John McElderry Motors & Tractors Ltd is expanding its business in Northern Ireland and Donegal by opening a new Fendt-dedicated branch in Lisburn.

Company managing director John McElderry said the decision was driven by demand from counties Down, Armagh, Fermanagh and Tyrone. “This has arisen from our existing ability to provide back-up for Fendt products in Londonderry, Antrim and Donegal from our long-established base in Ballymoney.

“Since taking on the Fendt franchise in 2003, we have seen annual sales grow from two to three units for Northern Ireland to 30-plus. With today’s modern farmer/contractor always looking to maximise efficiency, we believe strongly that the highly-advanced and versatile Fendt range represents the ideal partner.’’

The company now has 26 staff, many of whom have been with the business since leaving school. “It’s this level of loyalty and experience that has been instrumental in the business being in the position it now holds in Northern Ireland’s agricultural machinery trade,” he said.

The Massey Ferguson dealership was secured in 1987, a move that John believes strengthened the company’s position in the agricultural sector. However, following Fendt’s acquisition by AGCO, the company was offered the Fendt franchise in 2003. At that time, McElderry recalls the Fendt name was little known in Northern Ireland, but a rapid realisation of the brand’s quality, together with McElderry’s commitment to it, soon changed attitudes.

“The expansion of the Fendt territory here has resulted in our decision to open a new depot at the Blaris Business Park, in Lisburn, to cater for the ever-increasing demand,” John stated.

Area sales manager for Fendt, Sean Gorman, is enthusiastic in his support for the McElderry expansion. “The opening of a new dedicated outlet at Lisburn will enhance product support and help grow the volume of Fendt tractors and machines operating on Irish farms,” he said.

Open day

“We are confident that the open day on 20 October at the new Lisburn depot will be well-attended and lead to more widespread appreciation and ownership of these highly regarded machines.”

The Lisburn depot open day runs from 10am until 6pm on Friday and includes – as though the impressive line-up of Fendt machines were not enogh – a hog-roast from midday onwards.