NEW jobs are being created following the merger of two long-established Vale firms that are now under one roof.

Parks and Grounds Machinery, of Bidford – established 23 years ago as a John Deere lawn and ground care machinery dealer – has merged with Chris Tallis Farm Machinery Ltd, John Deere dealers of Hinton-on-the- Green, near Evesham.

“Now, parts, service and sales are all under one roof at the Hinton headquarters, bringing together 52 years of agriculture, lawns and ground care experience,” said Andy Perkins, a director of Parks and Grounds Machinery, and now a director of the new combined company.

He said that although John Deere was best known for producing large-scale farm equipment, the company also manufactured a wide range of lawn mowers.

“The move also gives us access to provide turf equipment at the other two Chris Tallis Farm Machinery depots at Bibury and Dursley covering substantial areas of the Cotswolds,” Mr Perkins said.

Ben Tallis, managing director of Chris Tallis Farm Machinery, said: “The good news is that there have been no redundancies as a result of this move. Nine members of Parks and Grounds Machinery transferred to Hinton and the company is in the process of recruiting to add to the 35- strong team at Hinton, particularly workshop technicians and in the sales departments.”

To celebrate the new set-up, Mr Tallis said they were holding two open days at the Hinton depot on Friday and Saturday, April 20 and 21, remaining open until 8pm on Friday and 6pm on Saturday.

“We shall also have on display in our showrooms the full range of strimmers, cultivators and other garden machinery,” Mr Tallis said.