RURAL NEWS // JULY 28, 2020
28 MACHINERY & PRODUCTS / RURAL TRADER Made in NZ...
McIntosh Farm Machinery Made in New Zealand is a feature that looks at the wealth of design and manufacturing ability we have in New Zealand, producing productive and cost-effective products for the agricultural sector. This week, machinery editor Mark Daniel takes a closer look at Palmerston North-based McIntosh Farm Machinery, catching up with Brett McIntosh. Q – When was the company founded, by whom and why (was it to solve a problem or market a product)? Back in 1951, my dad Bill and uncle Bryant started doing general engineering for the farming sector in a shed at Palmerston North. Building farm machinery started in the early 1970s with a feeder wagon built for New Zealand conditions. Q – Where are you located – is it single or multiple sites and how many people are employed? In 2008 we relocated to Armstrong St, Palmerston North, to a site that combines our Farm Machinery and our Cranes &Transport business. This allowed us to re-think the production of machinery from start to finish. It enabled us to set up a new factory that
flowed efficiently – from fabrication to sandblasting and painting. During the development we also ensured our 50 dedicated staff had a better working environment, which in turn has led to a more productive team overall. Q – What are your key products and which markets do they serve? We manufacture single, double, multi-4 bale, and trough bale feeders, forage wagons, tip trailers, chaser wagons, muck spreaders, and beater wagons. We distribute through a loyal NZ dealer network, TracMap Farm Equipment in Australia and Cooprinsem, a farming co-operative, in Chile. Q – Are your products unique? If so, what are the four key benefits? If not, what are the four unique
selling points? When you buy a McIntosh product, you’re buying strength, durability, quality and performance. Bill’s early attention to build quality, while keeping designs simple and strong, has become our brand identity. As an examMADE IN NZ ple, our bale feedA LOOK AT ers have a wider HOME-GROWN COMPANIES cradle than most other machines on the market, allowing cleaner feeding out and less wastage. We listen to and understand changes? our market, then deliver With bigger farms, solutions that are trusted come bigger machines. on farms both at home So much so, that when and overseas. I joined the company Q – Looking at an ever35 years ago, our largest evolving market, what forage wagon was 9 cubic changes do you envisage? Or what will you have to do metres – today it’s 35 cubic metres. moving forwards, to enter One of our latest new markets or industry projects, working with our Australian distributor, has been to develop a machine for the vineyards of South Australia to apply straw and compost. With wider row spacing than in New Zealand vineyards, this offered us a unique opportunity that makes this unit the
Businesses
tunnel houses Grow vegetables all year round Very affordable and easy to install New Zealand designed and made 40 years producing tunnel houses Range of models sized from 2m - 10m t/f
03 214 4262 |
e
T T T T T
info@morrifield.com
www.morrifield.com
ONE STOP WATER SHOP 300mm x 6 metre .......................... $410 400mm x 6 metre .......................... $515 500mm x 6 metre .......................... $690 600mm x 6 metre .......................... $925 800mm x 6 metre ........................ $1399 1000mm x 6 metre ...................... $2175 1200mm x 6 metre ...................... $3475 ALL PRICES INCLUDE G.S.T.
McIntosh Farm Machinery’s Palmerston North-based factory site.
only one of its type in the country. Another success has been the sale of Beater Wagons in Australia, while interest in NZ is also growing as farmers use more diverse feed combinations. Q – What has been the company’s greatest success since its formation? The company is built on honest family values; a legacy started by Bill & Bryant. This has led to McIntosh Farm Machinery earning a reputation for the toughest, most durable and reliable farming machinery on the market. All accompanied by customer service and support that won’t let you down when the going gets tough. Q – In contrast, what
CULVERT PIPES
New Zealand’s CHEAPEST Culvert Pipes! FREE joiners supplied on request. • Lightweight, easy to install • Made from polyethylene
Check out our NEW website www.mckeeplastics.co.nz
has been the biggest “Oh Bugger” moment or the steepest learning curve? Our biggest “Oh Bugger” moment is currently a very personal one, as the family has been dealing with Bill’s rapid onset of Alzheimer’s Disease over the last 12-months. He was diagnosed after a fall at last year’s CD Fieldays from where he has deteriorated rapidly. Q – If you were approached by someone looking to start a business, what would be your three key pieces of advice? Build strong relationships with your customers, dealers, and your staff. Care about the business and your product. Listen to your staff and
customers and keep innovating. Never under-estimate the importance of cashflow to your business – a point we learnt that from Bill at an early age. Q – Where do you see the company in the next three, five and ten years? What changes do you foresee to keep relevant and grow your business? We pride ourselves on the relationships we have formed over the last 70 years in the farming industry, leading to a strong and loyal customer base. Over the next ten years, we will continue to listen, develop and support our products, while ensuring they remain relevant and add value for our customers.
Phone
06 323 4181
or
0800 625 826 for your nearest stockist
Joiners supplied FREE with culvert pipes