SOME major changes to tractor franchises in Scotland have been announced regarding AGCO brands, Massey Ferguson, Fendt and Valtra.

Effective from now, AGCO said it had agreed changes with existing dealer partners in the North of England and South of Scotland on the distribution of Fendt and Massey Ferguson brands.

These changes, which will be fully implemented by April 1, 2021, support AGCO’s long-term strategy driving brand exclusivity, full-line responsibility and appropriate brand bundling to support the growth of each brand, it said.

Under these changes, Carrs Billington becomes an exclusive MF dealer and will focus its extensive organisation across an extended territory in South-west and South-east Scotland. It will continue to operate from established outlets in Annan, Carlisle, Penrith, Morpeth, Hexham and Barnard Castle, while another location will open in South-west Scotland to support its business across the extended area.

The distribution of Fendt products will be via three existing AGCO dealers. Former John Deere dealer, Johnston Tractors, will add the Fendt franchise to the Valtra franchise that it already holds from its Carlisle, Penrith and Dumfries branches.

Meanwhile, Brockhills of Yorkshire, is to extend its existing Fendt responsibilities further north. These will be serviced from its depot in Thirsk.

Ancroft Tractors will also extend its Fendt territory south from its Berwick-upon-Tweed and Kelso depots, to complete the full coverage of the brand across the area. It will also, however, continue its long-established representation of Massey Ferguson.

“These new distribution arrangements are the latest changes that will strengthen brand dedication and continue to deliver market share growth for each of our brands,” outlined Mark Casement, director of distribution management for AGCO.

“We have a clear strategic direction that places an emphasis on maximising brand exclusivity, while always improving dealer viability, and we are pleased to make these changes while offering all our valued partners the opportunity to grow their business with us in the years ahead.

“We are confident that this focus will continue to develop the excellent customer-centred support that customers across the area enjoy and expect from our dedicated dealer partners.”

A spokesman for Carrs Billington said that MF was a strong well-respected brand in the area with an excellent heritage. “With the exciting launch of the 8S series, as well as a new stream of products coming on line in early 2021, there is lots to be excited about!,” it announced on its website.

“Having such a comprehensive range of tractors from 19.5hp to 400hp enables us to offer our customers the best in class product to meet their needs with a newly expanded trading area covering South-east and South-west Scotland.

The business will cease distributing Fendt tractors in early 2021 and its distribution of established partners, such as Krone, BvL, Weidemann, Yamaha, Can Am, Hispec, Broughan, plus partners new to Carrs Billington’s stable – Horsch, Teagle and Ovlac – are unaffected by the AGCO announcements.

Ancroft Tractors will extend its current Northumberland coverage south to the Tyne Valley and over to the South-west towards Haltwhistle, an area previously covered by Carrs Billington.

This extended area will initially be serviced from their depots in Berwick upon Tweed and Kelso, and over the next six months it will be looking to recruit technicians and sales support to cover the extended area.

Managing director of Ancroft Tractors, Tom Brown, said: “We very much look forward to welcoming our new customers. I would like to take this opportunity to reassure them that every effort will be made to ensure a smooth transition.

“Together with this expansion of our Fendt territory, we will be maintaining our existing Massey Ferguson customer base. This autumn sees the new MF 8 Series joining the line-up.” The business also holds franchises for Merlo, Sumo, Sulky, Teagle and other brands.

Johnston Tractors will add Fendt to its existing Valtra territory in Cumbria and will cover an extended territory for both Fendt and Valtra in Dumfries and Galloway.

“We see this a positive move for the business and our customers. It will allow us to offer a tremendous compliment of tractors from the Fendt and Valtra range, alongside a vast range of farm machinery from Kuhn,” it said.

There have also been changes to Valtra's existing dealer network in Scotland.

Under the changes, CAM Engineering, based from existing premises in Castle Douglas, will expand its territory to cover more of South-west Scotland, while Alistair Young Engineering, at Dunphail, Forres, will also expand west to support customers across the Black Isle and North Scotland.