Wise Farm Equipment acquires Sebastopol Machinery Service, strengthening its footprint in diverse South Australian farming region

Third-generation family dealership near Millicent joins growing Wise Farm Equipment network

Wise Farm Equipment, one of South Australia’s leading agricultural machinery dealerships, has acquired Sebastopol Machinery Service, a respected third-generation family dealership operating for over 75 years.

Situated 7km from Millicent on the Princes Highway, Sebastopol Machinery Service was established in 1948 by Clem Altschwager, beginning life as a service station and general mechanical repair business. The shift toward agricultural machinery came in the late 1960s when Clem’s son Brian took the reins, and in 1969 the business was appointed as a J.I Case dealer – beginning the sales of tractors and harvesting equipment that would serve the region for generations.

Phil Altschwager first walked through the doors full-time in 1982, starting in spare parts before completing his apprenticeship and working his way through every corner of the business. In 2005, he and his wife Tanya purchased the business from Brian and Judy, carrying the family legacy into its third generation. Brian himself retired in 2009 after more than five decades of service alongside his father Clem and then his son Phil.

“This business has been our family’s life’s work – three generations of service to farmers in this region,” said Phil Altschwager, Dealer Principal of Sebastopol Machinery Service.

“It wasn’t a decision we took lightly, but we know Wise Farm Equipment shares the same values we’ve built this business on: putting the customer first, standing behind the product, and being part of the community. We’re proud of what we’ve built, and we’re confident in passing that on.”

The acquisition follows a period of significant expansion for Wise Farm Equipment. The business, which has represented New Holland in the upper south-east of South Australia since 1981, recently added Case IH to its offering through the acquisition of former Hage Tractors and Implements dealerships in Naracoorte and Mount Gambier.

The Sebastopol Machinery Service acquisition further consolidates Wise Farm Equipment’s presence across the south-east of the state.

“We respect what the Altschwager family has achieved during their 75 years in business, this shows great dedication and we wish Phil and Tanya all the best in the next phase in their lives,” said Grant Wise, owner of Wise Farm Equipment.

“As a family business ourselves, we understand the effort and focus required to be successful in this industry. We are really focused on customer service and providing opportunities for our staff to develop and advance.

“We look forward to working with primary producers in the Millicent region and providing them with the benefits that will come with access to the broader support network and range of machinery our business offers,” he said.