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John Deere Construction Leadership Visit Perth to Strengthen Support for WA Customers

AFGRI Equipment recently welcomed senior John Deere Construction & Forestry leadership to Perth, bringing together key representatives from both organisations to strengthen alignment, review opportunities, and plan for the future of construction support across Western Australia.

The visit highlighted the strong partnership between AFGRI and John Deere, with a clear focus on improving aftermarket performance, enhancing customer experience, and supporting long-term growth across the region.

A key theme throughout the sessions was the importance John Deere places on aftermarket support — a priority being driven globally by Managing Director Tammo Wagner.

“It’s encouraging to see the strong focus from John Deere on aftermarket support, driven right from the top. For our customers, uptime, parts availability and responsive support are critical — and this alignment ensures we’re continuing to invest in the areas that make a real difference to their operations,” said Brad Forrester, General Manager – Construction & Forestry, AFGRI Equipment.

Strengthening Support – Global and Local

The visit reinforced John Deere’s commitment to strengthening customer support capability in Western Australia, including the introduction of a dedicated Customer Support Manager role. Recently appointed to the position, Isabella Burke brings significant experience in aftermarket and customer support and will work closely with dealers, including AFGRI, to enhance customer outcomes.

This global focus aligns strongly with AFGRI Equipment’s own investment in local capability, including:

  • The establishment of AFGRI’s new Parts Warehouse, improving parts availability and delivery speed across the state

  • Expanded customer support resources focused on maximising machine uptime and performance

  • Ongoing investment in people, systems and infrastructure to support customer growth

During the visit, John Deere leaders worked alongside the AFGRI team to review current operations, recognise strengths, and identify opportunities for continuous improvement and future development.

Preparing for What’s Next

Discussions also looked ahead to future product and technology developments, including planning for the upcoming release of new John Deere excavators and the continued rollout of advanced, market-leading technology solutions designed to improve productivity, efficiency and total cost of ownership.

The visit reinforced the importance of strong collaboration between John Deere and AFGRI Equipment — ensuring Western Australian customers benefit from global innovation backed by strong local support.

Leadership in Attendance

AFGRI Equipment

  • Wessel Oosthuizen – CEO

  • Brad Forrester – General Manager, Construction & Forestry

  • Damon Pavlinovich – Major Accounts Manager

  • Leigh Esplan – Sales Manager, Construction & Forestry

  • Tom Meany – Technical Advisor

John Deere

  • Tammo Wagner – Managing Director, Europe, Africa, Middle East, Australia, New Zealand and Southeast Asia

  • Simon Shackleton – General Manager, Forestry Sales and Marketing

  • Erkin Holbaev – Business Manager, Construction & Forestry

  • Ben Suffield – Territory Customer Support Manager

  • Isabella Burke – Customer Support Manager

  • Roger Spenceley – Territory Finance Manager

Together, AFGRI Equipment and John Deere remain focused on one priority — delivering the parts, service, technology and support our customers need to stay productive today and into the future.

John Deere Leadership Team Visiting AFGRI Equipment
L-R: Damon Pavlinovich (AFGRI Equipment, Construction and Forestry Major Accounts Manager), Brad Forrester (AFGRI Equipment, General Manager, Construction & Forestry), Simon Shackleton (John Deere General Manager Forestry Sales and Marketing), Wessel Oosthuizen (AFGRI Equipment CEO), Ben Suffield (John Deere Territory Customer Support Manager), Tammo Wagner (John Deere: Managing Director - Europe, Africa, Middle East, Australia, New Zealand and Southeast Asia), Isabella Burke (John Deere: Customer Support Manager), Roger Spenceley (John Deere: Territory Finance Manager)