Synonymous with Massey Ferguson for over 30 years, Martin’s Garage in Bailieboro, Co. Cavan is recognised as one of the leading farm machinery dealerships in the country. Sales director Ronnie Martin explains more.
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 family-run business relocating to its existing premises on a five-acre site on the Cavan Road, Bailieboro. With the help of his wife Lily and sons Ronnie, Trevor and Ian, Freddie had established Martin’s Garage as one of Ireland’s leading suppliers of Massey Ferguson tractors before his untimely passing at the age of 62 in July 2009.
The business has continued to go from strength to strength under the guidance of Freddie’s sons, who have clearly inherited his passion for farm machinery and his business nous. In 2006, Martin’s Garage sold the most Massey Ferguson 6400 series in Ireland and the UK, and it emulated that last year by selling the most 7600 series in Ireland and the UK.
“New sales have been very brisk over the past couple of years. To be fair to Massey Ferguson, they have a great range of products which makes the job of selling them that bit easier,” says Ronnie, who is involved in the sales end along with Oliver McCormack.
“Massey are offering 0% finance for four years on all new tractors and there has been a great take-up on this. The 5600, 6600 and 7600 series will soon be complemented by the new 4700 series which is a range of 75, 85 and 95hp tractors. These models will appeal to smaller farmers and we’re eagerly looking forward to their arrival on the Irish market.
“Massey are also launching a new range of telescopic farm handlers (9000 series), with engine horsepower up to 122hp. It is a serious piece of kit that will prove to be invaluable around the farm. In addition, Massey has introduced an impressive range of new hay and forage equipment that encompasses a wide array of high quality and energy-efficient mowers, rakes and tedders.
“Having originally held the Massey Ferguson dealership for Cavan and Monaghan, we are now main dealers for Louth and parts of Meath as well. We are currently developing a new display store area and extending our workshop. These are exciting times for our business,” he adds.
Martin’s Garage isn’t just about Massey Ferguson. The company’s core business is the supply and service of new and used tractors and farm machinery to the agricultural community and, in this regard, it has something for everyone. Visitors to the garage can view and test-drive a huge range of new and second-hand tractors and machinery.
Over the years, Martin’s Garage has acquired many other dealerships which are household names. These include Abbey Machinery, JF-Stoll, Kuhn, Conor, Krone, Rauch, Rossmore, Malone, Spearhead, Quicke, Nugent Engineering, Amazone, Prodig, McKenna Engineering, Johnston Brothers, NC Engineering, ProDig and Plant-Mec.
The company usually has around 50 quality used tractors in stock of every make and model from 20hp to 200hp. “Most of the second-hands have had only one owner. We are selling an increasing number to the UK due to the strength of sterling against the euro,” Ronnie explains.
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. The company has three service vans on the road, while a recovery truck is also available to customers. The service vans have state-of-the-art technology on board to diagnose problems efficiently and to ensure your downtime is kept to a minimum.
As the industry has advanced, Martin’s Garage has led the way with the service 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 are now available, while a tractor can be provided to keep the customer working while his own machine is being repaired.
In addition to having over 20,000 parts in stock, Martin’s Garage has its own parts website, www.masseyparts.ie, which is run by Ian Martin. On the website, you can purchase everything from alternators, axles, clutches and fan belts to filters, hydraulics, radiators, seats and water pumps. Ronnie expects this end of the business to grow significantly in the coming years.
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.
Martin’s Garage Bailieboro Ltd
Cavan Road,
Bailieboro,
Co. Cavan.
Telephone: 042 9665147
Telephone (Sales):087 2201296 / 086 2506462
Fax: 042 9666193
Web: www.martinsgarage.ie
www.masseyparts.ie
Taken from Irish Tractor & Agri magazine Vol 4 No 2, February 2016
