ve continued to grow by staying close to our customers and focusing on providing practical solutions rather than simply selling machinery.” The group is seeing continued growth in precision agriculture, pasture management, cultivation, feeding systems and equipment., he says. “More than ever, customers want machinery that delivers a measurable return on investment, whether that’s saving time, reducing labour requirements or improving productivity.” Technology is becoming an increasingly important part of modern farming. “Many of the machines we supply now incorporate GPS guidance, precision application and smarter control systems that help farmers make better decisions and maximise every hectare. There are more than 30 members of the NC Equipment team across the group, with experienced sales, service and parts staff supporting customers throughout the regions. Strong after-sales support is a huge emphasis for the team, Chris says. One of the biggest developments has been the continued expansion of the group’s branch network, RURAL SERVICES » NC Equipment Ltd allowing it to provide better local support while maintaining the same high level of quality service. “We’re continually adding new brands and strengthening existing partnerships with manufacturers that produce equipment suited to New Zealand conditions.” Recent additions include brands such as Monosem, Arcusin, Ktwo, Seko/Kongskilde and a number of specialist cultivation and pasture management solutions. Chris says spreaders, cultivation equipment and strip-til cultivators continue to be in strong demand as farmers look for ways to improve efficiency and maximise production. “One of our strengths is offering a broad range of equipment backed by knowledgeable staff who can help customers choose the right solution for their particular farming system.” Remaining family-owned has allowed NC Equipment to maintain a long-term view of the business, Chris says. “That family ownership creates a culture where relationships genuinely matter. Many customers have worked with NC Equipment across generations and know they’ll receive honest advice, reliable support and people who stand behind the products they sell. “Decisions are made with customers, staff and the future of the company in mind, rather than focusing on short-term outcomes.” Each member of the Bassett family brings their own strengths and experience to the business, with the same shared values of integrity, hard work and looking after customers, he says. “Those values have helped shape the culture of the company as it has grown, and they’re reflected across the wider team every day.” He says the group has experienced large expansion over the last two years. “After opening up in Manawatu and Waikato, our focus now is on continuing to strengthen the regions we already serve while investing in the people, systems and infrastructure that help deliver an even better customer experience.” This includes expanding digital capability, improving customer communication, investing in technology and continuing to build strong relationships with leading international machinery manufacturers. “We’re always open to opportunities where they make sense for both the business and our customers, but our priority is sustainable growth rather than growth for the sake of it. “If the right opportunity presents itself, we’re certainly not afraid to explore new regions, however our current focus is on continuing to provide outstanding support across the areas we already operate in.”
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