Tractor, harvester IT comes of age
Over the last halfdecade, digital technology has appeared to be the “must-have” for tractor and machinery companies, who believe that bringing IT to tractors and farming will offer its customers huge benefits.
The Carrfields Machinery and Irrigation businesses have bought the Waipara Junction Garage site.
This is part of their continued growth strategy.
Located at the intersection of State Highway 1 and the Hanmer Springs turn-off, the new facility will house the CLAAS Harvest Centre, Carrfields Irrigation and the Husqvarna Equipment dealership.
"Our customer base in North Canterbury is growing and we are committed to providing an integrated sales, service and support model," says Matt Keen, general manager, CLAAS Harvest Centre.
"We have an excellent team on board to support the local agricultural community – providing this service is just one step we are taking to building a positive and mutually beneficial relationship in the region."
The CLAAS Harvest Centre will provide parts, service and sales and the business will look to develop agricultural parts support via suppliers that work within the local farming community.
As part of Carrfields Irrigation growth roadmap, the business will provide design and sales, service support and parts to North Canterbury. The Husqvarna Equipment dealership will be featured in a new showroom and provide general on-site sales and service. Allied Petroleum will also have a self-service fuel facility on-site.
"Our investment to further expand our machinery and irrigation presence in North Canterbury is an essential part of our growth plans for these businesses," says Carrfields managing director, Craig Carr. "We have a strong footprint in the wider Canterbury region and are committed to improving our service offering to our North Canterbury clients," he says.
Settlement on the site is due mid-April with the business being fully operational by early July 2016.
One of Fonterra’s global customers, Mars is launching an ambitious sustainable dairy plan to work with dairy farmers and cut emissions by 50%.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand chief executive for the past eight years, Sam McIvor is heading for new pastures at Ospri, which runs NZ’s integrated animal disease management and traceability service.
The world's largest wool scouring facility, WoolWorks Awatoto plant in Napier, is back operating at full capacity.
A year on and the problems created by Cyclones Hale and Gabrielle has largely dropped off the radar of media and politicians.
Feeling forgotten and in a fragile space financially and mentally.
Horticulture NZ chief executive Nadine Tunley will step down in August.