Written by John Swire
Having successfully helped a south-west premium-brand tractor and farm machinery dealership expand and more than double its sales turnover, Martin Payne has joined a tractor manufacturer to support other dealers as they develop their businesses.
In his new role as area sales manager for Landini and McCormick tractors across southern England, Martin will provide the technical, features and performance information his dealers need to help their customers select the most appropriate tractor power and specifications for the their farming and contracting businesses.
He joins the Argo Tractors UK & Ireland team at a time when the Italian manufacturer – one of the World’s leading farm tractor suppliers – has embarked on a programme of dealer recruitment while rolling out a suite of digital dealer support tools.
“During my 10 years working in retail sales at a very typical agricultural dealership, the business grew from one to three branches and the value of tractors and machinery sold increased more than two-fold,” he says.
“Now, I’m enjoying the fresh challenges and opportunities that come with working for a major tractor manufacturer in support of their dealers across southern England.”
Although he was not born into a farming family, Martin Payne’s enduring interest in agriculture was sparked when all three of his older sisters married farmers.
“My career began in print and publishing management and this dovetailed nicely with my farming connections when I worked with the author of a childrens’ tractor book and then supplied print services to agricultural machinery and tractor companies,” says Martin. “That in turn led me to move into sales at the machinery dealership.”
Of his latest career move he says: “This is an interesting and exciting time to join Argo Tractors because today it has the best-ever ranges of Landini and McCormick products, from relatively simple models for farmers who want a quality-built basic machine to the most powerful field tractors with all the latest technology-driven features you could want.”
Adrian Winnett, managing director, Argo Tractors UK & Ireland, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Martin Payne to help us support, motivate and enthuse our dealers, and help them supply the right tractor at a competitive price for the jobs customers want to do with their new machines.”
His southern England territory, which extends from Cornwall to Kent, certainly provides plenty of variety, with both McCormick and Landini dealers providing wide coverage in the area and a great opportunity to promote the full range of products across all sectors – arable, livestock and fruit.
Martin Payne says: “This variety of end users illustrates how the Argo Tractors range has appeal across the farming spectrum – and makes my new job all the more interesting.”
When not visiting dealers and their customers, Martin’s leisure time is spent with his wife and young son and daughter at their home near Frome, Somerset and the occasional clay shooting session.
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