Archive, Industry News

Claas Harvest Centre declares ‘business as usual’

The CEO of one Australia’s biggest farm machinery distributors has announced that it’s ‘business as usual’.

Landpower CEO, Richard Wilson, says all 17 company-owned and franchised CLAAS Harvest Centres in Australia will remain fully operational as the country grapples with the COVID-19 crisis.
Landpower CEO, Richard Wilson, says all 17 company-owned and franchised CLAAS Harvest Centres in Australia will remain fully operational as the country grapples with the COVID-19 crisis.

Landpower CEO Richard Wilson says all 17 company-owned and franchised Claas Harvest Centres in Australia (dealership network) will remain fully operational amidst the COVID-19 crisis.

“Like everyone, we are dealing with a very challenging and unprecedented set of circumstances that are changing by the day,” Wilson says.

“That said and done, food production is an essential service and our commitment to keeping our customers going is absolute.

“We will comply with every Federal and State government directive to constrain the spread of COVID-19 and to protect the safety of our staff, our customers and the wider community.”

Sales and administration staff will work offsite where possible but will be contactable by phone or email during business hours.

Wilson states that service and parts departments of each dealership will remain open, however all parts enquiries or orders should be placed over the phone or email.

“We ask that customers do not enter the building,” Wilson adds. “Upon arrival, our staff will load your order into your vehicle or leave it at a designated pick-up spot. 

“Likewise, our service technicians will continue to service machinery in dealerships and on farm, they will maintain the four-square metre distance rule when working in the workshop and work in isolation on-farm.

“They will also sanitise their working area upon the completion of each job,” he adds.

Despite temporarily suspended production at some of its major production facilities in Germany and France, Wilson believes Landpower will meet stock requirements for farmers for the upcoming winter crop growing season.

“Claas has temporarily suspended production at some of its German and French plants until mid-April as a means of safeguarding the health of its employees,” he says. “We expect that our other suppliers will adopt similar measures in the near future.

“At this stage, we do not expect any significant interruption to supply of forward-ordered stock – it is possible there may be isolated delays later in the year, but we will deal with these on a case-by-case basis if and when we need to.

“In the meantime, we have ample stocks of new and used machinery which will be sufficient to meet forecast demand this season,” Wilson adds.

“Our national inventory is replenished on a regular weekly, monthly and yearly basis and we are working closely with our suppliers and freight forwarders to ensure this is maintained.”

Send this to a friend