Landpower Group takes over CLAAS centres in southern NZ

Australasian agricultural machinery distributor, Landpower Group, is expanding its business further in New Zealand after acquiring five Canterbury based CLAAS Harvest Centres from its previous franchise owner Carrfields Group.

The Landpower Group had a franchise agreement with the Carrfields Group in Ashburton, Templeton, Timaru, Waipara, and Westland in the South Island of NZ, but during recent discussions about contract renewal it was determined by both parties that the takeover would be best for their customers.

Landpower chief executive Richard Wilson said significant investment needed to be made in the region to provide the right machinery, service and parts support and Landpower had the resources and commitment to do that.

The unconditional sale takes effect on Monday, July 3, and includes all stock, motor vehicles, plant and equipment.

Carrfields will retain ownership of the properties and lease them to Landpower.

Mr Wilson said while the Canterbury CLAAS Harvest Centres would now be part of a more extensive network, which includes 33 sites across Australasia, they would continue to be based on the local relationships at the heart of the successful regional dealerships.

“Our current branch network has autonomy, and a ‘run it like you own it’ mentality, so it will be business as usual for the five Canterbury centres under our ownership,” Mr Wilson said.

“The valued customers, suppliers, and local teams in Canterbury can expect the same dedication to service and quality that Carrfields has built its local reputation on.”

Mr Wilson said the goal was to help gear up farmers for success through its role in supporting their machinery requirements.

“With all the challenges involved in farming, significantly increased investment will be required by dealerships to ensure we have the right machinery and service and parts support in place to help our customers operate successfully,” he said.

“We have the resources and long-term commitment to do that well.”

All employees related to CLAAS, AMAZONE and JCB sold and serviced through the Canterbury CLAAS Harvest Centres are being offered ongoing employment with Landpower.

Landpower is Australasia’s official distributor of CLAAS and other farm machinery brands and owns and operates 18 CLAAS Harvest Centres across the region, with franchise arrangements with independently owned centres at an additional 15 locations.

Under the previous franchise agreement Carrfields had provided the CLAAS Harvest Centre range to the Canterbury, West Coast and Tasman farming communities since 1993.

Carrfields Group managing director Craig Carr said the decision was the right thing for employees and customers, which was the priority for both organisations.

“While it’s the end of an era for our family with the CLAAS Harvest Centre franchise, we know our people at each location will have the opportunity to further develop their careers within the wider Landpower network,” Mr Carr said.

Landpower is also building a CLAAS Harvest Centre in Yaldhurst, Christchurch, scheduled for completion in March 2024.