Smithfield Tractors to end John Deere franchise after 30 years
Builth Wells-based Smithfield Tractors is to end its franchise with John Deere, three decades after it began working with the manufacturer.
Two existing dealers - Charlies Ag and Turf, and Tallis Amos Group - are to expand their areas of responsibility to support Smithfield's existing customer base.
Dealer principal at Smithfield Tractors, Tim Hughes, stepped up to take over the dealership from his father, Mike, in 1996.
At the time, the company was awarded the sales territory in mid-Wales, and has managed the relationship with John Deere ever since.
Tim Hughes spoke about the history with John Deere, saying: "Looking back, there's been a lot of change during our time selling green and yellow machines.
"They have become higher specification and continue to be able to do more, which is what my customers have demanded.
"Features such as AutoTrac GPS guidance are very popular, even in our area where many of our customers are small, family enterprises or hill farms.
"They see the value of it to their bottom line," Hughes said.
John Deere
According to John Deere, Smithfield mostly operates within a 30-mile radius of its depot.
Tim Hughes has highlighted the strong bond that Smithfield Tractors has with its customers to his 12 employees.
He said: "We're looking for repeat business so we try to give customers a good service and backup and we see our customers keep coming back."
Three members of Hughes' staff have worked at the dealership for the entire duration of the John Deere franchise.
Gwyn Dobbs, Mark Hammond and Trevor Williams have been at the company for more than 30 years, with Dobbs and Hammond having worked there for 40.
The 40-year-tenure pair received awards from the Royal Welsh Show Society for their long service to agriculture in July.
Tim Hughes thanked his team for their hard work while Smithfield Tractors was part of the John Deere franchise.
He has also paid tribute to their customers for their continued support, while endorsing the two dealerships that will be covering his former area.
Tallis Amos Group managing direction, Ben Tallis, and Charlies Ag & Turf dealer principle, Ross Holloway, wished Smithfield Tractors the best in its next chapter while also looking forward to their future responsibilities.
The Smithfield Tractors franchise with John Deere will end on October 31.
