WHILE there have been plenty of changes in the realm of agriculture machinery in the past half century, there has been one constant during that time.
At the start of November, Eddy Ward marked 50-years service with SA machinery dealer Ramsey Bros.
Mr Ward grew in Millicent before moving to the Eyre Peninsula as a stock agent for Elders Smith, where he met and married Anne Ramsey.
After repeated suggestions by father-in-law Lloyd Ramsey for Mr Ward to join the family business, he finally started working at the Cleve branch in 1968.
After the tragic death of Lloyd in 1983, Mr Ward took the reins of the business and was part of its growth from the original Kielpa store, to Ramsey Bros operating six branches across SA and having employed hundreds of locals throughout the years.
“It is amazing how our company and the farm machinery industry has transformed in 50 years,” Mr Ward said.
“The journey through this transformation has been great with the future of farming looking bright. The world needs feeding and we are well placed to do it.”
Mr Ward said a highlight was working with sons Hamish and Mark Ward – Mark is the present managing director, as well as Brenton, Linc and Brad Ramsey.
It is amazing how our company and the farm machinery industry has transformed in 50 years.
- EDDY WARD
“I am sure Lloyd and Fred (Ramsey) would be proud that we still live and practice their original values of customer service,” he said.
“I’ve met many colleagues, customers and partners in this time and have made lifetime friends during this 50 year journey.”
Mark Ward said Mr Ward was the first staff member to achieve the 50-year milestone with the company and was to be congratulated.
“After 50 years I see dad feeling the same excitement about work that I know he had at the age of 25 and today at 75 years of age he is seen in our Adelaide office or travelling to one of our branches,” he said.
Long-time customer Ray Elleway said his family had been associated with the Ramsey family for many years.
“In 1958 we had just moved to the area and Lloyd Ramsey turned up on our doorstep with fresh bread and kerosene, and welcomed us to the neighbourhood,” he said. “There have been a large number of people who have contributed to the Ramsey Bros family success story, but a large amount of credit has to go to Eddy.”
