RVT faces fresh challenge as JCB appoints replacement dealers

As machinery dealer Rea Valley Tractors holds out against placing the business in the hands of administrators, the company faces a fresh challenge as major supplier JCB has appointed replacement dealers.

Financial issues at RVT and other Dunstall Holdings group companies came to light when court notices of intention to appoint administrators were filed on 19 August, providing 10 business days’ protection from creditor legal action.

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A second notice, filed on 3 September, has extended that period by a further 10 days.

But while RVT continues to trade from all its branches, JCB has swiftly negotiated with neighbouring dealers to take over RVT’s territory with immediate effect to ensure continued customer parts, service and sales support.

Lincolnshire-based Sharmans expands westwards to the M6, covering Derbyshire and Staffordshire, while Chandlers RFM JCB extends its franchise from Monmouthshire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire and part of the Cotswolds into Shropshire and Staffordshire west of the M6.

Both dealers have promised new depots to serve their extended territories and Sharmans is already looking to recruit additional staff.

At Winsford in Cheshire, ex-JCB dealership John Bownes, which lost out to RVT’s ambitious expansion at the end of 2022, regains its former territory.

JCB dealer Emyr Evans, operating out of Denbigh and Gaerwen in Anglesey, is temporarily providing parts and technical service support in north and mid-Powys, and the north of Ceredigion, until a permanent sales and service dealer has been appointed.