Mildura and Swan Hill have become an integral part of the largest Case IH dealership in Australia and New Zealand, with O’Connors announcing its expansion into Echuca.
The move means the business now has 16 locations across Victoria and southern NSW, which incorporated the Case IH broadacre component of Sunrise Ag Mildura as well as Sunrise’s Swan Hill and Ouyen branches in March this year.
O’Connors chief executive, Gareth Webb, says the acquisition of Echuca CIH helps reinforce the company’s Victorian presence and its commitment to its customers.
“The continued growth of our network has flow-on benefits to all of our customers, wherever they are across the network, as it helps with the likes of increasing available stock levels and boosting parts availability,” he said.
“Of course, there are challenges currently for our industry, particularly here on the east coast. And it’s during these times you need to know you’ve got a dealer behind you who is financially strong with an equally-robust support structure when and where you need it.”
Case IH Australia and New Zealand general manager Pete McCann said the Echuca announcement continues to bolster the O’Connors and Case IH partnership.
“Echuca CIH has been a family-owned business serving the area for more than 30 years and I congratulate the Stephenson family – Jan, Murray and Darren – on such a successful operation over such a long period of time,” he added.
“O’Connors, also a family-owned and operated business, will continue to serve the customers of this area to the highest standard. This latest acquisition further secures the integrity of the Case IH network across such an important agricultural area of Australia.”
Webb said the deal is expected to be finalised in February next year and they are looking forward to working with existing, and new, customers in the region.
“With 58 years of experience in agricultural machinery, and staff with the highest commitment to service and exceptional knowledge of our products and the industry, we’re looking forward to working with Case IH customers and delivering what they require to keep their machinery and businesses running at peak efficiency,” he said.
“We can also assure them the transition period will be a smooth one and we’re excited for what lies ahead. We’re family-owned, locally-operated and we employ local people, and we welcome the opportunity to become part of the Echuca community.”
