Thursday, 23 May 2013 14:42

New sales manager joins GEA

Written by 

Award winning sales manager Colin May has joined the GEA Farm Technologies New Zealand management team to drive sales for its animal health and hygiene brand, FIL.

 With more than 30 years' experience in agricultural sales and business development, May joins GEA after an eight year stint with the Hamilton-based Gallagher Group, where he playing an instrumental role in building its international business, including leading and building sales teams in Chile and South Africa.

His formative years were spent with multinational hygiene solutions company EcoLab, where he spent 17 years playing a significant role in developing its New Zealand business, and earning the title of Asia Pacific Sales Manager of the Year and International Sales Manager of the Year.

May says he was attracted to the national sales manager role at GEA because of FIL's reputation for innovation, and the opportunities for growth that have emerged since it was purchased by GEA Farm Technologies in 2010.

He added that he enjoys working for market leaders, particularly in the dairy industry, and is very conscious of how the industry has evolved over the past 25 years.

"Farmers have gone from owner operator lifestyles to being major employers of multi-million dollar businesses with all the challenges that go with being an entrepreneur, such as being a good employer and building skilled and effective teams."

May said his team of 16 FIL area managers see their role as supporting the farming workforce to improve its knowledge and understanding of animal health and hygiene, and where it fits within the whole farming system.

May says he is looking forward to being on farm more often and spending time with farmers at the coal face.

GEA Farm Technologies New Zealand managing director Jamie Mikkelson said May's wealth of experience in sales, management, business development and animal and plant hygiene was a valuable addition to both the GEA team and New Zealand's dairy farmers and industry.

"FIL is now part of a total solution for farmers as part of GEA Farm Technologies, which includes milking machine equipment and effluent management products. Colin's primary goal is to lead his team in building a reputation as the local experts and first port of call for advice on plant hygiene – from staff training to preventing grades," says Mikkelson.

More like this

Conventional milking goes digital

In line with its motto “Next Generation Farming”, GEA recently announced innovations in the field of conventional milking at EuroTier.

Robotic feeding for 300 cows

Dairy specialists GEA has announced the arrival of an autonomous robotic feeder to its already extensive range.

Featured

Dairy sheep and goat turmoil

Dairy sheep and goat farmers are being told to reduce milk supply as processors face a slump in global demand for their products.

Hurry up and slow down!

OPINION: We have good friends from way back who had lived in one of our major cities for many years.

National

Knowing bugs means fewer drugs

A mastitis management company claims to deliver the fastest and most accurate mastitis testing available at scale for New Zealand…

Machinery & Products

100 years of Farmall Tractors

Returning after an enforced break, the Wheat and Wheels Rally will take place on the Lauriston -Barhill Road, North-East of…

JD unveils its latest beast

John Deere has unveiled its most powerful tractor ever, with the launch of the all new 9RX Series Tractor line-up…

Biggest Quadtrac coming to NZ!

In the biggest announcement that Case IH Australia/New Zealand has made around its tractor range, its biggest tractor is about…

A different shade of blue for Norwood

Norwood and ARGO Tractors, the Italian manufacturer of Landini and McCormick tractors, have announced an agreement that gives Norwood exclusive…

Kubota tests diesel engines

Kubota last month used the UK LAMMA Show to test the water with its new 200hp, four-cylinder 09-series diesel engines.

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Why?

OPINION: A mate of yours truly wants to know why the beef schedule differential is now more than 45-50 cents…

Fat to cut

OPINION: Your canine crusader understands that MPI were recently in front of the Parliamentary Primary Sector Select Committee for an…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter