The December meeting of the Farm Tractor and Machinery Trade Association (FTMTA) Executive Council admitted a number of additional firms to the association’s membership.
Merlo UK
Merlo UK – a subsidiary of the wider Merlo Group (a family-owned manufacturer of a range of telehandlers, attachments and forestry tractors) – is new to the FTMTA.
The parent company was founded by the Merlo family in 1964; it now employs 1,200 people around the globe. The UK division is based in Hampshire.
Zero Grazer
Zero Grazer – based at Dromone, Oldcastle, Co. Meath – has also joined the ranks of the FTMTA.
The business, led by Niall O’Reilly, claims to have pioneered the zero-grazing concept here in Ireland; the company produces a range of machines of different sizes and specifications.
Ardagh Agri Services
Next up is Ardagh Agri Services; it’s a retail farm machinery dealership based in Ballina, Co. Mayo.
The business is led by managing director David Breslin; it’s an agent for several brands, including Tanco, Lely, Kverneland, McConnell, Abbey Machinery, McHale and Quicke – among others.
O’Brien Tractors
O’Brien Tractors – based in Bunnanadden, Co. Sligo – also joined the association. It’s a main dealer for New Holland tractors and construction equipment. Adrian O’Brien established the business in 1999; it was subsequently appointed as a New Holland dealer in 2011.
According to the FTMTA, the addition of these four firms “rounded off an exceptional level of new membership activity during 2017”.
Image source: Shane Casey
The association’s Executive Council says that “growing the membership through the ongoing recruitment of additional members greatly strengthens the association in promoting and supporting a professional and viable farm machinery industry – to the advantage of the trade and its customers”.
Image source: Shane Casey
It says that the development of the membership base to be more widely representative of all aspects of the sector (including retail dealers, Irish manufacturers and international manufacturers – as seen during December) has been a priority during recent years.
