Tractor firm farewells directors

Some of the crowd that farewelled long-serving Steven and Taylor directors, Brian Stevenson and John Berkahn. Photo / Supplied

Stevenson and Taylor in Waipukurau held a big bash at their Takapau Rd headquarters recently to officially farewell two long-serving company directors/shareholders, and to welcome three new ones.

A crowd of around 500 people turned up to farewell retiring directors/shareholders Brian Stevenson - son of company founder, Bill Stevenson - and John Berkahn, after their respective 55 and 35 years' service to the tractor and small motor company.

At the function, three new directors and shareholders were officially welcomed - Stevenson and Taylor's engineering workshop manager Robby Smith; current sales manager Duncan Harding, and Flemington farmer and businessman Peter Swinburn.

Board chair Angus Mabin (left) and new directors Peter Swinburn, Duncan Harding and Robbie Smith, with general manager Bill Donnithorne and third generation director, Brett Stevenson. Photo / Supplied

As part of changes at the 65-year-old company, Bill Donnithorne has stood down as a company director and has substantially reduced his shareholding, but will continue in his long-serving role as general manager.

Third generation owner Brett Stevenson, the company's service manager, is the other director/shareholder.

Bill Stevenson started the business back in 1951 before he was joined by a business partner, Peter Taylor, with John Ferguson also joining as an early investor and director.

Waipukurau's old blacksmiths became the site for the business in 1953. Ten years ago the company moved to its Takapau Rd site, where it has more than 35 staff, a tractor and Origin Agroup dealership and service department, a large engineering department, a comprehensive parts department and a small motor workshop.

The company recently installed a new high-tech computer system and a state-of-the-art CNC plasma cutting machine.