RURAL NEWS // SEPTEMBER 16, 2014
MACHINERY & PRODUCTS 61
Anka deal a ‘perfect fit’ for Apex APEX VALVES, manufacturer of plumbing and agricultural water control valves, has recently acquired Anka Products. This acquisition means that Anka will now be a 100% kiwi-owned and operated manufacturer. Anka Products says it offers an extensive range of fittings for polyethylene pipe, hose nozzle’s, check and foot valves, swivels and pipe unions, which will now be made in New Zealand by Apex. Anka has become a preferred product by many farmers and growers over the last 18 years and is well known as the ‘blue nut’ fitting. Apex Valves has over 30 years of experience in the water control valve industry and together Apex now offers a range of water control products that are true, field proven favourites amongst farmers. Hydroflow is owned by Ken Breckon and is the distributor for Apex’s agricultural valves and Anka products. Business partners – Bevan Gracie at the helm of Apex Valves and Ken Breckon distributing the product through Hydroflow say they are excited about the secured future of Anka. They
Ken Breckon from Apex and Hydroflow and Anka’s Wendy McMahon shake on the new alliance between Anka and Apex.
are both pleased that Anka will remain 100% NZ Made and are looking forward to the innovations the Apex R&D team, plastic engineers and valve experts can apply to the Anka range of products. Breckon says Hydroflow and Anka formed a strong relationship over five years ago and have had very positive traction in the market as many farm-
ers now understand the benefits of the Anka product over the existing main market competitor. “After discussions with the late Mike McMahon (Anka Products Director and Owner), we started to represent Anka in the market. Sadly, Mike passed away hence the opportunity for Apex to purchase Anka. Mike will be greatly
missed”. Breckon believes Apex and Anka go hand-in-hand and it’s a perfect complement to the Apex product offering. “It also completes the Hydroflow range; we are plumbing and agricultural product distribution specialists and Apex and Anka are key the players in the market. They both produce
a premium quality product that farmers rely on.” Wendy McMahon says Anka enjoyed a great partnership with Hydroflow. “Since Hydroflow came on board as a distributor, we grew from strength to strength,” she told Rural News. “Mike would be proud to see the company sold to Apex. I would like to see Mike’s legacy continue and grow. We know that these guys will do that very well.” Anka will operate as a division of Apex and Terry McMahon, the late Mike McMahon’s brother, will continue to manage Anka alongside the Apex team. The acquisition of Anka opens also opens export opportunities for Anka, says Apex Valves managing director Bevan Gracie. Apex, which exports to 17 countries, will use its network to sell Anka products globally. Gracie says “Apex is already getting enquiries for Anka products from current and new overseas distributors. We look forward to leveraging off both brands and growing the Anka range, both at home and abroad. We also welcome the Anka employees, all of which will be retained and are highly valued by Apex”.
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