More details have emerged of the buy-out of Lincolnshire cultivation kit specialist Simba International by US drill giant Great Plains.

The deal, finalised last week for an undisclosed amount, comes about as a result of a number of factors.

For 11 years Simba has marketed Horsch drills in the UK but this agreement did not extend to the company’s export markets, where the German manufacturer had already established its own distribution channels.

“Not having a drill in our armoury really limited our activity in establishing the Simba brand in certain markets, particularly across Europe,” explained Simba managing director, Guy Leversha.

“For a long while our distributors have been asking for something to sow crops with. It makes sense – we have every conceivable tillage tool and need to offer the full line-up. The Great Plains deal will make that possible.”

To compound matters, Horsch has been expanding its range of cultivation kit to the point where there are now many overlaps with the British-built Simba line-up. Given that the UK is Horsch’s second strongest drill market (after Germany), the company was keen to see more of its tillage tackle sold here but, understandably, Simba prioritised sales of its own products.

Consequently in the weeks leading up to a deal with Great Plains for drills in Simba’s export markets, Horsch served notice on the Lincolnshire company, terminating Simba’s role as UK distributor as of March next year.

“The timing was ironic given that we were already in discussion with Great Plains,” said Mr Leversha.

“It then made sense to explore the options for developing a US-built drill suitable for conditions in the UK and Europe. Selling 100% of the business to North America’s leading equipment manufacturer was the right route to choose.”

For the next nine months Simba will continue to market, promote and back up Horsch equipment in the UK, giving the German firm time to set up alternative distribution arrangements and Great Plains a decent spell in which to adapt its products for Europe.

“Products that sell well in the USA won’t necessarily work in Europe,” pointed out Daniel Rauchholz, president of Great Plains.

“We’re designing new machines specifically for these conditions. We need to understand the culture and thinking behind the approaches used here.”

Simple things that might not appear critical can have an enormous impact. In the USA farmers will not countenance steel seed and fertiliser hoppers whereas in Europe that is the expected norm. North America’s roads do not necessitate a 3m transport width whereas here it is law.

While it looks likely that Great Plains kit will start to appear in the UK next year, liveried in the US firm’s trademark green and branded “Simba-Great Plains”, Simba equipment is being shipped across the Atlantic for testing in North American conditions this summer.

“British-built machines clearly hold a strong position here and in Europe and will bolster our line-up back home,” said Mr Rauchholz.

“We plan to invest at the Sleaford factory and expand production there.”

“Currently our products would fit a niche in the UK and Europe but aren’t viewed as mainstream. We need to have the full line from tillage to seeding and planting and Simba will enable us to do that.”

• Simba is one of the few remaining truly British machinery manufacturers. Does its sale represent a sell-out for the whole industry? Will it have wider implications? Let us know what you think on our forums

What is Great Plains?

Based in Kansas, Great Plains is the largest privately-owned manufacturer of agricultural equipment in the USA. It builds some 3000 seed drills each year in addition to a large range of tillage tackle, sprayers, planters, compact tractor implements and zero-turn mowers.