Wheels in motion as machinery giant Vanderfield buys out John Deere distributor Chesterfield
Two of the best-known John Deere agricultural equipment dealerships in Australia have joined forces. Here’s how it will impact customers and employees.
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Two of the best-known John Deere agricultural equipment dealerships in Australia have joined forces after Vanderfield’s parent company RDO Australia Group bought Chesterfield Australia.
LOGANHOLME INDUSTRIAL ESTATE FUTURE
The deal brings together 11 Chesterfield branches under the Vanderfield banner, including the dealership at Loganholme.
RDO Australia chief executive Julie Whitcombe said the company expected a smooth transition that would not affect customers.
It was still not known if any staff would lose jobs but Ms Whitcombe assured clients from both distributers that local salespeople, service technicians and parts staff would continue in their roles.
She said the purchase meant branches established by Chesterfield across New South Wales and Queensland could continue locally.
“The opportunity to build in these areas from an established John Deere dealership that shared similar values to our own made perfect sense for us,” she said.
“We are confident in the future of Australian agriculture and we’re pleased to have this opportunity to work with the Chesterfield teams.”
Chesterfield Australia chief executive Damien Effeney said outgoing owners, the Pennefather family, endorsed the sale saying it would establish the business as the leading agricultural machinery dealership in Australia.
“I know our customers and the team can look forward to an excellent experience with Vanderfield and RDO Australia Group and I am delighted by this opportunity for these excellent dealerships to secure a positive future.”
Both companies are the two oldest machinery suppliers in the country.
The RDO Australia Group is already part of one of the world’s most trusted John Deere and Vermeer equipment dealers and encompasses Vermeer Australia, Vanderfield and RDO Equipment.
Once the purchase is finalised, the group will employ more than 700 staff across 29 branches.
In June, the US farm and heavy equipment giant Deere & Company, launched a round of buyouts for salaried employees.
In July, it told staff it was laying off 117 workers at two plants in Iowa.