30 years strong for dedicated Fendt dealer
- Unwavering commitment and loyalty to selling a premium brand has been a key cornerstone to the success of Alan Snow Agricultural Engineers Ltd, who this year celebrates 30 years as a Fendt dealer
The dealership covers the whole of Devon and Cornwall, selling the full range of Fendt machinery from tractors and sprayers, through to hay tools and foragers. Alan says the dealership’s expansion over the years has been down to the hard work and commitment of his staff and shows the customer base in these areas that the business is there to support them.
“We have a loyal and strong team. Some of our service engineers have been with us for 25 years and our Fendt sales manager and parts manager for over 15. A lot of the wider team have been here for well over a decade, too.”
“We really value this as a business. It is not only good for us, but it is great for our customers to see familiar faces turn up on their farm. It offers reassurance and guarantees them a level of service they have come to expect.”
“We’ve recently employed extra sales people to add strength to the team. I believe that to be a key part of the longevity, and is one of the reasons why we have been able to work closely with Fendt for 30 years. It comes down to the service we offer and doing a good job on behalf of Fendt.”
Alan started as a mobile agricultural service mechanic offering servicing and maintenance to Fendt tractors in Devon and Cornwall in 1986, on behalf of importer Bill Bennett Engineering.
“The Fendt brand was still in its infancy and there were not that many units across the UK back then, but I learnt a lot about the tractors, and having the opportunity to support some of the early customers in the area was a good start,” says Alan.
However, in 1992, Alan Snow Agricultural Engineers Ltd was awarded the full sales and service franchise for Fendt in Devon and Cornwall by importer Bonhill Engineering, and the brand has grown in strength across the two regions since then.
“I started out as apprentice agricultural engineer and my passion is still service and aftersales which is where I spend a lot of my time these days. I still get great joy from seeing a quality machine being operated properly and the sound of a tractor working hard, especially if we’ve supplied it.”
The dealership began life from a small workshop in Thornbury. In 1989 Alan, Di & daughter Becky moved the business to a new workshop in Sutcombe near Holsworthy. The popularity of Fendt in the Devon and Cornwall over the years meant Alan Snow Agricultural Engineers Ltd opened a second depot in Truro in 2007. This depot was outgrown and a purpose built premises in Tolvaddon, Camborne was opened in 2020. This ensured a premium sales and service support was provided throughout the counties and all Fendt customers were backed up wherever they were.
Alan Snow Agricultural Engineers Ltd has been a key factor in Fendt’s increased presence across the South West and the business has seen Fendt sales and popularity grow steadily over the past three decades.
Fendt’s position as a complete full-line manufacturer provides Alan with the confidence for the next 30 years and the company is always at the forefront of technology so there is plenty to look forward to.
“I’m excited for what the next 30 years working with Fendt holds. With our excellent team, we are ready to offer what our loyal customer base wants.”