Since his early years John always had a love of machinery and farming, and he was keen to put it to good use.

After completing high school at the age of 15 in 1965, he started an apprenticeship with Waugh & Josephson working on John Deere and Caterpillar equipment in January 1966.

After 12 years of working for other people and having risen to the position of service manager for a local machinery dealership, John decided it was time to go out on his own and start his own repair business.

In July 1978, John and wife Josie set up shop in Lasscock Road.

"With Josie keeping the books and with my knowledge as a mechanic I was repairing agricultural machinery both in the workshop and out in the field," John said.

He could be seen driving around and on-site in his distinctive yellow Holden WB ute.

Within a short period the business took on a young apprentice - Louis Cadorin - who went on to be a shareholder in the company and instrumental in its growth. He remained with the company until 2017.

Within a few years the Codemos were approached by major agricultural machinery companies to sell their brands and things really took off from there.

"A very proud moment was in 1983 when we won the Steiger Tractor Dealer of the Year for all of Australia," John said.

The business quickly outgrew the original workshop.

With much planning and forethought, renovations took shape over and around the original building. Major renovations were completed in 1985 with the site receiving ongoing extensions as required after that.

At this time the total staff numbered roughly 15 employees.

The involvement of John and Josie's sons, David and Simon, in the business took it into a second generation.

Although additional land was purchased in Lasscock Road and extra offices were tacked on to the extended original building, it soon became clear that the business had outgrown the premises.

Looking closely at its future needs, the Codemos purchased industrial land at 1-7 Oxley Street in September 2013 for the complete relocation of the business.

After much research and information gathering, a design was finalised that suited the present and future needs. In November 2018 Codemo Machinery Services moved into their new purpose-built, state-of-the-art dealership.

"Codemo Machinery Services prides itself on being able to give stable employment to so many local people and staff today number 40," John said.

"We pride ourselves on the fact we can provide a very diversified farming community the latest and best sales and service support."

It's 1978 and a young couple - just in their 20s - decide to take the big step to venture out into their own business.

John and Josie Codemo, partners in life, are about to become partners in business.

"There was never a 'grand plan'," Josie said.

"Just an old shed on Lasscock Road and a shiny new yellow W B Holden ute, determination and hard work."

John's vast knowledge of agricultural machinery ensured that there was always plenty of repair work.

"Within a short period of time the big machinery brands of the day came knocking and the rest is history," Josie said.

Codemo Machinery Services always takes into consideration the same three components when planning for the future.

Dealer principal Simon Codemo said the first consideration was always its customers.

"Codemo Machinery Services will always strive to put the customer first," Simon said. "Doing this will ensure that there is always a healthy relationship between us and them, and will provide benefits for both parties moving forward."

Second is Codemo Machinery Services' long-term relationship with its suppliers.

"Having this longstanding relationship means staff gain an unprecedented level of experience and knowledge on the brand," Simon said.

"These partnerships have been built over a long period of time and this has helped our customers to have confidence with these brands."

The last - but certainly not least - consideration is the loyal staff.

Codemo Machinery Services will strive to continue to offer long term and stable employment to about 40 employees.

"Evidence of this are the many long term staff members," Simon said.

"High on our list for our employees is and has always been the training and retaining of our apprentices, who now have the opportunity to train in brand-specific training facilities."

In addition to apprentices attending TAFE, the qualified technicians on staff regularly travel to Sydney or Melbourne to attend schools run by brands such as New Holland or Kubota, to continue to learn and keep up to date with all the changes and the new machinery sold at the dealership.

Training days are also provided for customers to help them gain knowledge of the machinery they have purchased. This training is tailored to each piece of machinery and targeted at helping customers stay in the field longer.

Any business that sets up in Griffith - or indeed the MIA - knows that being part of the community often requires them to give back.

While it is true that all businesses benefit from the community they establish themselves in, the community will also, in turn, benefit from their presence.

Codemo Machinery Services is no different in its desire and ability to give something back.

As a a 100 per cent locally owned and operated family business, Codemo Machinery Services prides itself in giving back to the local and surrounding communities.

Josie Codemo said this support was provided in many ways.

"Firstly, we are providing employment to so many local families and in doing so allowing our local community to grow and prosper," Josie said.

"Griffith is a very generous town and Codemo Machinery Services is always there to provide financial and in-kind support to struggling families, sporting groups, schools, charities and healthcare groups."

Codemo Machinery Services will officially open the doors to its newest premises with an open day and some short formalities on Thursday, September 5 at 1 Oxley Street, Griffith.

This is your invitation as the business welcomes all of its families, friends, customers past and present, and the general public.

We will also be holding some short formalities to open the premises, as well as sharing nibbles and refreshments from 5.30pm until 7pm.

You can also come get professional advice from branded company representatives from 2pm until 5pm.

There will be prizes to be won on the day.

Come from 2pm or from 5.30pm to enjoy the celebrations of the night. We look forward to seeing you there.

The team at Codemo Machinery Services would like to take this opportunity to thank the Griffith and surrounding communities for the ongoing support they have shown for the past 40 years.

CMS would also like to take this opportunity to thank all of its employees - both those who have been part of the team in the past and as well as those still with the business - for all the hard work they have put in day to day over the last 40 years.

"Without all of you, none of this would have been possible," founder John Codemo said.

"The entire team is grateful for the support received from the community and hopes to continue to do business with our valued current and future clients for many years to come."