Wolseley
dealership a mix of tradition and innovation
Ask
Grant Wise and there is a lot at stake with his family business.
Not
only does the business need to flourish to support two generations of Wise
family members, but it is the third generation, his children, that he is
building the business towards.
Celebrating
20 years in the farm machinery business this year is just one milestone for the
Wolseley-based company, but joining the United Agri Group (UAG) is a move that
will help to sustain and develop the region as a New Holland stronghold.
Having
moved to the current premises in 1984, under the direction of father Harold
Wise, Grant was quick to point out that farming practices have changed
dramatically during that time.
"As
a business, we need to grow with our customers to ensure we can deliver the
products and services they need to be efficient operators," he said.
Central
to this aim has been the recent development of the United Agri Group, of which
Wise Farm Equipment has become a pivotal member.
"Like
any business, we are looking to maximise our opportunities for our customers,
and the UAG will certainly enable this to happen," Grant said.
"Most
importantly, the amalagation of five dealers to form the UAG has allowed the
individual businesses to negotiate concessions with New Holland that once only
the big players could receive.
"It
is giving us the chance to market our products under a strong group. We now have
specialists in each dealership, able to maximise reach with knowledge and
technology in the expanded dealer area," Harold added.
One
big benefit for the local farming community will be the ongoing availability of
demonstration machines throughout the UAG network, giving customers a hands-on
feel for machines in their own paddock environment.
"Nothing
beats getting your hands dirty on a new product and seeing how it operates in
your own conditions. UAG has now allowed us to get these machines on board and
get them out to our customers for evaluation in the field.
"That
is a benefit, that Wise Farm Equipment as a single entity, simply could not have
considered."
"We
are still a family owned business, with the same values and work ethics that has
grown the business to where it is today.
"We
just have a management structure when dealing with suppliers that allows us to
pass on benefits to our customers and ensure our long-term future in the
industry."
So
now, when Grant's son or daughter come into the dealership and play on the toy
tractors, he and Harold can be assured that there is now a solid future for them
in the farm machinery industry.