AFGRI Equipment was proud to host our customers at the official opening of our new branch in Narrogin late last month. Coupled with a header school for the local area, the branch invited customers and locals alike to check out the new facilities and to meet the team. The new branch came as the result of the consolidation of our branches in Pingelly and Wagin. AFGRI operations director Gollie Coetzee said the move was a difficult decision to make but was the right decision so we could better support our customers. “Economy of scale will make a big difference to the services we can provide at Narrogin, because the two smaller branches couldn’t accommodate the workshops and the parts departments or provide the level of service our customers require,” he said. “We also discovered that most of our staff at those smaller centres lived in Narrogin anyway and drove 50 kilometres to work and 50 kilometres home again every day. “From a customer’s perspective, there may be a bit of additional travel for some, but there will be no additional cost. “Overall, I think it is to everybody’s benefit that we have made this move (to a new, large single centre at Narrogin).” The new 20,000 square-metre branch is on Graham Road besides Great Southern Highway at the entrance to the town’s industrial complex, just south of the town centre. The opening also provided a great opportunity for local farmers to meet the branch’s new manager Matthew Podgorny. Speaking at the opening, Matthew said he was excited to have joined the company and was ready to help the branch reach its full potential. “I’ve come to ag from the car, road transport and construction equipment industries,” Matthew said. “I do have a trade, I’m a truck mechanic but I’ve spent my working life in after sales in part manager and service manager roles. “Given my background in after sales, I’m looking forward to working with you and supporting you, your machines and your businesses.” Matthew discussed the industry’s importance of customer support, something he strongly believes in. “I know the importance of supporting the product and I plan to offer the very best service possible,” he said. “I know that is what you need, and I do know customers tend to drift to the best service, so I plan to offer that. “Supply of parts, assistance from our workshop or assistance with technology – I know that’s what customers need from AFGRI, and they will generally need it right now.” Gollie said the company planned to increase the branch’s staff complement with recruitment for two new sales representatives to join the team already being advertised. “We have 20 employees at this time, but with the growth, we foresee there will be between 30 and 35 employees within two years as we become more established and fill positions that are currently vacant,” he said. To learn more about the branch opening or any other queries, customers are encouraged to contact the local branch on (08) 9861 0000 today.