Cornwall Farmers completes sale of agricultural machinery business

Cornwall Farmers has completed the sale of its agricultural machinery business in a move that will allow it to focus on its core agricultural and retail operations.

Part of the business has been sold to a new venture called Cornwall Farm Machinery Ltd in Penzance, headed by Cornwall Farmers former machinery sales manager Andrew Nicholas.

The remaining part of the business has been sold to Smallridge Brothers of Barnstaple and will operate from Kelly Bray near Callington.

The deal creates two new John Deere franchise areas, one in the west and one in the east. Cornwall Farmers has leased its Penzance and Kelly Bray sites to the new businesses, which are taking on all 32 machinery staff from the co-operatives machinery division.

Simon Birch, who took over as chief executive of Cornwall Farmers in May, said: Were delighted to have concluded the sale of our machinery division and the successful transfer of its staff to the new owners. This deal provides continuity for them and for our members and customers.

The sale is part of our strategy to focus on our core agricultural and retail business and ensure that Cornwall Farmers remains a powerful force in the rural economy, returning value to members and customers.

Cornwall Farmers was established 90 years ago and is owned by its 4,200 members. It employs 270 staff and has annual sales of 70 million.

Cornwall Farmers is a significant force in agriculture and has been for nine decades, it is an integral part of the rural community.

Cornwall Farmers is an agricultural supply co-operative, owned by over 4,200 members, with 14 country stores throughout Devon and Cornwall supplying agricultural and arable products, farm feeds, equestrian products, professional and domestic groundscare machinery and items for families and fun.

Cornwall Farmers corporate mission is to create wealth for its members and employees through co-operative supply to farmers and the entire rural community, as well as being committed to:

• Our members by creating wealth and customer loyalty through efficient and cost effective supply of products and advice.

• The farming and food industry by promoting profitable and sustainable farming and horticulture.

• Our staff by encouraging them to develop to their full potential in a safe working environment.

• Everyone who enjoys the outdoor life by giving access to high quality products, advice and service.

• The rural communities of the West Country by acting as a responsible employer, corporate citizen and neighbour.

• Our beautiful countryside by recognising the West Country landscape enjoyed by so many is a managed one. We promote viable and environmentally acceptable farming practices to preserve the landscape for today and tomorrow.

Our customer loyalty has been built on consistently good value and unrivalled knowledgeable and friendly service from our staff.

The company employs 270 full and part-time staff.

More information can be found on www.cornwallfarmers.co.uk