Changing of the guard at TAMA
Deere NZ territory manager Jaiden Drought was elected new president of the Tractor and Machinery Association (TAMA) at its August annual meeting.
Paul is currently the managing director of Paul Wilkins Tractors in Timaru, which is a retailer of Valtra tractors and Krone forage equipment. The business is also the importer of implement brands such as Tubeline and Salford from Canada and Unia and Sola from Europe.
"Paul's decades-long contribution to the ag machinery sector is a testament to his personal dedication to a very loyal customer base," says TAMA president Kyle Baxter.
"His ability to form long lasting relationships has benefited both his customers and suppliers. It was a great honour to present this year's award to Paul. It highlights his passion for agriculture and his willingness to go beyond the call of duty to support farmers when they need it."
Originally from Ashburton, Wilkins spent 10 years selling farm machinery before he and wife Andria set up Paul Wilkins Tractors in Timaru's industrial suburb of Washdyke in 1978. He attributes the success of their business to a loyal client base and an experienced parts and service team. The business is a real family affair, where Paul works alongside staff, including his son Grant and daughter Debbie. Grant has been with the business for 36 years, starting as a mechanic, then heading into sales, where he is now the manager. Debbie runs the office and leads our parts management.
"Product support and spare parts are the foundation of the business," Wilkins says.
"We ensure our service technicians have good training on the latest machines. We also maintain an extensive range of spare parts, as a product is no use if it cannot be supported with good service. When we deliver a new tractor, our service manager goes with it to make sure the customer understands how it is supposed to operate."
Initially the PWT business sold Belarus tractors, later shifting to Same and Iseki as part of the Power Farming franchise in Timaru. They also sold Japanese-made Shibaura tractors of 60 to 80hp, until the NZ distributor for the brand pulled out, when they acquired the entire supply of spare parts and continue to bring in smaller Shibaura tractors.
Around 22 years ago Paul Wilkins Tractors took on Valtra tractor range, today working with a wide range of customers - including contractors, dairy farmers and lifestyle block owners.
About The Award
The TAMA President's Award for Service recognises inspiring leadership and exemplary contributions to New Zealand's tractor and machinery industry. Those who receive it must have spent at least 10 years in the industry and have earned a reputation for leadership and outstanding service.
