The family owners of a 50-year-old string of tractor dealerships in the Tamworth region have moved on from John Deere after selling up to a major statewide firm.
Leading John Deere dealership group, Hutcheon and Pearce, used the purchase of Peel Valley Group's five local dealerships to officially expand into Tamworth from their base in southern and central NSW.
The firm recently acquired the Peel Valley Group's Tamworth, Gunnedah, Narrabri, Quirindi and Wee Waa dealerships.
Peel Valley Group director Steve John said that the purchase means the end of an era for the iconic local company.
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"This brings to a conclusion our family's more than 56 year close association with the John Deere brand, along with longstanding relationships with both Daimler and Isuzu Trucks in our Tamworth location," he said.
"We believe Hutcheon and Pearce will provide the smoothest possible transition for our team and our customers.
"We are delighted to be leaving our business in the hands of Arron Hutcheon and his team, with our very best wishes for the future."
Hutcheon and Pearce is itself a family-oriented company.
General Manager Bill Armstrong joined what was then the family firm's single store as an apprentice mechanic in 1978.
The company now has sites across the state including in Wagga Wagga, Temora, Albury, Parkes, Orange and Dubbo. It employs more than 250 people.
CEO Arron Hutcheon Hutcheon said the expansion made sense for the firm.
The similar agricultural commodity bases and existing expertise in both Australian family-owned businesses, made the decision to expand north a perfect choice, he said.
"Our acquisition of the five Peel Valley Machinery locations provides us the opportunity to build on the strong foundations already in place built by the John family and their staff over multiple generations across the Peel and Namoi valleys as well as the surrounding areas," he said.
"Customers can have confidence in us to bring our 69 years of experience in the agricultural industry to contribute to the already outstanding local sales, parts and service teams supporting them today."
Mr Hutcheon said the company now boasts 18 locations, granting new and existing customers access to more resources, support and expertise than ever before.
Andrew Messenger
Politics, environment and energy journalist at the Northern Daily Leader. I also write about health, bushfires and occasionally music. I'm a Brisbane boy by way of Charleville and Hobart who now lives in in beautiful New England. Get me at andrew.messenger@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Politics, environment and energy journalist at the Northern Daily Leader. I also write about health, bushfires and occasionally music. I'm a Brisbane boy by way of Charleville and Hobart who now lives in in beautiful New England. Get me at andrew.messenger@austcommunitymedia.com.au
