With its confidence in agriculture brimming, Elders has opened a state-of-the-art branch in Toowoomba designed to deliver greater capacity, efficiency and service for rural clients across the region.
The new facility is set to be the headquarters for southern Queensland and a major distribution hub.
Purpose-built to meet growing demand, it includes a 1000-pallet warehouse to boost logistics and stock availability, a modern, fully-stocked retail store and an expansive outdoor display area for larger equipment and merchandise.
Speaking at the opening in August, Elders executive GM network Tom Russo said while the new site was “a big commitment, a big investment“, it was established with conviction given the current confidence underpinning the rural industry.
“I think right at the moment, in my view, it’s probably the most exciting time ever to be in agriculture,“ Mr Russo said.
“At the end of the day, if you look at what’s driving our industry and what’s going to drive our industry for the next 50 years, the fundamentals are amazing.
“You know, we’ve got a global population that’s well and truly on the march to hit that 10 billion by 2050, even with China slowing down.
“And then on our doorstep, we’ve got this demographic shift to a really big middle class in all of these Asian nations that we trade with. So we’re thinking 3.5 billion middle class people sitting in Asia come 2030.
“So, you think about that, 35 per cent of the world’s population is going to be sitting in our neighbouring countries, cashed up and moving towards a situation where they want higher quality food, they want higher quality fibres, they want safety.
“And who else is better to deliver that than Australia? So I think investing now to participate in that supply response to that amazing demand is a truly, really exciting opportunity.
Elders Toowoomba welcomed more than 250 clients, suppliers and community members to celebrate the official opening of its new branch on Tuesday, 12 August.
Reflecting on the day, Toowoomba branch manager Thomas Stevens said the event showcased both the high standard of
the facility and the people behind it.
“The response from the community has been fantastic,” he said.
“This facility allows us to provide an even greater level of service and efficiency and it was great to celebrate that with so many of our clients, suppliers and friends.
“The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.”
Elders south east Queensland area manager Mark McNamee said the branch reflects Elders’ commitment to the region.
“The Toowoomba team is passionate about delivering the full range of Elders services,“ he said.
“From rural products, agronomy and livestock to real estate and financial services. All backed by a state-of-the-art facility. It’s a real asset for the region,” Mark said.