The Farmers Mart Apr-May 2019 - Issue 62 | Page 24

24 FARMSTAR - BRIGG LAUNCH APR/MAY 2019 • farmers-mart.co.uk CASE IH RETURNS TO FARMSTAR ON the 11th April the town of Brigg in north Lincolnshire was bathed in sunshine which was a befitting heralding of the official launch and open day of the newly refur- bished Farmstar depot. Since securing the Case IH dealership back in January, it has been full steam ahead for the refurb and all-round relaunch of the depot. Farmstar Managing Director, MD Andrew Waddington was keen to secure the fran- chise in order to complete his future plans for Brigg’s long-term future. As soon as the deal was done, it was full steam ahead to transform the depot. Andrew was also able to assemble a strong team to manage the Case IH franchise as well as continuing to develop Kubota Groundcare at Brigg and all the other supporting franchises. Following advertising and subsequent interviews, Andrew appointed several new team members to complete a team, led by Craig Bradshaw-Cooper as Depot Manager. Craig comes with a wealth of experience across the agricultural sector, having worked on a farm for five years, in agricultural finance for LLOYDS TSB and RBS, and sales and branch management at Corringham for Peacock and Binnington. Craig’s involvement in the local agricultur- al scene for a number of years means he has developed a considerable network of contacts, this has enabled him and Andrew to succeed with the successful recruitment process. From this they have built the new team to complement the existing Brigg team and a couple have even moved posi- tions to better fit their skill sets. The Brigg team of 20 staff has several new faces and some familiar ones. The agricultur- al business is, as many others, a fairly close industry, so not surprisingly a number of the new staff have come from other leading deal- erships. This is also fuelled by the fact that good people often like to follow a manufac- turer. Sam Williams is another key addition to the Parts team as Parts Manager. Jonny Healy has come in as service manager from Louth Tractors and has more than 20 years’ industry experience as well as having a previous stint at Farmstar. He has also complemented the team by bringing two qualified technicians and an apprentice as well. Andrew and Craig have brought a good mix of youth and ex- perience to the Brigg depot which facilitates growth, development and longevity. Preparation for the newly revitalised depot has been thorough with the new team really getting behind it and working many long hours to make sure everywhere is spick and span. Everywhere has had a fresh lick of paint and the Case IH livery has been endorsed wherever possible. From the offices and parts department to the workshops, everywhere is vibrant and fresh, as is the spirit among the staff.