New distribution arrangements for McCormick tractors throughout Ireland.

Argo Tractors has appointed AgriArgo UK, its distributor in Great Britain, to also handle whole-goods and parts distribution throughout Ireland.  The appointment results from a mutual agreement between Argo Tractors, D&S Machinery in Dublin and H Fulton Tractors, Dungiven to bring former distribution arrangements to an end.  D&S Machinery Ltd became the McCormick importer for all Ireland in 2001, shortly after Argo Tractors reintroduced the iconic brand. H Fulton Tractors Ltd was awarded the McCormick agency for selected counties across the north of Ireland in April 2016 and continues under the new arrangement as a retail dealer.

New distributor

AgriArgo UK is based at Harworth in South Yorkshire, northern England, close to Doncaster, the former home of the McCormick brand. The company has appointed Will Doyle, who has an established track record in tractor sales and distribution, as area sales manager for Ireland.

AgriArgo UK has begun supporting Irish dealers and end users by supplying parts from the £3 million-worth (approximately €3.5 million) of stock held at its Harworth premises. All new tractor orders for the Irish market are also now being handled by the company.

Ray Spinks, general manager and sales director, acknowledged the support provided by the former distributors: “Having decided to pursue other business opportunities, Michael Devane and his fellow directors at D&S Machinery have done everything possible to ensure a smooth hand-over. That gave us time to put in the resources needed to ensure the professional support we give our dealers in Great Britain is available to dealerships in Ireland. This is a great opportunity for Irish dealers to get fully behind the McCormick products and capitalise on the business resources available from AgriArgo UK and our partners, such as stocking plans, retail finance and favourable terms for demonstrator tractors.”

“We look forward to hearing from any and all dealers who see the potential for McCormick tractor sales in their area.”

The product ranges

Since re-launching McCormick, Argo Tractors has continually invested in developing and expanding the products manufactured and assembled at its complex of factories in and around Fabbrico, northern Italy.

Most recently, a €75 million design and engineering programme has produced the most modern, stylish, efficient and well-equipped tractors ever to carry the two brand names.

The transformation began with the 2013 launch of the McCormick X7 Pro Drive tractors. It has continued across all power categories, with the most recent additions being compact tractors from just 44hp, a basic-spec yard scraper tractor, mid-range tractors with Argo’s first in-house CVT transmission, and new heavy-weight machines of up to 310hp for heavy tillage and grassland work.

As a consequence, Argo now produces a more diverse range of modern McCormick tractors, offering both low-tech and highly sophisticated models to suit different users and applications.

“These introductions emphasise how the two brands can meet the needs of smallholders, livestock farms and large tillage farming and contracting operations,” says Ray Spinks.

“We’re looking forward to working with dealerships throughout Ireland to supply farmers and contractors with these great products, and deliver the level of parts and service support they deserve.”

McCormick tractor and parts distribution throughout Ireland is now handled by AgriArgo UK from its base in Harworth, South Yorkshire, England.

Ray Spinks, general manager and sales director at AgriArgo UK Ltd, the new distributor for McCormick tractors in Ireland.