Marking a milestone: Kerry Tractors celebrates special anniversary
Kerry Tractors Ltd was originally established in 1985 as the main MF dealer in Limerick, known as Limerick Farm Machinery, and then added the Kerry branch in 1995. During the early 2000s the Hollands decided to amalgamate their operations and move everything to the Kerry branch, to service an ever-expanding customer base there, while still serving Limerick customers.
Don Holland is the owner, and 40 years on he is still very much an integral part of the business, while also enjoying a little bit of well-earned time off. His daughter Tina, managing director, said: “I joined the family business 15 years ago and became managing director in 2020, taking on the overall responsibility of running the business, while allowing Dad to step back a bit after over 40 years of running it himself.
“With an additional eight full-time staff, we cover the entire county of Kerry as our assigned territory, but we have retained a small number of loyal legacy customers in Limerick.”
MF portfolio
Kerry Tractors Ltd sells a full range of MF products including tractors, balers, mowers, tedders, rakes and telehandlers. In addition, they sell Quicke loaders and implements, Rossmore implements and vacuum tanks, Trioliet diet feeders and Plant-Mec equipment such as Q-Beds, yard scrapers and brushes.
Increases in machinery prices and finance interest rates, together with falling commodity prices paid to farmers, meant overall machinery sales worldwide fell during the past year.
Tina said: “I think there’s no denying that all businesses across all industries are facing a lot of tough challenges at the moment.
“Rising costs is definitely one of the biggest challenges we are facing currently. The cost of business has increased significantly and continues to do so on a regular basis.
“Trying to manage these rising costs, while also keeping the cost of products and services at an affordable level for our customers and keep the business profitable is a constant battle.
“In addition, interest rates on business borrowing have significantly increased, making the management of cash flow another challenge for us at the moment.”
Kevin Lynch, head of the service department, with technicians Joseph Cliffford and Ciaran Sheehy.
Positive sales outlook
While Kerry Tractors Ltd also experienced a fall in sales, it is now noticing an upturn in business boosted by high beef and dairy prices.
Tina said: “We have noticed an improvement of late and find ourselves in a strong position again going forward. Our sales are picking up and the outlook is a lot more positive.
“Prices are much better, so farmers and contractors are buying again. Our forecast is good for the remainder of this year and next season. We’ve seen an increase of activity in the order books and the outlook in the industry is generally more positive.
“As we have significantly high numbers of dairy and livestock farmers within our customer base, the MF 5S range of five models is definitely our bread and butter.”
“Kerry Tractors Ltd has been MF main dealers for over 40 years, 30 of them in Kerry, and we plan to be around for at least another 30. This is a family business, now on second generation, and we hope to see it on third, fourth and so on,” she said.
Celebration event
This year sees Kerry tractors Ltd celebrate 30 years of business in Co. Kerry and to mark the milestone, there is a very special event planned to thank its customers over the years.
Tina said: “We have a host of exciting things planned to celebrate the last 30 years and kick off the next 30. And also, to thank our customers who have supported us during this time.
“We’re going to hold an open day on October 25, which will be a great event with special offers and family fun. Plus there are a number of amazing giveaways, and some cool stuff with tractors that are sold next year, to mark them being retailed in our 30th year of business.
“Further details will feature in local and national media, so we encourage people to keep an eye out for these, and as always to keep an eye on our social media accounts for information,” added Tina.