Now, 60 years on, Kenway & Clark is preparing to evolve again with the addition of a branch in Gunnedah, and by early next year, will open another in Tamworth.

These Case IH dealer areas were previously serviced by Wideland Ag.

It's an exciting prospect for the business, which has become a significant presence within the North West NSW farming community and never shied away from the changes necessary for its ongoing success over so many years.

In 1997, Kenway & Clark managers at the time, Peter Burey, Bob Symonds, Tony Woodham and Les Johnson took over ownership of the business.

Following the retirement of Bob, Tony and Les over a few years, Peter was joined at the helm of Kenway & Clark by Gemille Hayes and James Fowles in 2018.

During those years, too, the physical presence of the business expanded, with the Goondiwindi branch purchased in 2000, Inverell coming into the Kenway & Clark fold in 2003 and then Wee Waa in 2012.

While the look of the business may have changed over the years, and the International Harvester brand now part of Case IH, one thing that hasn't changed is the emphasis on customer service established by the founders back in 1960.

"We pride ourselves on the service our customers can expect, right across the business - from administration and parts, through to sales and the after-market service," part-owner Gemille Hayes said.

"The satisfaction of our customers is what's guaranteed our success over so many years and we place a lot of emphasis on getting that right and ensuring they get what they need.

"We know our customers so well and know our regions, and that knowledge will extend to the Tamworth and Gunnedah areas which, in terms of the type of ag businesses, are very similar to those across our current territory.

"Broadacre farming requirements are what we excel in and we're looking forward to bringing that experience to Tamworth and Gunnedah customers."

Gemille said the extensive parts holding of Kenway & Clark was another of its strengths, with customers valuing the ability to come in for a part, and leave with it, rather than having to place an order.

Case IH Australia/New Zealand general manager Pete McCann congratulated Peter, Gemille, James and their team on the business' latest expansion and said their experience and commitment to quality customer service would bring a lot to the Tamworth and Gunnedah regions.

"Kenway & Clark has a long and proud history and it's an exciting development for both existing and new customers in these areas," he said.

"They're already familiar with the region, they know what customers need and expect, and their after-sales support and service is second-to-none."

After a brutal drought, staff numbers are now on the rise again following vital rain and the current bumper harvest season.

Opportunities will also be there for new employees in Tamworth and Gunnedah, with both youth and experience welcomed by the business.

"Generally, we take on numerous apprentices each year, recognising the benefits in training up our own technicians, but we also have many long-serving techs with a lot of experience, and an incredible amount of knowledge, which is enormously valuable when it comes to customers with older model machines in need of repair and servicing," Gemille said.

Kenway &Clark also has numerous service vehicles on the road year-round, taking the technical expertise and knowledge to the farmer and saving them time and resources in getting a machinery issue solved.

Gemille said they were looking forward to the opportunities that existed in the Tamworth and Gunnedah areas, and to strengthening relationships with existing Case IH customers and welcoming new customers to the business.

"We appreciate we're coming into these areas in the middle of a busy harvest season, but customers can be assured we'll hit the ground running and they can rely on us to deliver," she said.

"We've undergone expansion three times prior to this, so we know what we're doing and know how to do it successfully, and we look forward to sharing our years of experience and knowledge with a new customer base."

Prior to the new Tamworth branch opening early next year, Case IH customers in that area can contact Kenway & Clark's Gunnedah branch for product inquiries, service needs and and assistance.