Krone Group Earnings Drop Despite Stable Farm Machinery Sales
While turnover was back slightly at €2.3 billion in 2024/2025 (previous year €2.4 billion), the German Krone Group saw earnings fall from €107 million to €40.1 million.
The transfer, effective from 1 March 2024, will see Krone New Zealand operate through the existing Krone Dealer network under a standalone brand presence. The distribution arrangement continues Tulloch’s successful legacy in the market, while providing broader collaborations offered by the Kubota New Zealand network.
The transition is the result of ongoing discussions and an agreement between the two parties and Krone Germany. Kubota Australia and New Zealand’s Malcolm Owens says the move is a positive step toward the evolution of Krone in NZ.
“We will continue to offer Tulloch Farm Machines’ same high level of service and quality, while introducing additional resources to boost the brand presence in the market.”
The Krone-Tulloch relationship was initiated 54 years ago when Graeme Tulloch visited Germany in 1969. Tullochs was introducing wilted fine-cut silage into New Zealand and needed the Krone TM 4/270 mower conditioner to perfect the silage system.
The Krone mower conditioner not only vastly improved silage quality, but the daily silage making capacity more than doubled due to the well-formed and even windrows. From these humble beginnings, many other Krone models were introduced, and the Krone-Tulloch relationship grew steadily with time.
“We congratulate Tullochs on its longstanding success in providing Krone products to the New Zealand agriculture community, established by John Tulloch’s late father Graeme, and thank them for trusting Kubota to continue its 54-year legacy,” Owens says.
“A dedicated Krone NZ Team will be established to provide tailored support to customers and John Tulloch, alongside several existing Tulloch employees, will transition into the new business.”
Tulloch Farm Machines managing director John Tulloch says he’s thrilled to be working within the newly established Krone NZ business.
“Working with Kubota NZ to ensure a seamless transition from Tullochs to Krone NZ is our priority.
“This includes retaining key personnel and continued warehousing and distribution operations from the Tulloch’s Masterton site.”
Krone NZ says it will continue to work with the existing 25 dealership outlets for sales and services of Krone products.
“Working with the existing Krone Dealer network is a key part of our launch to market. We appreciate the level of dedication and success the dealer network has had representing Krone in New Zealand.”
Krone New Zealand will be launching sales promotions and an extensive new marketing campaign across TV, radio, press, sponsorships, alongside social and digital marketing to highlight the transition.
