'It’s business as usual': CLAAS Harvest Centre

Landpower, which runs the CLAAS Harvest Centre dealership network in Australia has reassured customers that its businesses will continue to provide products, parts and services to the farming community as the country gears up for the autumn sowing season.

While multiple “non-essential” businesses around the country have been forced to shut their doors in a bid to curb the spread of COVID-19, the Government has deemed food production essential and has therefore allowed agricultural businesses to continue operating.

“Like everyone, we are dealing with a very challenging and unprecedented set of circumstances that are changing by the day,” said Landpower CEO, Richard Wilson.

“That said and done, food production is an essential service and our commitment to keeping our customers going is absolute.

“We will comply with every Federal and State government directive to constrain the spread of COVID-19 and to protect the safety of our staff, our customers and the wider community.”

Wilson said the service and parts functions of each dealership will remain open.

“All parts enquiries or orders should be placed by phone or email,” he said.

“We ask that customers do not enter the building. Upon arrival, our staff will load your order into your vehicle or leave it at a designated pick-up spot."

He added service technicians will continue to service machinery in dealerships and on farm.

“They will maintain the four square metre distance rule when working in the workshop and work in isolation on-farm,” Wilson said.

“They will also sanitise their working area upon the completion of each job.”

Wilson said sales and administration staff will work offsite where possible but will be contactable by phone or email during business hours.

“Sales staff will adhere to strict social distancing in those situations where closer interaction is required, such as product demonstration, training or delivery.”

Wilson reassured farmers that Landpower had ample stock of new and used machinery on hand to meet their requirements throughout the winter crop growing season.

“CLAAS has temporarily suspended production at some of its German and French plants until mid-April as a means of safeguarding the health of its employees,” he said.

“We expect that our other suppliers will adopt similar measures in the near future.

“At this stage, we do not expect any significant interruption to supply of forward-ordered stock.

“It is possible there may be isolated delays later in the year, but we will deal with these on a case-by-case basis if and when we need to.

“We will also share stock within our network to find the best solution for our customers in the most timely manner possible.”

Wilson said he expects no interruption to the availability of parts.

“Each dealership holds a large inventory of parts and is supported by our regional warehouses in Melbourne and Christchurch,” he said.

“Our national inventory is replenished on a regular weekly, monthly and yearly basis and we are working closely with our suppliers and freight forwarders to ensure this is maintained.”