Fonterra’s $3.2b capital return to farmers set to boost rural incomes and NZ economy
According to ASB, Fonterra's plan to sell it's Anchor and Mainlands brands could inject $4.5 billion in additional spending into the economy.
A focus on effectiveness, efficiency and innovation during factory winter maintenance is saving Fonterra money.
Fonterra says a focus on effectiveness, efficiency and innovation during factory winter maintenance is saving money.
Director of NZ manufacturing Mark Leslie says the winter shutdown is a key time of preparation for the season ahead.
"Each year we process 18 billion L of milk, mostly in spring. The work we're doing now readies us for that peak period."
More effectiveness and efficiency at maintaining sites is their focus, Leslie says. "We've always been efficient in our maintenance projects, so the challenge this year was to... do things better, faster and smarter."
Hundreds of factory staff are working on about 500 projects nationwide, ranging from major capital works to minor overhauls.
Winter shutdown manager at Te Rapa, Blair Bond, refers to an "owner's mindset" among the manufacturing staff.
"We treat the assets as if we were their owners – putting ourselves in our farmers' shoes and thinking about how we can do things more effectively and [save money]."
Some work will lead to change in the way the plant processes milk during the milking season. Bond gives the example of the D4 evaporator: the staff suggested splitting the process into stages, which will allow the evaporator to run 6% longer – more milk processed each day.
"It's year-round for us. Year-long we talk to other sites about what worked for them and leverage our collective strength."
Te Rapa now has a year-round asset care approach to maintaining and servicing plant.
According to ASB, Fonterra's plan to sell it's Anchor and Mainlands brands could inject $4.5 billion in additional spending into the economy.
New Zealand’s trade with the European Union has jumped $2 billion since a free trade deal entered into force in May last year.
The climate of uncertainty and market fragmentation that currently characterises the global economy suggests that many of the European agricultural machinery manufacturers will be looking for new markets.
Dignitaries from all walks of life – the governor general, politicians past and present, Maoridom- including the Maori Queen, church leaders, the primary sector and family and friends packed Our Lady of Kapiti’s Catholic church in Paraparaumu on Thursday October 23 to pay tribute to former prime Minister, Jim Bolger who died last week.
Agriculture and Forestry Minister, Todd McClay is encouraging farmers, growers, and foresters not to take unnecessary risks, asking that they heed weather warnings today.
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OPINION: Voting is underway for Fonterra’s divestment proposal, with shareholders deciding whether or not sell its consumer brands business.
OPINION: Politicians and Wellington bureaucrats should take a leaf out of the book of Canterbury District Police Commander Superintendent Tony Hill.