WHAT will a machinery dealership look like in 25 years?
That might be too taxing on the brain for some, but you'll get an excellent idea if you visit McIntosh & Son's new refurbishments at its Katanning branch.
According to branch manager Devon Gilmour the newly-opened additions have been designed to cater for an evolving industry focusing on customers and staff.
"We spent a lot of time within the group discussing how we should tackle the project because basically we knew it wasn't just about adding on another shed to provide more space for our service and parts staff," he said. "We wanted something that was a capital investment for the long term and made a business statement to the community.
"We wanted customers to know we are here to help their business and we wanted young people to see business opportunities within their community.
"It is important to us that we foster employment and create career opportunities in the farm mechanisation industry.
"Young country people need to know they can stay within their communities and enjoy career pathways that can lead to management positions and in some cases to owning their own businesses.
"People are the key to the success of regional business and if we can't keep staff, we are doomed.
"We need good work and training facilities to create a working environment that attracts people.
"So it wasn't about just erecting a few new buildings, it was more about an attitude we wanted to foster about the long term future of agriculture.
"We have a strong view of where we are going so what we are doing now will make a big difference to our long term business."
The focus on the company's 41 staff is evident with the new multi-functional staff room with modern kitchen and storage facilities. When required it easily converts to a board room, customer and staff training room (with pull-down projector screen) or general meeting room.
Adjacent is an undercover all-weather patio for training functions after hours "socials", including the important end-of-week Happy Hour.
Service staff now have a new enlarged storage area with a stand-alone office to welcome clients' on-site inquiries.
It's housed in a 120 metre x 35m workshop that also provides vehicle entry for clients dropping off large parts for service or repair.
Another room provides computer access for service staff with plug-in facilities for laptops and a product information library.
Staff also have no problems hearing requests with an integrated loudspeaker system throughout the shed, including the mezzanine floor.
Included under the main roof of the workshop is a (18m x 35m) wash-down area to accommodate large equipment. Two high pressures sprays are available to clean multiple machines simultaneously.
Another new 96m x 20m storage shed has been erected at the back of the premises providing extra room to accommodate peak service loads and provide under cover storage for new and used equipment.
The buildings are integrated in such a way that there is efficient and safe traffic flow of vehicles at all times on the property.
The overall design also ensures strict adherence to Occupational Health and Safety regulations.
The substantial investment also extends to 10 mobile service units to cater for seasonal demand from clients.
The commitment to provide on-farm service throughout its sales catchment is reflected by the company's policy of eliminating mileage charges on invoices.
"We don't want to penalise farmers just because they are a long distance from us," Devon said. "We're still their local dealer."
The company also has two prime movers for shifting equipment to and from farms and they are employed year-round, reflecting the extensive product range.
McIntosh & Son are primarily New Holland dealers but also hold franchises for Ausplow, Challenger, Hardi, LiuGong, MacDon, Miller Nitro and Morris.
