Ernest Doe & Sons announces sale of Ashford branch

This move follows five years of trading in the Ashford area for Ernest Doe and Sons.  

However, with two competing agricultural dealers operating in close proximity, both with the Case IH franchise, it has become clear that a long-term, sustainable presence is not commercially viable, the dealer explained. 

Following a strategic review, a mutual decision has been made to consolidate agricultural operations in the Ashford area within Haynes Bros Ltd’s existing CNH dealer network, which already holds the Case IH franchise in Birchington, East Kent. 

As part of this agreement, the agricultural business currently operated by Ernest Doe Power Ashford, including the agricultural staff, will be integrated into Haynes Bros Ltd’s network, and the Ashford branch will close. 

The dealership confirmed that this change does not affect its construction or groundcare operations, which will continue to operate as usual from Dartford, Esher, Ringmer and Albourne branches. 

‘Valuable part in company’s journey’

Graham Parker, sales director at Ernest Doe & Sons Ltd, said: “Ashford has played a valuable part in our journey over the past five years, and we’re grateful to the team there for their dedication and to our customers for their support.  

“As we continue to focus on long-term strength across our 20-branch network, this move allows us to consolidate our efforts and ensure we’re best placed to serve customers across our trading areas.” 

While day-to-day operations will transfer to Haynes Bros from 25th July 2025, Ernest Doe & Sons will retain responsibility for the sale agreements on units sold to date, including outstanding account balances. 

Haynes will now cover both East and West Kent for Case IH farm machinery, including Case IH manufacturer warranty. Customers are invited to open an account with Haynes Bros Ltd for in-territory parts and service work. 

A spokesperson for Ernest Doe & Sons added: “We would like to take this opportunity to extend our appreciation to the agricultural team at Ernest Doe Power Ashford for their dedication and professionalism throughout their time with us.  

“We are proud of what has been achieved and wish both our colleagues and Haynes Bros every success in this new chapter.” 

‘Another exciting chapter’

Commenting on the expansion, James Broadley, group managing director of Haynes Bros Ltd said: “This move to expand our Case IH agricultural presence throughout Kent is another exciting chapter for our growing agricultural business.

“Both Andrew Haynes, our chairman and CEO, and I, would like to thank CNH and Ernest Doe and Sons’ senior management team for facilitating this move, which further strengthens our agricultural operations in the South of England.”

Adrian Woods, operations director of Haynes Agricultural Ltd, added: “We look forward to welcoming the Ernest Doe staff at Woodchurch into the Haynes fold and to continuing to build a successful future for the Case IH farm machinery brand throughout our new territory in West Kent.”

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