Agricultural machinery distributors G & J Peck Ltd is moving out of Ely, the city where the company was founded in 1846. Managing director Jon Wareing said: “We have made the decision to move our Lincolnshire and Cambridgeshire operations to a new central headquarters in Chatteris – leading to the eventual closure of our Spalding, Ramsey and Ely sites.”
The Rendlesham depot in Suffolk and the Dereham depot in Norfolk remain unchanged.
Mr Wareing said: “In response to increasing pressures in the market, we have had to make some difficult decisions to reinforce the company’s place as a leading supplier of agricultural machinery in the region.
“The company’s board has been working hard behind the scenes to conduct a thorough review of the business to determine the best way to move forward.
“The wellbeing of our staff is of utmost importance to us, and we are in close discussions with those affected. This decision was not made lightly but is essential to safeguard the future of the company.”
He added: “As we navigate this changing industry landscape, these proactive steps will ensure that Pecks remains at the forefront of agricultural machinery supply, strengthening our operations and enhancing service to our valued customers.
“All outstanding orders will be fulfilled, and Pecks will continue to offer our customers the first-class service and parts back up we are known for throughout this transition and beyond.”
G & J Peck Ltd is an employee owned distributor and has operated from five depots, two in Cambridgeshire, one in Lincolnshire, Norfolk and Suffolk.
The company was founded in 1846 by father and son, George and John Peck who set up a blacksmith and ironmonger business in Ely, Cambridgeshire, where the company’s head office has remained until now.
Over the years and with the development in farm machinery, the business expanded to include sales, parts and service of agricultural machinery and equipment.
Pecks offers a wide range of new and used agricultural machinery and support the farming community with a 7 day a week support service. The company holds market leading agricultural franchises including JCB, New Holland and Case, Amazone, Krone, AVR, Claydon, Larrington and Teagle.
Both Ely and Spalding depots stock garden machinery, ground care and horticultural machinery centres supplying and servicing a wide range of both domestic and professional equipment.
They also hold a range of horticultural equipment franchises including Honda, Husqvarna, STIHL, Hayter and Atco.
Within the Ely depot on Lancaster Way business park there is a large modern retail store offering a wide range of goods including country clothing, footwear, homeware, tools and DIY accessories.
Located at the Ramsey St Mary’s depot is Pecks FastFit, a tyre and exhaust specialist for agricultural, commercial, cars and vans which also offers a full mobile onsite service.
The company website says the G & J Peck Ltd currently employs in excess of 130 full time staff.
Cllr Anna Bailey, leader of East Cambridgeshire District Council, posted a response to the company’s Facebook page.
She wrote: “Well this is incredibly sad – end of an era for Pecks in Ely. So sorry to see this happening but wishing you all the best for the future. Difficult decision I am certain.”
John Smith, managing director of JCB Agriculture said: “G & J Peck provide industry leading sales and aftersales support to our customers in the region which this consolidation will reinforce.
“We have a long-standing, successful relationship spanning more than 40 years of selling JCB Agriculture equipment.”
He added: “We look forward to the opening of the new Chatteris depot and working together with G & J Peck in this next phase of their business. An announcement will be made in due course on our distribution in Lincolnshire.”
The site for their new Chatteris HQ has not yet been revealed.
