Massey Ferguson 50th Fires Up
Pride and Commitment

In a series of passionate and fiery displays of product, support and customer testimonials, Massey Ferguson celebrated its 50th Anniversary in style last week in front of 1700 distributors, dealers and staff from 65 countries at Les Fontaines, Chantilly and its European Operations in Beauvais, France.

In an event that acknowledged the company’s 167 year history and its numerous landmarks in tractor and harvesting innovations, it also showcased its recent multi- million dollar investments in its Support Services in Beauvais with the inauguration of a new Auditorium alongside the Technology Centre and International Training Centre which opened last November.

Although acknowledged as a celebration of 50 years since the formation of the world’s most sold machinery brand, the event was also a platform to inspire Massey Ferguson dealers and staff, and reveal impressive new tractor and combine plans.

“Our founding fathers, Daniel Massey, Alanson Harris and Harry Ferguson inspired us with their values which we still focus on today; vision, innovation, leadership, quality, reliability, support, pride and commitment” said Richard Markwell, Vice President and Managing Director, Massey Ferguson Europe  / Africa  / Middle East and Président Directeur Général AGCO SA.

“This event serves as a timely reminder that these same qualities and values live and breathe in everything we aspire to do for our customers today. Harry Ferguson himself said it is not enough to meet customer expectations, we must exceed them in everything we do.”

In another reference to the past and present, Declan Hayden, Massey Ferguson Vice President Sales and Marketing Europe / Africa / Middle East acknowledged that many may have regarded Massey Ferguson as a sleeping giant in the 1990’s.

Today we are more like a dragon, a giant red dragon breathing fire, and willing and able to take on all comers when it comes down to providing the best product and support through our dealer network in our industry,” he said.

In a finale that supported Massey Ferguson’s  philosophy that actions speak louder than words, and as a demonstration of its own commitment to maintaining leadership in product development and innovation, it unveiled its 2009 Harvesting and 365 hp flagship tractor developments as the ultimate in birthday celebration presents.

In a follow up event, Massey Ferguson held an open house for its Beauvais European Operations Employees and families this weekend with 6500 visitors touring the facilities and joining in the celebrations.

Richard Markwell said, “We have deliberately combined the dealer and employee events so that we may reinforce the pride and commitment that exists from the very first part that is made in the factory through to the final product delivered to the customer by our dealers. Massey Ferguson combines the spirit of a family with the professionalism of a world class business. Our event recognises both.”

For more information, visit www.agcocorp.com or www.masseyferguson.com