Massey Harris also produced one of the world's first four-wheel drive tractors. In 1953, the company merged with the Ferguson Company to become Massey-Harris-Ferguson, before finally taking on its current name in 1958. In 1955, Massey purchased the Australian H.V. McKay company, manufacturers of the brand Sunshine. In 1930 the H.V.
McKay Company was granted exclusive Australian distribution of Massey-Harris machinery. In 1959, Massey bought 100% of Landini, based in Italy. In 1966, Massey purchased 32% of the Spanish tractor and auto company Ebro, or Motor Iberica. Ebro had previously built Ford tractors under license, but now began building models for Massey, and Massey models under license. Massey sold its interest to Nissan in the 1980s.[4]
In 1973, Massey purchased the German company Eicher, and many Massey-licensed Eichers were built. Massey Combines became insolvent soon after, and its assets were re-acquired by Massey Ferguson.
This encompassed all construction equipment from Massey. Since 1962, Massey Ferguson has been the world's leading tractor brand. Currently, there are more Massey tractors than any other, worldwide.
The companies first mass produced tractor was the Massey Harris Ferguson TVO which was quickly replaced by the Diesel 20. In 1958 the MF35, the first Massey Ferguson branded tractor (a Ferguson design) rolled off the factory floor. In the late '80s, one of the greatest selling tractors of all time was released- the 300 series Massey Ferguson.
