The new Landpower building in Yaldhurst was officially opened by Associate Minister of Agriculture Nicola Grigg in a ceremony that followed at tour of the site for Landpower customers.

With Landpower now holding the Claas franchises previously held by Carrfields, Claas harvesters and tractors were on display for the event, and Claas chairperson Cathrina Claas-Mühlhäuser attended from Germany for the opening on April 23.

Claas-Mühlhäuser was impressed with the building's functionality and said that Claas and Landpower "rely on each other."

"Both markets are tough markets with extremely professional and extremely demanding customers.

"Nobody is buying a piece of Claas equipment just because we are a family company.

"We need to be just as technically innovative as the rest of the crowd."

Claas-Mühlhäuser said that while neither Claas nor Landpower was the biggest in the business, they both focused on quality, dealt with challenges and changes within agriculture, and found ways to improve.

"My Dad always said you have to be hard-headed even if not everyone shares your vision.

"You have to keep running to be a leader. Development is not a luxury; it's not something that just happens."

Landpower chief executive officer Richard Wilson said Landpower was delighted to have Cathrina at the opening.

"We have proudly represented Claas since 1987, and our long-term relationship has allowed us to provide the world's leading machinery to our New Zealand customers."

Nicola Grigg said the investment in the new building was a positive sign for the arable sector.

"Seeing this collaboration between two family-owned businesses on opposite sides of the world providing our farmers and growers with access to the world's best technology and service is really encouraging."

The facility is a one-stop shop, combining three previous sites across Canterbury: the Templeton retail store, a parts distribution centre and a support office.

The new site also includes a training facility, an area reserved for equipment demonstrations and six workshop bays. A parts centre holds over 30,000 part lines.

Company founder Herby Whyte, who began the business nearly 55 years ago, said the building represents the next investment phase into the company.

"I have always had a long-term view, and this building is our base for the future; we will be bringing more staff into the region for training and career progression and showing our commitment to Canterbury agriculture", said Whyte.

by Claire Inkson