Case rebuilds UK network

Case has appointed a dealer to replace the Airdrie branch of the beleaguered Saville Tractors, which went into administration following the death of Andy Ross, founding director of its parent company Thornycroft (1862).

The manufacturer is seeking candidates to replace other holes left by Saville’s demise.

In August, Gammies took over the Case franchise for the Angus and Aberdeenshire region and has now been appointed to look after the Airdrie depot. Case business manager Rick Morris said: “Gammies expressed an interest and has employed a number of people from Saville Tractors.”

But Gammies is unlikely to buy Saville Tractors’ Airdrie depot, and is looking to invest in new premises.

Morris was unable to confirm the appointment of any other new dealers as yet, but said he had “a number of irons in the fire”.

Case relied on Saville Tractors’ five depots to cover parts of northern England and Scotland. But the firm insists it will still be able to provide cover for its customers and has published a map to show its interim arrangements along with a helpline number.

Administrator BDO Stoy Hayward confirmed it has taken steps to close all Saville depots, and it “will consider any offers that come in” in relation to the business.

Other closures prompted by Ross’s death include Cadman (Contract) Hire (40 redundancies) and Antar Equipment, where 37 staff lost their jobs. Of the 20 staff employed at Thornycroft head office, 11 have lost their jobs. Thornycroft’s Newage Trans-missions subsidiary is still trading normally. Saville Belfast has no connection with Saville Tractors.

[Contract Journal, 11 October 2006, p18]