When it comes to Massey Ferguson, Martin’s Garage in Bailieboro, Co. Cavan is recognised as one of the leading dealerships in the country. This year is a very significant one for the family-run business which is celebrating its 50th anniversary.
Martin’s Garage Bailieboro Ltd was established in 1969 by the late Freddie Martin who initially carried out repairs on a wide range of vehicles and equipment. In the early 1970s, he developed the farm machinery side of the business and was appointed International Harvester (IH) tractor dealer for the Cavan and Monaghan region.
Freddie was awarded IH ‘Dealer of the Year’ in Ireland for three consecutive years in recognition of his outstanding performance in the areas of sales, service and parts. In 1983, he acquired the Massey Ferguson franchise and this led to the dealership relocating to its existing premises on a five-acre site on the Cavan Road, Bailieboro.
Since then, the business has grown year-on-year. The hard work and long hours have paid off when you see some of the awards Martin’s have received from Massey Ferguson. In 2006, the garage sold the most 6400 series, in 2016 it was recognised for having the highest market share for MF in Ireland, and again in 2018 for the highest market share in the UK and Ireland.
From the launch of the Massey Ferguson 5600, 6600 and 7600 series models, and then upgraded to the 5700, 6700 and 7700 series, Martin’s can safely say that they are one of the most reliable tractors on the market. This is proven just by looking at the registrations for Ireland – Massey Ferguson has been in the top two the last few years. Sales have also increased in numbers, not to mention the horsepower too. Gone are the days of 80/100 hp tractors – Martin’s are now selling tractors from 150/260hp. Popular models this year included the MF 7720 (200hp) and 7726 (260hp).
Massey Ferguson are no longer just a tractor manufacturer, they have the complete line-up of machinery, from combine harvesters, hay and forage tools to grounds care and materials handling equipment. They have the right finance solutions, one-to-five-year warranty packages and service contracts – all to suit the customer’s needs.
Martin’s continue to invest heavily in their company, including training courses to keep up with all the latest technology, new stores and shop area (they have one of the largest stock of genuine MF parts on the shelf in Ireland and if they don’t have it today they will have it tomorrow), MF merchandise shop, new tractor display area, a larger workshop and more exciting stuff to come. Staff numbers have grown to 18, with three in sales, three in stores, four in administration and eight in the workshop, while the company also has three service vans on the road. Lily Martin, wife of the late Freddie, remains a key figure in the whole operation.
Ian Martin oversees the computers and marketing side of the business and has relaunched a new website as well as a new shopping online website where you can buy a vast range of tractor parts, merchandise etc which can be shipped right around the world or next-day delivery service in Ireland. This is working well and is seen as the way forward. Check out www.masseyparts.ie where any Irish Tractor & Agri reader can receive 20% off filters and certain other products listed by typing in the code ‘irishtractor’ in the promo box.
Trevor Martin is in charge of the service department. The Martin’s provide excellent service and back-up with every product they sell. Their fully-trained, dedicated service engineers are only a phone call away and can carry out work either in the workshop or on-site. As the industry has advanced, Martin’s Garage has led the way with the services it offers through first-class premises and facilities, and trained and professional staff. The workshop is equipped with a complete range of computerised diagnostic and repair systems and lifting and handling tools. Air conditioning services dyno testing is now available, while courtesy tractors are provided to keep the customer working while his / her own machine is being repaired.
Ronnie Martin, Oliver McCormack and Ivan Brady look after the sales of tractors and machinery. A large selection of new and used machinery are available at all times. All machines sold are fully serviced and covered by warranty once they go through the workshop. Why not call to view and test-drive Martin’s huge range of new and second-hand tractors and machinery.
The success of the company can also be also attributed to the strong machinery franchises it represents such as Abbey, Krone, Kuhn, Quicke, NC, Rauch, Amazone, Kongskilde, Rossmore and Prodig. The dealership has also taken on Nugent Engineering, McCauley Trailers and Wilson Engineering in recent times to complement its extensive portfolio.
Martin’s Garage is open six days-a-week from 9am to 6pm. And because it’s a family-run business, there’s a good chance you’ll get someone on the other end of the phone after-hours too. For a professional, friendly, reliable and cost-effective service, be sure to give them a call.
Martins Garage intend to hold a special 50th anniversary open nights on Thursday 6th and Friday 7th Feb 2020 where they will display the range of MF tractors and Farm machinery products from all their franchises-on the nights their will be special offers on a wide range of products and spare parts in our stores department ,everybody is welcome to attend.
Ronnie Martin concludes by saying: “I would like to thank my family, our hard-working staff and the hundreds and hundreds of loyal customers we have had over the last 50 years in helping us reach this milestone. Their loyalty, support and business have been greatly appreciated.”
Here’s to the next half century from Martin’s The Tractor People!
Martin’s Garage Bailieboro Ltd
Cavan Road,
Bailieboro,
Co. Cavan.
Telephone: 042 9665147
Telephone (Sales):087 2201296 / 086 2506462/0871935631
Fax: 042 9666193
Web: www.martinsgarage.ie
www.masseyparts.ie
First published in Irish Tractor & Agri magazine Vol 8 No 1, February/March 2020
