Campey customers visit New Holland factory in Basildon
More than 30 sportsturf professionals took part in two days of visits to the New Holland facilities in Basildon, Essex, arranged by Campey Turf Care Systems - in support of New Holland's 50th anniversary.
Campey is one of two New Holland grounds care equipment only dealers in the UK.
Groundsmen and greenkeepers from all over the country saw the skill, precision and professionalism of the New Holland operations. From the newly-built visitor centre and showroom to the automated 2km-long production line, viewing the quality control and attention to detail.
New Holland is the fourth largest manufacturer of capital goods in the world, employing 68,000 people, with 64 manufacturing facilities and 49 designated research and development sites.
It tops the rankings in terms of measurable sustainability with the lowest carbon footprint of any company of its size and definition.
The company's strength is in its dealer network, which has expanded over the last fifty years to include 3,000 outlets reaching across 170 countries.
The Basildon visit was an opportunity for the manufacturer, dealer and end users to come together to exchange information and ideas. The plant employs about 1000 people and assembles an average of 120 tractors, from start to finish, in just one day!
Sean Edwards of Cropper Machinery, Stoke on Trent, was very pleased to have attended the trip. "It was very interesting and surprising too - I never realised just how many tractors were assembled here in the UK."
Joe Pemberton, Head Groundsman at Manchester United training grounds, also expressed amazement at the sheer scale of the operation and the exact timings of the production schedule. "It takes only 4 ½ minutes to attach the cab to the body of the tractor. Everything is very functional - precise yet unhurried."
Barry Hutchings, from the Arsenal Training Ground, found his visit very informative. "It was a great opportunity to gain some insight into how these machines are put together. It was particularly interesting to see how the equipment we work with is actually put together."
At the end of the visit Richard Campey thanked Jason Toogood, the New Holland North West Area Sales Manager, for his hospitality over the two days.
New Holland Dealer Business Development Manager Richard Spencer said: "We are very proud of the work we do here and of our facilities.
To be able to show the people who buy and use our tractors just how much effort goes into achieving the best, and to get their feedback, is invaluable."