AGRICAR LTD is a well-known New Holland dealership, found all over Scotland, with six depots in Perth, Forfar, Laurencekirk, Stirling, Blairgowrie and Dundonald.
It was in 2003 that the Agricar Dundonald, Ayrshire, depot was set up, with the man at the helm being the well recognised, Gordon Smith.
THE Dundonald branch reception
A need became available for a New Holland franchise in the Ayrshire area in 2003, and, having been employed by the company since the late 90s, after a number of stints with other organisations, Gordon was sent from his Glasgow’s Agricar base to prepare the new Dundonald branch for opening.
He explained: “It was a fantastic opportunity and opening for the business, and I spent a lot of time here getting it set up and prepared for new and old customers.”
GWEN Smith, of Dykefield Farm, Mauchline, has been with the team since leaving school
However, in 2005, Gordon left the company, taking up similar managerial positions in the industry for the next 11 years.
He explained: “I have taken on managerial jobs at various businesses which were not always performing particularly well, and I made sure I did my best to improve them, and bring them up to the required standard.
Discussions began in early 2016, and it was in March 1 that he retook the position of branch manager in Dundonald.
On his feelings about being back, Gordon explained: “It’s good to be back, but I won’t lie and say that I came back at a great time for the farming industry.
GORDON said it is important to have a good relationship with all of his staff
“I came back right in the middle of the milk crisis, and farmers in this area were really struggling and it left them in a lot of uncertainty.
“However, the milk price, of course, has increased again and it’s made such a difference to the local dairy farmers’ lives and to their businesses.
“I used to drive from Galston to Strathaven and there would be dairy farmers right along the road on the left and right hand side, and now there are just a handful left, and that’s really sad to see.”
There are 14 members of staff at Agricar Dundonald, which includes stores, workshop and sales, but, currently, only one woman is employed, as an admin assistant.
This role is occupied by Gwen Smith, of Dykefield Farm, Mauchline.
SOME of the stock available in the Dundonald depot
Gwen’s role requires her to oversee general office paperwork, and it is clear that, without her, the business would not run as smoothly.
Gordon commented: “It’s important to have someone like Gwen here - she keeps us all right and makes sure all of my appointments are in order, and ensures that I know what’s going on from day to day, as well as all of the other staff within the organisation.
“I have a good relationship with all of the team, and I think that it’s really important to have that with your staff.
“You have to be able to get on with your employees, and you have to gain respect from them.
“I think it’s important for me to set the example and I think if you do that, your staff will follow.
“It’s also important to be approachable, and there’s definitely some days where I’ll go and sit and have my lunch with some of the workers, and it’s a great way to chat to them, find out what’s going on in their particular department, and it also gives them the opportunity to speak to me about their job, and any concerns they might have.”
LEADING up to the Dundonald branch reception
On his plans for the organisation, Gordon concluded: “I hope to keep the business running successfully, and ensure that our customers are happy with the service they receive when they come here, because it’s the only way it can work, and it’s the only way we can ensure that Agricar Dundonald has a successful and profitable future!”
Some of the market leading franchises that Agricar, Dundonald have are made up of New Holland, New Holland Construction, Amazone, McConnel, Strautmann, Marshall, Slurrykat, Richard Western, Master Driers, Kongskilde, Dal-Bo, Fleming, Terrington/Einbock, Trimax, and Lynx, to name a few.
Gordon added: “In order to promote the business, and our franchise, we welcome customers, old and new, to the Agricar Spring Show which we will be hosting at Morris Equestrian Centre, Fenwick, on Tuesday, March 7, from 4pm, and Wednesday, March 8, from 11am.”
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