Tuckwells completes acquisition of turf care business

The acquisition was agreed by respective owners James Tuckwell and the Tomlinson family. 

All employees and the existing branch location at Buxhall, near Stowmarket, will be retained.

The full terms of the agreement are not being disclosed but this acquisition has the full support and approval of John Deere Ltd.

Suffolk turf care business

Tomlinson Groundcare was founded by Robert Tomlinson in 1991. 

Operating from the family smallholding, Robert and his team grew the business – they moved into a purpose-built workshop in 2005 and a new, large showroom in 2009. 

Sadly, Robert passed away in 2019 but the Tomlinson Groundcare team, headed up by Adrian Brown, has continued to grow and develop its turf care business throughout much of Suffolk.

Long standing John Deere dealer

Tuckwells was established in 1954 and has been a John Deere dealer since 1965. 

It operates from 10 locations across Suffolk, Essex, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Kent, East Sussex and Surrey and employs over 300 people. 

In addition, it runs Tuckwell Farms, a 1,500-acre working farm in Suffolk. 

Tuckwells was one of the first dealers in the UK to take on the John Deere turf franchise.

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Continued ethos

“Adrian and his team have continued Robert’s ethos and passion for forging long-lasting relationships with private domestic and professional turf customers,” says James Tuckwell.

“They have built a strong turf business throughout Suffolk since the company began in 1991. 

“We are excited to be given this opportunity to expand our business and to build on their success. 

“We welcome the Tomlinson Groundcare team to the Tuckwells family and look forward to working together with them and their customers.” 

Aligned values

Chris Meacock, John Deere division sales manager for golf and turf, said:

“I would like to congratulate Adrian and his team for the outstanding job they have done in supporting and growing the John Deere turf care brand in Suffolk since becoming a dealer nearly 33 years ago.

“We are delighted that they have reached this agreement with Tuckwells, which ensures the continuity of the Tomlinson Groundcare team and the dealership outlet within the John Deere network. 

“Both businesses have closely aligned values based on extensive industry experience and outstanding customer service.” 

Adrian added: “The team at Tomlinson Groundcare is pleased that a deal has been reached between us and Tuckwells. 

“We have known each other for many years and I am confident that the business is in safe hands and is well placed to continue its development and growth. 

“I look forward to working with James Tuckwell and his team as we integrate Tomlinson Groundcare into the Tuckwell family and begin this new and exciting chapter.”

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