Omaha, NE — August 27, 2024 — Less than a month after Ziegler Inc. announced plans to close a number of their ag stores and stop selling CLAAS combines, the respected agricultural equipment manufacturer that builds combines in Omaha, Nebraska has made important moves within their dealer network.
“While we appreciate that Ziegler has agreed to provide parts and service for CLAAS combine customers through the end of 2025 in areas where their ag stores are still open, we are committed to providing our customers with the very best support possible,” explained Senior Vice President of CLAAS Americas Region, Eric Raby. “I asked our Dealer Development team to deliver immediate solutions wherever possible while also fostering long-term sales, service, and parts relationships for our full line of equipment. I’m happy to report that they’ve made solid progress.”
New CLAAS FARMPOINT™ in Iowa
After establishing full-line CLAAS equipment stores in Indiana and Kentucky, CLAAS FARMPOINT™ opened a new location in Le Mars, Iowa this July to sell the full-line of CLAAS equipment.
With one location already established, CLAAS FARMPOINT™ is now pursuing their second Iowa location in Webster County near the town of Ft. Dodge. This central-Iowa location was selected due to its proximity to a large number of CLAAS combine customers. According to CLAAS FARMPOINT™ Head of Commercial Development, Patricio Frangella, “We’re excited to bring CLAAS FARMPOINT™ to the state of Iowa. CLAAS FARMPOINT™ is a mobile-first, technology-driven parts and equipment service provider built entirely around the farmer and his farm — bringing them the solutions they need, when and where they need them.”
Frangella plans to open the new location in spring of 2025. “We’ve just hired four new technicians trained and certified on CLAAS combines by the CLAAS Academy to make sure we hit the ground running.”
Key Coverage in Missouri
CLAAS customers in Missouri now have added support, thanks to Parallel Ag. The CLAAS baler and hay tool dealer in Missouri has hired three experienced CLAAS combine technicians to provide combine support out of their Concordia location. The new arrangement, just in time for harvest, stocks the Concordia store with parts and allows them to provide service to existing CLAAS combine owners.
While Ziegler still provides needed support out of their Maryville location, they recently closed stores in Chillicothe and Marshall, Missouri. Parallel Ag will help fill in the gaps left by those two locations.
“We are excited to share some positive news that should help support our combine customers through harvest this year and beyond,” explained Christoph Tetzlaff, Vice President Dealer & Network Development Americas. “With that said, we know we have a lot of work ahead us to build a network of dealers dedicated to delivering an excellent customer experience and representing the growing CLAAS product line.”