Southern states machinery dealership O'Connors have taken home the Case IH large dealer of the year award for the third time in the row.
Established in Birchip, Victoria in 1964, the family-owned business has become Australia's largest Case IH dealer,with branches in Victoria, South Australia and New South Wales.
Larwoods Ag Services, based at Kadina on South Australia's Yorke Peninsula, won the small dealer of the year category for the second year in a row.
Speaking at the Case IH dealer conference, held at the Gold Coast, Case IH general manager for Australia and New Zealand Pete McCann said the dealer of the year results are based on a number of criteria including finance and business management, performance in sales and marketing, and parts and servicing, Advanced Farming Systems (AFS) Certification and total market share.
Mr McCann said the two winners had set a high bar.
"What an amazing achievement by O'Connors, which in the past 12 months has gone from strength to strength with the expansion into the NSW Central West," he said.
"This award proves that the team hasn't taken its eyes off the core values of the business, customer service, industry knowledge and after-sales support," he said.
"For Larwoods, you don't win Dealer of the Year by doing one thing really well, you have to do everything really well and I congratulate the team for setting such a high standard. Both dealers represent what we are constantly striving for: excellence in customer service, superior industry knowledge and quality after-sales support. Dealer of the Year is a tough title to claim, and both these businesses show just what it takes to win."
O'Connors CEO Gareth Webb said it 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, and it's a privilege to win this in the company of some terrific dealers," he said.
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 culimination 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."
Larwoods Ag dealer principal Scott Mercer said he was thrilled.
"This is such a great honour. A big thank you goes to our loyal customers who make this all possible, and to our staff who go that extra mile to ensure we provide the best service and support across the board," he said.
"We all appreciate how important it is to focus on every aspect of our business, from sales through to service and parts. Thank you, too, to the Case IH staff who provide advice and support whenever we need them."
Special mentions were made for large dealers Farmers Centre WA, Kenway & Clark NSW and Ramsey Bros SA and small dealers TTMI Tasmania, Intersales NSW and Famers Centre WA.
Days Machinery Centre in Casino NSW was named most improved, while Boekeman Machinery WA won for parts.