Business continues to set the pace

Wimmera-mallee business O’connors has claimed a hat-trick of franchise wins after becoming Case IH Dealer of the Year 2019.

Representatives collected the accolade in a three-branches-or-more category at an annual awards night on Queensland’s Gold Coast.

O’connors sells Case IH’S range of tractors, combines and balers as part of a global network of dealers.

The family-owned business started in Birchip in 1964 and has since expanded to become the largest dealer in the Case IH network, with branches in Birchip, Warracknabeal, Horsham

and Shepparton in Victoria; Corowa, Forbes, West Wyalong, Grenfell and Condobolin in NSW; and Bordertown in South Australia.

Employing 200 staff, O’connors has won the same award three years in a row.

O’connors’ chief executive Gareth Webb said it was an honour to receive the title and was a credit to everyone within the business.

“This is definitely something we didn’t see coming, but we’re thrilled to take this award home again this year,” he said.

“It’s a privilege to win this in the company of some terrific dealers.

“This is also recognition of the passion, dedication and excellence of our team and the belief of our customers who have ensured our ongoing growth.

“This is the culmination of what has been a huge year for all of us at O’connors and we’re excited for the future and what it holds.”

Case IH Australia-new Zealand general manager Peter Mccann praised the efforts of O’connors.

“What an amazing achievement by O’connors, which in the past 12 months has gone from strength to strength with its expansion into the NSW Central West, making it our biggest dealer in Australia,” he said. “This award proves though that the team hasn’t taken its eyes off the core values of the business: customer service, industry knowledge and after-sales support.

“They continue to raise the bar for our whole network and strive for improved service, efficiencies and productivity.

“This award is well-deserved and isn’t based on any one part of the business.

“It takes into account the results in every department and proves O’connors is not only doing it right, it is doing it well.”

O’connors won the award category from Farmers Centre 1978 in Western Australia, Kenway and Clark in NSW and South Australian dealer Ramsey Bros.

The Dealer of the Year award results are based on factors including finance and business management, performance in sales and marketing, and parts and servicing, Advanced Farming Systems Certification and total market share.

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