CLAAS Ensures Support for Customers During Dealer Transition
CLAAS is taking steps to address gaps in its dealer network, ensuring that farmers continue to receive the support they need during the fall harvest.
Recently, Ziegler Inc. announced the closure of its Deforest and Dodgeville, Wisconsin stores, and its Chillicothe and Marshall, Missouri stores.
Alongside this, CLAAS and Ziegler decided to end their combine distribution agreement in all remaining ag retail locations. CLAAS of America has been working closely with Ziegler to ensure a smooth transition for affected customers.
“Our immediate priority during this transition is to make sure our combine customers maintain the support they need for the upcoming harvest,” explained Eric Raby, Senior Vice President of CLAAS Americas Region.
“We’ve been working with Ziegler on a transition plan for all the areas impacted by this change. CLAAS combine owners in the existing Ziegler footprint in Iowa, Minnesota, and Northwest Missouri will continue to receive superior service and parts from Ziegler through the harvest season.”
In areas like Wisconsin and Central Missouri, where Ziegler ag stores have closed, CLAAS has already identified new dealer networks capable of taking on the full CLAAS line, including combines.
“We are finalizing those contracts and will announce them as soon as they are signed,” stated Raby. Additionally, CLAAS plans to allocate product and service specialists during harvest in these areas to provide extra support if needed.
Raby expressed gratitude towards Ziegler for over 20 years of partnership, stating, “They have provided excellent service and support for our combined customers. We wish them well moving forward.”
Looking ahead, CLAAS plans to add several new dealerships to the area, offering the complete range of CLAAS equipment.
“CLAAS offers a wide variety of equipment including tractors, combines, forage harvesters, balers, and hay tools. Our plan is to bring in dealers that will carry the entire product line for CLAAS, enhancing the customer experience and offering new options for farmers in the area,” said Raby.
One new dealership is CLAAS FARMPOINT, a company-owned retailer that opened in Le Mars, Iowa, in July. “Given recent news, the CLAAS FARMPOINT store will be able to add combines to their offering and serve those customers in the western part of the state,” explained Raby.
Raby also noted that independent dealers in the region currently offering other CLAAS machines will be well-positioned to add combines to their lineup. “CLAAS is here for our customers. I believe this transition will lead to even better coverage and a greater customer experience in the future.”
Farmers are encouraged to stay informed about these changes and take advantage of the new support and services available through the enhanced CLAAS dealer network.