New Holland celebrated 100 years of tractor production and showcased two vintage Fordson tractors alongside its latest tractor models at the Lamma Show. The 100-year anniversary display on New Holland’s stand formed part of a year of celebrations in association with the brand’s enthusiast Blue Force club.
Celebrations for the 100-year anniversary began with a book launch at New Holland’s Basildon manufacturing site and showroom on January 11, 2017. The 528 page book, 100 years of Fordson, Ford and New Holland Tractors 1917-2017, published by Blue Force, includes more than 1,270 colour photographs and details of tractor models produced since 1917.
New Holland’s stand at Lamma marked the next event in the year of celebrations and demonstrated continuous improvements made in the manufacturing of tractors. A 1926 Fordson F series, owned by a Blue Force club member and a Fordson Dexta, owned by Blue Force Chairman Philip Gibson featured on the stand alongside the latest models, including New Holland’s Basildon-built T7 heavy-duty tractor.
New Holland marketing manager James Ashworth said the company was proud to have achieved 100 years of tractor production.
“New Holland has continued to innovate and improve tractor technology, to ensure our machines are efficient, productive and serve the needs of farmers,” he added. “Our world-class manufacturing sites produce quality tractors for a global market, including the site at Basilson where we make T6 and T7 tractors for farmers in the UK, Ireland and more than 120 countries all over the world.”
The celebrations will continues with the Blue Force club’s chairman, Philip Gibson, and treasurer, Peter Plehov, embarking on a two-month long Coastline Tractor Challenge in April.
This will use two new Basildon-built New Holland T6 tractors to visit most of the coastline of England, Wales, Scotland and a part of Ireland. The tractors will pull a scratch-built shepherds hut for accommodation, and a trailer carrying supplies. The challenge will bring the 100-year celebration to farming communities around the coast and will raise money for charity.
For more information visit: www.newholland.com or www.blueforce.uk.com.
