Options galore as new machinery dealership opens in Merredin

Eastern Wheatbelt farmers have another machinery dealership and two more brands at their fingertips with the opening of Wheatbelt Equipment in Merredin. The new store — located in the former Holden dealership on Bates Street — specialises primarily in JCB products, with a range of Goldacres products in stock as well. Spearheading the business is Boekeman Machinery dealer principal Stuart Boekeman, who said he saw a golden opportunity to expand the machinery offering in the agricultural hub of Merredin. “An opportunity arose, and JCB approached us to represent them in the area,” he said. “JCB has been a part of Boekeman’s DNA for years and we thought this was a great opportunity to represent JCB and Goldacres in the Eastern Wheatbelt.” Long-time Boekeman employee Wayne Stoner has gladly ended a six-month retirement to work as the sales representative at Wheatbelt Equipment and said he “could not wait” to get out in the field. Mr Stoner said “demand was huge” and there were a lot of JCB and Goldacres “serial numbers” in Merredin, Southern Cross, Bonnie Rock, Hyden, Lake King and Lake Grace. “I’m really looking forward to getting out and about. I will be on the road meeting people, and helping the farmers,” he said. “I will be covering a lot of shires and will be very busy, but I am really excited to meet new people.” Mr Boekeman will oversee the day-to-day running of the business and said it would start small with three to four staff before expanding in coming years. He said Mr Stoner was the perfect candidate for the role after working with Boekeman for 17 years and with 45 years’ of agriculture industry experience under his belt. “This is really exciting for the town,” Mr Boekeman said. “All country communities are looking for new businesses to come to town. We have had a lot of positive feedback from the farming and local community.” The opening of Wheatbelt Equipment brings the number of dealerships in Merredin to four, with AFGRI Equipment, McIntosh and Son, and Hutton and Northey Sales. Mr Boekeman said the new store had been “spruced up” with a range of machinery on display, an office and a workshop. “We have a good range of new equipment, parts and administration, and service available,” he said. “Wayne will be available both in field and in the office. There is a workshop and there will be work done. We will start off with three or four staff and will grow the business from there.” Shire of Merredin president Julie Flockhart said it was “terrific to hear of a new business opening in town”. Boekeman Machinery celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2018, and opened a new dealership in Dowerin last year — with others in Wongan Hills, Dalwallinu and Northam. The business was started by Bill and Pam Boekeman and is now managed by their three sons, with a headquarters in Wongan Hills. Its major franchises are Case IH, JCB and Ausplow.