Reconnaissance in the Alps

AgroCentre’s clients visited the Fendt factory in Germany. The group set off on a tour to Marktoberdorf, Bavaria.

The modern factory producing a full line of tractors is situated in a picturesque area overlooking the Alps. Most of the processes in the shops are automated, the so-called human factor is minimised: robots have replaced the workers in over 60% of all operations. The working conditions are at a very high level. The very location in the resort area calls for an eco-friendly manufacturing process, therefore resource consumption and environmental impact are under strict control.

‘Virtually every year, AgroCentre takes us somewhere to visit farm machinery manufacturing facilities’, says Sergey Pecherin, a farmer from Kemerovo oblast. ‘I’ve been to the USA, Canada and Germany many times, I have seen different manufacturing facilities including factories in Germany. However, my first impression of the Fendt tractor manufacturing facility is that the production process stands out for its cleanness, order and discipline – even in comparison with other German factories. This definitely inspires trust.’

The Fendt 1000 Vario test drive

AgroCentre’s clients hoped to see the assembly of the tractors they had ordered prior to the trip. After the factory tour, the guests had an opportunity to test-drive the Fendt machinery they took a shine to.

‘The new Fendt 1000 Vario has aroused a torrent of emotions in everyone without exception’, says Sergey Lomantsov, Executive Director of AgroCentreLiski. ‘Even the standard machines are very powerful. The 3-point hitch and the PTO make them absolutely versatile.’

Fendt has changed its colour!

The corporate green colour has obtained a fresh hue. A bigger yellow component in the new Fendt Nature Green creates a rich lustre. The colour now radiates more warmth, naturalness and depth.

Customer is the king

Nevertheless, the cab colour as well as the option package can be changed on the client’s request. Up to 35 thousand tractors are manufactured at the factory annually and up to 65 units of machinery roll off the assembly line every day.

‘First and foremost, Fendt focuses on the local market, hence the high quality of the machinery released’, says Denis Tyurin, Executive Director of the Siberian branch office of AgroCentreZakharovo. ‘The company’s logistics, especially with regard to ordering components and spare parts, is immaculate, which allows Fendt to implement the strategy of individual approach to every customer. In fact, the same production line can be used for assembly of different models.’

A special treat

Besides the visit to the production facility, AgroCentre prepared a fascinating entertainment programme for its customers. One of the stops en-route was Gasthof Berghof family farm. This small operation sets an example of an efficient combination of crop production, livestock production, food processing and agritourism.

‘I don’t think this farm is big enough to drive a tractor at full speed across it’, jokes Sergey Tryasukha from Altai area. ‘So unlike our vast expanse! Imagine them trying to handle a Russian-scale farm! This is the first time I have taken part in a trip arranged by AgroCentre. The programme is very interesting, I have lots of impressions. Moreover, I am confident that still more impressions are coming since my Fendt 936 Vario tractor is going to arrive soon. I have a feeling that it will live up to my expectations.’

The group finished the trip by visiting Neuschwanstein castle in Bavaria and doing a sightseeing tour of Munich.