Roy Belt of Burdens Group company Lincolnshire Motors has retired from the Louth, Lincolnshire-based New Holland dealer after 60 years of service supplying parts to Lincolnshire farmers.
Mr Belt joined the firm fresh from school in 1963. He originally supplied parts for the Fordson tractors that were made by the Ford Motor Company at Dagenham, Essex, before production moved to the Basildon site in 1964. During his career, he went on to oversee the parts department at Welton and Louth, and became a director in 1991.
Mr Belt has worked with three generations of farming families providing a wealth of parts knowledge that has contributed to the business growth over the years.
“I have seen many changes during my 60 years of service, but the thing I find outstanding is the price of tractors today compared to the price in 1963,” he said. “Back then, you could buy a Fordson tractor for £850! Nowadays some of the parts I sell can cost more than £1,600.
“I remember some of the farmers that I dealt with in the 1960s who were real characters and would often bring in sacks of potatoes or apples for the staff depending on the season. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time working with the New Holland brand during the past 60 years and I have seen many new brands come and go but the Blue Brand Heritage has remained constant.”
Burdens Group director Kevin Bell said that having worked with Mr Belt for 30 years, he knew he will be missed by the Lincolnshire Motors team and customers equally.
“Ever-present, only recently taking holidays, he has greeted generations of customers politely with a knowledge of particularly older cultivation and harvesting machinery second to none,” he added. “Roy and his colleagues who joined us from school and have remained through decades of change have provided the business with a stability that keeps customers coming back to our brand.”
New Holland’s business director for the UK and Republic of Ireland, David Rapkins, also thanked Mr Belt for his service during the past 60 years.
“It’s an amazing achievement,” he said. “I’m sure he’s passed on his knowledge and work ethic to current employees at the Burdens Group.
“The New Holland team wish him a restful, enjoyable and long retirement.”
