Launch supports KZN producers through partnership with Smith Power Equipment
Agrimark, the agricultural retail division of the JSE-listed speciality retailer KAL Group, is expanding its value proposition in the Midlands regions of KwaZulu-Natal with the launch of Agrimark Mechanisation Nottingham Road this month. The branch launch strengthens Agrimark’s support for its farming customers through an enhanced mechanisation offering integrated into the existing branch network. The development is enabled through a strategic partnership with Smith Power Equipment, the exclusive importer and distributor of Kubota and Deutz‑Fahr agricultural machinery in southern Africa.
Arno Abeln, Managing Director of Agrimark, says that this follows the successful launch of Agrimark Mechanisation at Agrimark Mooi River in March this year and builds on Agrimark’s established presence in the Southern and Midlands regions of KZN. Both operations are located on existing Agrimark premises, offering customers a single, integrated destination for agricultural inputs, equipment, parts and service support.
“This is about deepening how we serve our customers and responding to evolving customer needs for dependable, fit‑for‑purpose equipment backed by strong local aftersales support,” says Abeln. “Our customers in KZN already rely on Agrimark as a trusted agricultural partner. Agrimark Mechanisation strengthens that relationship by bringing equipment, parts and service support into the same, familiar environment, aligned to the way our customers want to do business.”
The partnership with Smith Power Equipment introduces Kubota and Deutz‑Fahr tractors and farming equipment to Agrimark customers in KZN. Both brands are globally recognised for durability, engineering quality and performance across diverse farming conditions, making them well suited to the varied agricultural operations found across the province. Kubota’s compact to mid‑range tractor offering supports mixed‑farming and livestock operations, while Deutz‑Fahr’s high‑horsepower range is designed for large‑scale commercial and row‑crop farming.
“We are excited that our Nottingham Road branch will also offer an expanded range of Deutz-Fahr models, ranging from 31.3 kW to 247 kW, including the brand’s popular orchard tractor range,” says Ian Robertson, Agrimark’s Regional Manager for KZN & Inland regions.
The branch also offers an expanded range of implements, including Kubota Construction Equipment, such as Kubota mini TLBs (tractor-loader-backhoes), Digmax TLBs and excavators. Designed to deliver exceptional versatility and rugged performance, these machines combine powerful digging, loading and backhoe capabilities for a wide range of applications. The compact B26, for example, is great in landscaping smaller spaces, while the heavy duty L45 is better for demanding construction, excavation and tasks with tougher lifting capacity.
“This strengthens our ability to support a wider variety of on-farm operational needs,” adds Robertson. “Whether servicing multiple tractor brands on-site with our fully equipped service vehicles and qualified diesel mechanics, or at our fully equipped workshop, we ensure that customers receive responsive, convenient and reliable technical support.”
The customer relationship remains Agrimark‑led, reinforcing trust, continuity and accountability, while Smith Power Equipment provides the distribution, technical training and OEM support that underpin service reliability and equipment performance.
“Our collaboration with Agrimark brings together two organisations that place long‑term customer value at the centre of their strategy,” says David Kelder, Managing Director of Smith Power Equipment. “Agrimark has deep roots in the agricultural communities it serves, and our role is to enable that relationship with proven mechanisation brands, strong parts availability and technical expertise that farmers can rely on.”
Agrimark Mechanisation offers a fully integrated service model covering equipment sales, genuine parts availability, workshop servicing and field support by qualified and authorised mechanics. Dedicated workshop facilities have been established at both the Nottingham Road and Mooi River branches, with trained technicians on site from launch day to ensure responsive aftersales support and minimal downtime during critical farming periods.
“By expanding the depth of our offering in KwaZulu‑Natal, we are better positioned to support productivity, efficiency and long‑term sustainability across our customers’ farming operations,” Abeln concludes.