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Ag equipment dealer expects at least two more years of supply chain challenges
A southern Illinois ag equipment dealer is preparing for at least two more years of supply chain disruptions.
“I think the biggest problem right now is the unknown.”
Bill Riechmann, CEO of Riechmann Bros. John Deere dealership tells Brownfield they are actively looking for used equipment to keep customers running.
“Used equipment values have gone through the roof, new equipment is going up frequently, prices are getting a little crazy on the market board up and down. It is a struggle and it’s not going to get better.”
He says dealing parts is one of their specialties, and they try to think outside of the box to get customers the parts they need. “Years ago when we saw this coming, we turned our parts managers loose to stock whatever they thought they needed. We have a massive parts inventory that has kept our customers going.”
The family-run business is celebrating their 100th anniversary this year and Riechmann says moving forward his biggest concern for the industry is labor.
“Finding more quality employees is going to be one of the keys to success in the future. We have some young people going through training and going to school and I have a very optimistic view, but it is going to be a non-stop struggle from here on out to make sure we have the quality people needed to keep the business on top.”
Riechmann Bros. has also been named the 2022 North American Dealership of the Year by Farm Equipment Magazine.
