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Farm machinery firm to close as industry changes

Andrew Turner
BBC News, Norfolk
Reporting fromFakenham
Andrew Turner/BBC A large red J cut out in steel and mounted into a gate. On the opposite side of the driveway, is a symmetrical gate with the letter "B" visible in reverse, denoting Johnson Brothers. There is a white board fence beyond, and the main showroom and workshops, with grass lawns to the right of the image.Andrew Turner/BBC
Johnson Bros in Fakenham will close after 46 years as the business claims it has struggled to maintain its customer base as farms have consolidated

A farm machinery business is set to close saying it has struggled to keep up with changes within the industry.

Johnson Bros of Fakenham in Norfolk has traded in the town for 46 years, but will close in June with the loss of seven jobs.

The company said all of the staff were highly skilled and would not struggle to find new jobs, saying several who had quit in recent weeks had already found alternative work.

Managing director Mike Stokes, 78, said: "We've seen a dramatic change in the agricultural industry and if the farmer is not spending money we're not going to survive."

Andrew Turner/BBC Mike Stokes has medium length grey hair, and a greying moustache. He is wearing a tweed jacket, with a blue checked shirt and a blue and green, with silver trim, tie. He is standing inside the main building of Johnson Bros, with equipment stacked on retail shelves. There are roof lights in various parts of the ceiling.Andrew Turner/BBC
Mike Stokes says the business has lost trade because bigger farmers have switched to multi-branch dealerships

Mr Stokes added: "It's all based around machinery.

"If people have got money in their pocket they will spend it and keep up to the upward trend.

"But we've seen extortionate costs of machinery and unfortunately it's not justified on small acreage farms and small farmers are our bread and butter.

"Along with that there's a big hire performance going on as well and with the seasons as they are, the big farms rent their tractors over the period they require them and send them back.

"[They do this] mainly because of the cost of the machinery and [also] they're not having them on their books. They just use what they want then they can rehire whenever they require."

Andrew Turner/BBC Steve Middleton has close cropped hair to the back and sides and bald on the top of his head. He is wearing a charcoal v-neck jersey with a blue collared shirt beneath. He is standing in front of a Draper Tools stand, with many tools on display.Andrew Turner/BBC
Steve Middleton says he and his colleagues are fortunate enough to take their skills to other local employers

Steve Middleton works in the sales department, operating behind a counter with a labyrinth of shelves stocking spare parts and lubricants.

He said: "Thankfully I've managed to find myself another position doing the same job with a company 25 miles from here.

"I've had 24 good years with Johnson Brothers and it's a big shame but we all have to move on at some time.

"As far as we are aware everyone has managed to sort themselves out [with new jobs]."

Andrew Turner/BBC Johnson Bros premise - with signage damaged by recent storms above the building. It is a wood-clad facade with glazed display windows, and various signage including the words "Parts" and "Kioti" clearly visible. There is a post and rail fence at knee height around the building, and mown grass lawns and a flagstone path to the main entrance.Andrew Turner/BBC
Johnson Bros in Fakenham will close after 46 years with a grand sale on 9 June

Mr Stokes said bigger farms preferred to deal with multi-branch dealerships, which were able to secure franchises with the most popular manufacturers of machinery and equipment.

He also said difficulties in recruiting and retaining staff had played a part in the business's struggle.

He said: "They have to be trained on models from the main franchises which is extensive training and unfortunately headhunting goes on from one company to another and we've suffered that immensely losing very good fitters.

"Today we're not blacksmiths; they're trained, computer-operating people doing engineering work that's very technical and sophisticated."

A sale of equipment and fixtures will be held on 9 June.

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