CC Powell is the leading dealer of machinery for the vegetable and potato industry in North East Scotland, including the brands Grimme, Pottinger, Chafer and Horstine. The company will now be able to sell and service Stanhay’s precision vegetable drills.

Managing director of Stanhay, Chris Fletcher, sees the deal as a further step in growing its domestic business.

“Stanhay is thrilled to have a dealer of CC Powell’s standing in an important vegetable growing area,” says Chris Fletcher. “As well as growing our sales and market share, having a link with some of the most innovative growers in the country will help us test and refine our new developments as we bring them to market.”

A focus on root crops to offer a bespoke service for vegetable growers in the region has been key to CC Powell’s success since it was formed in 2010.

“We are a dealer that concentrates our focus on root crops,” says Chris Powell, managing director of CC Powell Ltd. “The Stanhay product range adds to our existing portfolio without conflicting with any of our existing suppliers.

“Carrot growers are always looking for new and exciting machinery. Stanhay has a product range at least as good as any other manufacturer, and they have the options and flexibility to do things, especially as a UK company.”

Chris believes Stanhay’s flexibility and focus on the vegetable market sets them apart from the competition. This ethos suits growers’ expectations for equipment customised to their specifications, he adds.

A Stanhay X30 single-bed drill was demonstrated to CC Powell’s customers this spring who will then evaluate its performance based on seed initiation, consistency of emergence and carrot size at lifting.

Accurate seed placement is a critical parameter for growers looking for a consistent-sized product, and Chris expects this to be the key factor.

“We are delighted with the trials so far and will continue to analyse them through the season. From February, when harvest starts, we will be able to get feedback from the packhouse regarding the size and quality of the carrots,” says Chris.