Case IH dealer O’Connors is ending 2022 on a high note, announcing its expansion into Echuca, in northern Victoria.
The move takes O’Connors, the largest Case IH dealer in Australia and New Zealand, to a total of 16 dealerships and comes after the company announced in March it had acquired the full Sunrise Ag dealerships in Swan Hill and Ouyen and the Case IH broadacre component of the Mildura outlet.
O’Connors Chief Executive Officer, Gareth Webb, said the acquisition of Echuca CIH helped reinforce the company’s Victorian presence and its commitment to its customers.
“The continued growth of our network has flow-on benefits to all of our customers, wherever they are across the network, as it helps with the likes of increasing available stock levels and boosting parts availability,” he said.
“Of course, there are challenges currently for our industry, particularly here on the east coast, and it’s during these times you need to know you’ve got a dealer behind you who is financially strong with an equally-robust support structure when and where you need it.”
Pete McCann, General Manager for Case IH Australia and New Zealand, said the announcement continued to bolster the O’Connors and Case IH partnership.
“Echuca CIH has been a family-owned business serving the area for more than 30 years and I congratulate the Stephenson family – Jan, Murray and Darren – on such a successful operation over such a long period of time,” he said.
“O’Connors, also a family-owned and operated business, will continue to serve the customers of this area to the highest standard and this latest acquisition further secures the integrity of the Case IH network across such an important agricultural area of Australia.”
Gareth said the deal was expected to be finalised in February next year and they looked forward to working with existing, and new, customers in the region.
“With 58 years of experience in agricultural machinery, and staff with the highest commitment to service and exceptional knowledge of our products and the industry, we’re looking forward to working with Case IH customers in this new area and delivering what they require to keep their machinery and businesses running at peak efficiency,” he said.
“We can also assure them the transition period will be a smooth one and we’re excited for what lies ahead. We’re family-owned, locally-operated and we employ local people, and we welcome the opportunity to become part of the Echuca community.”