Wise Farm Equipment has expanded its footprint in South Australia, acquiring two dealerships which will enable it to now sell Case IH machinery
South Australian agricultural machinery business Wise Farm Equipment has undergone a major expansion, with the acquisition of two Case IH dealership outlets in Naracoorte and Mount Gambier.
These are the former Hage Tractors and Implements dealerships, which will enable Wise Farm Equipment to include Case IH machinery in its offering from these two locations.
Wise has represented fellow CNH Industrial brand New Holland since 1981, and will continue to sell New Holland exclusively from its original Bordertown dealership.
Second-generation business owner Grant Wise says he, along with wife Nicole and the business’ 48 staff, are looking forward to the new opportunities offered by the expansion and what it means for their existing and new customers.
“As a proud family-owned business ourselves, we saw the opportunity to purchase another respected family business and to really solidify our position as agricultural machinery suppliers in the south-east of South Australia,” Grant says.
“This decision to invest and expand is about our future, and our commitment to supporting our customers who now have more options available in more locations, with quality CNH-backed brands available at each location.
“This expansion allows us to take advantage of some synergies with training, with parts supply and availability, through the sharing of service resources when needed, and with a broader management structure, offering more skills across the board.
“This will benefit our customers and provide opportunities for growth and development for our staff. We are committed to supporting our new and existing customers with the same focus on aftersales support we have built our reputation on.”
Grant says South Australia’s south-east is a diverse farming area, with businesses ranging from broadacre and livestock, to horticulture and viticulture.
The new Wise Farm Equipment dealerships will be offering the full range of Case IH tractors, combines and hay equipment, he says, while the two sites will also be representing the Flexi-Coil and Horwood Bagshaw brands.
CNH business director – agriculture ANZ, Aaron Bett, congratulated Wise Farm Equipment on the move and says the business will be a great addition to the Case IH dealer network.
“Hage Tractors and Implements served the Naracoorte and Mount Gambier areas very well for many years, so we welcome the acquisition of these Case IH machinery dealerships by Wise Farm Equipment, which has built a reputation for quality service in the Bordertown region,” he says.
“We know they’ll bring this dedication and expertise to the Case IH brand in Naracoorte and Mount Gambier, and both existing and new customers can be assured they are in the best of hands.”
Grant and Nicole Wise are second-generation owners of the business, having taken over from Grant’s parents Harold and Joy.
The past 24 months has seen the business introduce shareholders for the first time, namely three current employees.
These are experienced service technician William Dreckow, machinery salesperson Tim Ballinger, and business manager Kane Cuthbertson.
“We’re excited to have William, Tim and Kane come in as shareholders with a commitment to, and a financial stake in, Wise Farm Equipment,” Grant says.
“It’s a business model we will continue to pursue to offer opportunities and growth for the right people to ensure our organisation has a key point of difference and a positive future in the industry, along with a solid succession plan.”