The End of An Era
A New Kind
Of Legacy Begins.
Holgate Implement Sales, Inc.
109 N. Keyser St. Holgate, OH 43527
(419) 264-2031
July 15, 2017
Dear Valued Customers and Associates,
I am writing to share with you the news that, effective August 1, 2017, Holgate Implement Sales, Inc. will no longer be a franchised Massey Ferguson dealer. We have represented the Massey Harris and Massey Ferguson brands in northwest Ohio since 1951.
A wave of consolidations has hit the farm equipment industry, as well as many other agricultural and related businesses, in the last 20 years. For example, on May 27, 2017, Dave Kanicki, the Executive Editor of Farm Equipment magazine, wrote:
"Like farm equipment dealerships, nearly every segment of agriculture in the U.S. is being transformed by a consolidation of its participants, from farmers to ag equipment makers and input producers."
The industry model for mainline farm equipment manufacturers, which offer a full line of equipment, including high performance tractors and combines, is larger, multi-location dealerships. Holgate Implement Sales clearly does not fit that model.
We intend to continue to provide sales, parts, and service on all the shortline brands we have sold over the years, which include Great Plains, Unverferth, Woods, Top Air, Grasshopper, Country Clipper, Vicon, and Remlinger, as well as selected used equipment.
The Stober family deeply appreciates your support and patronage over these many years. We look forward to continuing our relationship in the months and years ahead.
Please contact me personally with any questions.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey L. Stober
President
Holgate Implement Sales, Inc.
Frequently Asked Questions About This Topic:
Q: Can Holgate Implement Sales remain a viable business without the MF line?
A: We believe so. MF represents about one-third of our current sales volume. We will be looking for new suppliers to fill that void. We carry top-of–the line products that we know our customers want, and we offer services our customers expect.
Q: Will you continue to service the MF equipment in your area?
A: Of course. We have the people, training, facilities, and desire to do so.
Q: What about parts?
A: We will establish new sources for parts as required.
Q: Where will your equipment come from?
A: With the Internet, the farm equipment market is literally world-wide. We have the ability to offer new, used, or reconditioned machines, as we always have, from a much wider area. We can also offer consignment options for your excess used equipment. Please contact us with your requirements.