Diverse dealer: Bundy sector to profit with distinctive brand

Alongside a local team of 18, the couple have worked hard to bring a greater diversity of machinery to the region’s farming and agriculture sector

Bundaberg farmer Ross Cheshire and his wife Donna are the sole owners of new business Cheshire Machinery - formerly known as McDonald Murphy Machinery.

After a five year hiatus a well-known brand has brought its iconic yellow and blue branding back to Bundaberg with the aim of keeping one of the region’s largest industries productive and profitable.

Third generation Bundaberg farmer Ross Cheshire and his wife Donna are the sole owners of new business Cheshire Machinery – formerly known as McDonald Murphy Machinery.

It will be the first dealership to stock New Holland speciality tractors and farm machinery alongside its Case IH stablemate in the region after the distinctive brand experienced a five year absence.

“New Holland hasn’t had dealer representation in the region for a few years, so we’re excited to be offering our customers access to a wider range of machinery,” Mr Cheshire said.

“It’s an exciting move for us and we’re looking forward to introducing a dynamic, new-look business to the Bundaberg community – a community who has been so supportive of this business over so many years.”

The third generation Bundy farmer and qualified diesel fitter said stocking New Holland specialty tractors recognises the region’s agricultural diversity where the orchard market continues to rise.

“Farming is in my blood – I’m a third-generation farmer with a lifelong connection to this regional community and the local agriculture industry,” Mr Cheshire said.

“Both sets of my grandparents were farming pioneers in the region, my parents are still on land and we had our farm at one time too, so agriculture and agricultural machinery is part of my DNA.

“We’re also making the whole New Holland range available to meet whatever requirements our customers have across the Bundaberg and North Burnett region.”

Alongside a local team of 18, the couple have worked hard to bring a greater diversity of machinery to the region’s farming and agriculture sector.

Initially opened by Andrew McDonald in 1999, Bundaberg’s McDonald Murphy Machinery was one of four dealerships in Queensland.

Starting his career as a technician with the business in 2000, Mr Cheshire later went on to become a 50% shareholder in 2016.

New Holland Australia and New Zealand general manager Bruce Healy who was raised in Bundaberg, said he is looking forward to working with the couple and their team.

“It’s great to see Ross and Donna put their name to the dealership and to bring back the New Holland brand to the Bundaberg and North Burnett regions as approved local resellers,” Mr Healy said.

“Ross, Donna and their dedicated team of 18 employees have been a fixture of the local business and agriculture community for many years – they have deep roots in the region and truly understand their customer’s requirements.”

Mr Healy said the team’s commitment to excellence in customer service and technical expertise would help ensure the local farming community remains productive and profitable.

“The addition of the New Holland range to the full range of Case IH products means the region’s farmers are the big winners,” he said.

“There’s more choice for local farming operations with our machines known across the industry for their innovation and market leading capabilities.

“The Cheshire’s and their team’s commitment to excellence in customer service and technical expertise across all our products guarantees the ultimate experience for every farmer.”

Cheshire Machinery is at 15 Enterprise St in Svensson Heights.

To contact the business phone [phone].

Originally published as Diverse dealer: Bundy sector to profit with distinctive brand