Deutz-Fahr GBwill oust Watveare as distributor
Deutz-Fahr GBwill oust Watveare as distributor
By Andy Collings
OUT goes Watveare and in comes Deutz-Fahr GB.
Come July 1, the distribution of Deutz-Fahrs range of tractors, combines and self-propelled machinery changes hands.
The long-awaited, and expected, rationalisation by the Same Deutz-Fahr Group which bought the debt-ridden Deutz agricultural machinery business two years ago now appears about to happen.
Same has already undergone the trauma of moving Deutz tractor production from an inefficient Cologne factory to Lauingen, where combines are produced. And it is no secret that sales of the Deutz Agrotron tractor range throughout Europe have not been as fluid as expected.
"It is inevitable that any acquisition will be followed by a consolidation of overheads to reduce costs," says Gerald Hampel, Same Deutz-Fahr Groups chief executive.
Mr Hampel points out that the introduction of Deutz-Fahr GB, which will be based at Barby, near Rugby, on the same site as Same-Lamborghini UK, is in line with similar actions taking place in Italy, France, Spain and Germany. But, he says, distribution in Ireland will be unaffected by the changes and will continue to be handled by IAM Agricultural Machinery.
So, July 1 marks the end for Watveares association with Deutz-Fahr, an association which goes back to the early 1950s when the company marketed the Fahr range of products.
For those who have bought Deutz-Fahr machinery in the UK, parts, servicing and warranty claims will be met by the new Deutz-Fahr GB organisation.
While it can be expected that certain Watveare personnel will take their Deutz expertise to the new camp, both parties at this stage of the proceedings are reluctant to comment.
Deutz Agrotron tractors set to be distributed by Deutz-Fahr GB.