The story of OriginAg begins in 2004; it was a trip to Europe by Managing Director, David Donnelly, with relationships and industry knowledge and experience at hand, along with the backing and support of farm machinery retailers resulting in Origin Ag securing exclusive importing rights for many well-respected European machinery brands to introduce into New Zealand’s farm machinery market.
“We knew that simply starting up a new company to import farm machinery and introduce new products would be difficult, so we needed a “point of difference” that adopted a Cooperative business model to provide this difference,” says David.
Twenty years on, we remain committed to our brands of
ALPEGO Cultivation and seeding equipment;
BOGBALLE Fertiliser spreaders;
GASCON Cultivation equipment;
HATZENBICHLER Air seeders and Tine harrows;
JOSKIN Effluent tankers, Muck spreaders, Transport trailers
POTTINGER Harvesting and Cultivation equipment.
What started with focusing on farm machinery now sees Origin Ag’s product range covering the viticulture, horticulture and civil construction markets.
OriginAg is a family; the majority of its founding dealers are generationally family-owned, and that is what we have with our European manufacturing companies also. It resonates – it is in the blood! A good customer-centric approach lays in the family-owned companies as it’s all about the customer first as part of your culture believes David.
With 28 individually owned and operated farm machinery dealer retailers in partnership with Origin Ag located from Whangarei to Invercargill, we are well covered with our support to local farmers, growers and contractors for after-sales, spare parts and servicing requirements.
Origin Ag prides itself on providing dealers and customers with a one-on-one experience. “We like to have answers and solutions straight away,” says David. Origin Ag is a small team – but an extremely efficient one and it has worked for us as we are now celebrating our 20 years”.
“It’s quite nostalgic going through the records and history of what we have been able to achieve. From small beginnings, to where we are positioned today we can put our success down to the great team we have and our shareholder dealers” says Lisa Donnelly – head of Marketing.
Darrell Russell, Managing Director of Piako Tractors; one of Origin Ag’s founding shareholders says “Our customers enjoy the close-knit relationship we have with Origin Ag. They can pick up the phone to Piako or Origin Ag and have an answer in a matter of minutes and I think that’s what makes a huge point of difference in the agricultural business today. In terms of the Origin Ag products, our customer base really likes the idea that we are directly associated as a shareholder in OriginAG and the quality of the products, the quality is second to none in a lot of areas and we are very happy with that”
Origin Ag believes that with its nationwide dealer sales and service support, it can provide service quickly to its customers anywhere in the country. david says this is critical to upholding our high standards of after-sales service. Our dealers strive to give their clients the best service possible to build long-lasting relationships. we would not have achieved 20 years without our dedicated family of nationwide dealer retailers and we applaud what we have succeeded together.
Stevenson and Taylor were one of the first dealers to sign on back in 2005, with Origin Ag. Robby Smith, Director (of SNT Ltd) explains, “We were excited by the wide variety of gear not offered in New Zealand at the time. Being part of its unique cooperative structure has given us a significant advantage in the industry. Over the years, Origin Ag has become the backbone of the machinery industry in New Zealand. As a family business, their values align closely with ours, making our partnership all the more meaningful”.
Origin Ag’s motto of “We have you covered” reaffirms the company’s values and that they can provide backup service for their products all over New Zealand. The farming sector is the backbone of New Zealand, and Origin Ag is committed to the highest standard of quality and service when it comes to their customer’s needs.
Needless to say, none of Origin Ag’s success would have been possible without the many farmers and contractors who have supported us over the years. At the end of the day, we do not have a business without their support and we highly appreciate this – says David.
