Merlo has expanded its Scottish coverage with a new dealer and an expansion of territory and responsibility for an existing dealer to strengthen its network.

This followed a decision by Merlo UK to end its relationship with HRN, meaning that new to the network are Fife-based J Low Agri Services. Established by Jimmy and Karen Low in 2002 as a tractor hire business, this quickly expanded into an agricultural engineering service business in the Fife area following Jimmy’s decision to become self-employed.

Based off Junction 4 of the M90, at Kelty, J Low Agri Services looks to continue their trend of consistent growth as a Merlo dealer, according to Owen Buttle, national sales manager for Merlo UK. He commented: “Fife is a key agricultural area of Scotland and we are extremely happy to have J Low Agri joining the Merlo network.

"Their location and facilities are well placed to serve farmers and contractors across the region with Merlo products and services, he added.”

Jimmy Low said he was excited to take on the franchise: “This is a great opportunity for us to grow our product offering to new and existing customers, and we look forward to working with Merlo and further developing our business.”

Also expanding to become a combined Merlo dealer, with the upcoming launch of RAS Plant Sales, Ross Agri Services will grow the Merlo offering they have provided to their customers since 2020 in their current operations in St Cyrus and Turriff, plus a new depot at Muir of Ord.

Ross Agri, established by Bill and Ethel Ross in 1972 as a farm machinery hire business, it quickly grew into a major player amongst Scottish dealers when they focussed on machinery sales over hire in 1976.

Bill and Ethel’s son, Martin, joined the business in 2000 to take responsibility for sales, administration, maintenance and the workshops and he has established himself as one of the most versatile dealer principals in Scotland, said Merlo.

The newly-formed RAS Plant Sales will operate alongside Ross Agri Services' depots in carrying Merlo construction products, such as the ROTO and Panoramic ranges.

Shaun Groom, general manager of Merlo UK, said: “Having known Martin, Bill and Ethel for many years, I am confident that the Merlo brand will only continue to grow further with the high level of customer support that RAS are renowned for”.

Martin, now managing director of Ross Agri Services, added: “We are delighted to be expanding our Merlo trading area, not only representing the Merlo agricultural range, but now the Merlo construction product offering too. Having seen first hand the investments being made by Merlo Group it is a strong sign of their commitment for the long term."