The Vin Rowe Success Story

Thursday, 18 July 2019 ( #932 )

Graham Rowe of Vin Rowe Farm Machinery is excited to announce a new partnership with Chinese material handling manufacturer Zowell. Vin Rowe is now the sole importer and distributer of the Zowell range of electric material handling equipment to the Australian market. Zowell has more than 15 years' experience in the materials handling sector and is focused on research and development. The products are designed with comfort, stability and efficiency in mind. Their product series includes electric counterbalance forklift trucks, electric reach trucks, electric reach stackers, and electric lift stackers; which are used in a variety of warehouse applications in sectors including automotive, food and beverage, and industrial.

This partnership is the latest chapter in a 58 year success story for the Australian machinery distributor. Vin Rowe Farm Machinery began in 1961, when Vin Rowe moved to Warragul, Victoria to open and manage a new branch for Laceys of Sale (general engineer and agricultural machinery retailer). At that time, the West Gippsland area was a booming dairy region, one of the most productive in the country.

The business was established as a New Holland Hay Machinery/ David Brown tractor farm machine dealer, and grew over the next decade to become one of the largest machinery dealerships in the country. In 1970 Vin took over the business in Warragul and formed Vin Rowe Pty Ltd.

In the mid 1970s the need to diversify became apparent. While still being heavily involved in the dairy farming industry many vegetable growers were moving to the area and required machinery support. Vin Rowe noticed this need and became the Australian importer for the Norwegian company Underhaug, specialising in potato machinery; as well as a distributor for ASA Lift, a Danish carrot machine manufacturer.

In 1983, Vin's son Graham Rowe took over the business, expanding the import and distribution focus of the company. The company found itself servicing customers through Australia and it became increasingly difficult to adequately service the market. Vin Rowe then began setting up a specialist dealer network within Australia.

In the mid 1980s French company Kuhn SA approached Vin Rowe with a proposition to form a joint venture to warehouse and distribute their range of machinery and parts within Australia. As a result, the business grew considerably with the development of a dealer network and a marked increase in sales volume.

Vin Rowe Farm Machinery has continued with its family tradition by appointing Graham's son Nick Rowe as a Director, the third generation of Rowes in the company. Graham and Nick are also joined by Stephen Pike as Director.

Today, Vin Rowe's aim is to import and sell the most innovative machinery available; to offer the best possible service after the sale; and to treat and respect customers as friends. Graham says his father taught him honesty and dependability, and he strongly encourages these principle even as the company continues to grow today.

Contact Vin Rowe today to find out how we can help you meet your agricultural and material handling needs!