Thursday, 06 March 2025 07:55

Pallet maker retains Fonterra contract

Written by  Staff Reporters
Fonterra’s national pallet manager, Lawrence Hooker (left) and Timpack managing director Alan Walters. Fonterra’s national pallet manager, Lawrence Hooker (left) and Timpack managing director Alan Walters.

Timpack, one of New Zealand's largest wooden pallet and bin manufacturers, has been rewarded an exclusive contract to supply Fonterra.

Timpack has been operating in Hamilton since 1984 and now has seven sites throughout New Zealand. Their team of 200 quite literally takes business places with production of more than a million items of wooden packaging annually.

The NZ-owned and operated company will retain responsibility for supply and maintenance of Fonterra's pallet requirements for transportation of its goods throughout the nation and across the globe.

"Our relationship with Fonterra dates back to its inception in 2001, and can be traced back to our relationship with its predecessors when our own business was formed 40 years ago," said Timpack managing director Alan Walters.

"We see ourselves as a strategic partner rather than a supplier. To have our contract renewed for another five yuears is welcome news, and a vote in confidence that we're continuing to live up to our promises."

Walters said Timpack has an intimate understanding of the essential role pallets hold within Fonterra's supply chain, and the agility to forecast and respond to seasonal peaks with a reliable supply of pallets.

To meet Fonterra's standards, the business operates with an extensive quality of system which includes a comprehensive risk management regime to ensure that each pallet is fit for purpose before leaving the site.

Fonterra's national pallet manager, Lawrence Hooker, said that after going to market, it was clear Timpack was the right company to partner with based on their proven capability to meet Fonterra's dynamic and globally unique requirements.

"Time and time again they have demonstrated willingness to invest in new technology, plant and equipment to assist in improving the quality and service provided to Fonterra."

Lawrence and Timpack manager, Debra Cowen, communicate daily, planning and forecasting individual Fonterra factory requirements to ensure Fonterra sites nationwide are supplied in a timely and efficient manner.

"Over the years, Timpack has worked with Fonterra to optimise the efficiency of the pallet and bin pool operations, ownership and management."

Walters said the contract was the icing on the cake as Timpack celebrates 40 years in business this year.

Billions of dollars' worth of exports is shipped overseas on pallets each year, and hundreds of businesses spanning many industries including horticulture, dairy, construction, packaging and logistics, rely on Timpack's products.

"We are immensely proud to move the goods that move New Zealand and look forward to the next 40 years in business."

More like this

ANZCO Foods' net profit plunges

Meat processor ANZCO Foods’ net profit has plunged on the back of lower market returns which squeezed margins and impacted business performance.

Featured

Creating a buzz on World Bee Day

The message for the 2025 World Bee Day is a call to action for sustainable practices that support bees, improve food security, and protect biosecurity in the face of mounting climate pressures.

NZ supports rules-based system

Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters often describes NZ as a small and isolated nation situated 'just north of the penguins' but says in terms of global affairs, NZ and other small nations should be judged on the quality of their arguments and not the size of their military.

National

Top ag scientist to advise PM

A highly experienced agricultural scientist with specialist knowledge of the dairy sector is the Prime Minister's new Chief Science Advisor.

Machinery & Products

Hose runner saves time and effort

Rakaia-based equipment manufacturer Pluck’s Engineering will soon start production of a new machine designed to simplify the deployment and retrieval…

» Latest Print Issues Online

Milking It

Science fiction

OPINION: Last week's announcement of Prime Minister’s new Science and Technology Advisory Council hasn’t gone down too well in the…

Bye bye Paris?

OPINION: At its recent annual general meeting, Federated Farmers’ Auckland province called for New Zealand to withdraw from the Paris…

» Connect with Dairy News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter