W. J Carroll of Clonoulty, Co. Tipperary, has a lot to be celebrating this year, with three anniversaries falling in 2024.
The first being the marking of 50 years in business, with William J. Carroll having started the family-owned company in 1974.
The second is that the company has been selling Landini tractors for 40 years, while the third is that Landini tractors itself, is 140-years-old.
It was though, the 40th anniversary of selling Landini, a brand the family is still very much loyal to, that drew attention of Franco Artoni, business development manager, and Simone Morra, director corporate business for Argo Tractors, while on their latest visit to Ireland.
Landini rebuilding popularity
Landini has been an important part of the business for a large portion of those 40 years, with a break occurring in 1984 when the then importer closed down, and it was not until 1991 that it was brought into Ireland again.
Up until that time, the tractors had proved popular, and there still many examples serving in the west of the country, the Perkins engines being robust and easy to keep going.
Last year, another chapter was added to the story as the responsibility for sales and service Ireland was passed on to Argo Tractors Ireland Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary formed to handle the distribution and sales of the two sister brands of Landini and McCormick.
This is now headed by Kevin Phelan who is tasked with building the company’s presence and developing sales through marketing and dealer support.
Kevin carries a great deal of enthusiasm for the brand, and is determined to expand the dealer network.
There is, he feels, a great legacy to build upon, with the name still warmly regarded by those who might have switched to other makes.
Made in Europe
He notes that Landini are European built tractors and the company is proud of the work it puts into designing and building a quality product that can hold its head high in the market.
This image was reinforced with Argos tractors carrying home two ‘Tractor of the Year’ awards from Agritechnica last autumn, the sort of recognition that is keenly sought after among manufacturers.
By investing in the Irish market, Argos Tractors itself has taken a big step towards bolstering the brand and with Kevin at the helm of the new offshoot, it is looking to expand its network throughout Ireland and appointed its latest dealer in Donegal just before Christmas.
Taking this step can only reassure potential dealers that the manufacturing company means business and has the presence and size to back its product, wherever it chooses to sell it.