The acquisition of Agwood Ltd by neighbouring AGCO dealer RW Crawford Agricultural Machinery Ltd represents a continued commitment to providing a first-class experience for Massey Ferguson owners and users in Essex, East Hertfordshire, Kent, Surrey, and Sussex.
Terms agreed by the Crawford family with Agwood owner and Managing Director Ian Wood, mean that from early summer 2022, the three existing Agwood depots, at Swingfield and Linton in Kent, and Godstone in Surrey, will continue operating under the Agwood trading name. All the Agwood team members based at these depots will remain, ensuring continuity of service for their customers. Ian Wood continues his involvement in a senior advisory role, and General Manager Phil Bush has been appointed MF Dealer Principal for the Agwood sales territory.
Family businesses
RW Crawford Agricultural Machinery Ltd was established in 1980 by Bob Crawford and became the Massey Ferguson dealer for Essex in 2001. Bob’s son Wes took over as Managing Director in 2015, and Bob continues to be involved with the business along with other members of the Crawford family.
Customer service was a foundation of the business and remains key to its current success. With the Agwood acquisition, Massey Ferguson will have group brand recognition in Essex, East Hertfordshire, Kent, Surrey, and Sussex from four depots. Crawfords also continues as the Fendt and Valtra dealer for Essex, East Hertfordshire, Kent, Sussex, Surrey, and Hampshire, operating from its existing depots.
Dealer synergy
Ian Wood, who started Agwood in 1978 as a sole trader commented: “With AGCO’s strategy for brand separation, the Crawfords head office in Essex will work alongside our depot teams, continuing to provide the high level of support you have enjoyed from Agwood Ltd over many years.”
Customer benefits
Wes Crawford explained that acquiring the multibranch dealership will allow the business to develop within AGCO’s brand separation policy – Route 66, while also bringing significant benefits for new and existing customers, including a large product stockholding and expanded demonstration fleet.
“Our acquisition of the Agwood business brings added benefits of economy of scale, without losing the local back-up that we know is so important to customers.”
