Friday, 27 September 2024 11:55

A world leader in stock handling

Written by  Mark Daniel
In-house manufacturing has been a blessing for Combi Clamp. In-house manufacturing has been a blessing for Combi Clamp.

Made in New Zealand is a feature that looks at the wealth of design and manufacturing ability we have in New Zealand. This week machinery editor Mark Daniel takes a closer look at Combi Clamp Limited, catching up with managing director Wayne Coffey.

Q- When was the company founded, by whom and why (was it to solve a problem or market a product)?

The company was founded in 2002 by my wife Lynley and me while managing a farm in Taihape. With 11,000 ewes and a sheep handler the sheep didn’t like, we realised we needed something more user- and stock-friendly.

Q- Where are you located? Is it single or multiple sites and how many people are employed?

In 2017, we purchased our workshop in Kaimanawa Street, Palmerston North, where we currently employ six full time staff, plus two sales representatives who cover New Zealand and Australia.

We also have an agreement with Ritchie Agricultural in Scotland who manufacture and sell the Combi Clamp under licence.

Q- What are your key products and which markets do they serve?

Our extensive range includes the Combi Clamp Sheep Handler with a range of options, including 3 Way Drafts, Weighing, Gadget Holders, Races, Wheel attachments, Wool Classing and Lamb Cushion Walls.

Our wide range of cattle crushes are aimed at general, heavy-duty and vet operations, with options including Auto Head Yoke, Sliding Gate, Anti Backing Ratchets and Offside Gate Openers.

Q- Are your products unique? If so, what are the four key benefits? If not unique, what are the four unique selling points?

The Combi Clamp is unique because it catches sheep with the operator’s bodyweight being the mode of power. It is quiet because there are no power-driven air or hydraulics, meaning there’s nothing to go wrong, so maintenance is minimal. The HD Cattle Crushes follow the same principles, all featuring our Auto Head Yoke, where cattle catch themselves.

Q- Looking at an ever-evolving market, what changes have you made over the last few years, or what will you have to do in future (design or manufacturing changes, reworks to enter new sectors or the incorporation of electronics)?

The world has become a throwaway society, but living with a wife who thinks everything should last 30 years, we keep building equipment stronger to handle bigger animals.

Q- What has been the company’s greatest success since its formation?

Our greatest success is measured by the positive client feedback that we receive. We have sold thousands of handling systems in the UK, EU, Ireland, Canada, North America, Australia and NZ.

Q- In contrast, what has been the biggest ‘oh bugger’ moment or the steepest learning curve?

Our biggest learning curve was that we should have moved to in-house manufacturing earlier than we did. Manufacture by a third party meant margins were too tight to grow the business. Manufacturing in-house means we can make changes more easily and work on R&D with new product development.

Q- If you were approached by someone looking to start a business, what would be your three key pieces of advice?

Do your research and develop your product before hitting the market to be in front with momentum. Believe in and back yourself, because if you aren’t confident, you may end up a statistic and finally, it’s all about the people not the product.

More like this

Rein 'Deere' spreads Christmas cheer

The Brandt Hastings team, joined by Rudolph the Red-Nose Rein ‘Deere’, spread holiday cheer this week at the Hawke’s Bay Hospital children’s ward.

GEA launches robotic milkers

Milking technology provider GEA Farm Technologies is introducing its first automatic milking system (AMS) in New Zealand.

A JAC for all trades

While the New Zealand ute market is dominated by three main players, “disruptors” are never too far away.

Compact design, more capabilities

Case IH has added to its telescopic loader range with the introduction of the Farmlift 626, said to offer a more compact design, reduced turning radius for greater manoeuvrability and lower overall height.

Pushing the boundaries

Can-Am is pushing the boundaries of performance with its Outlander line-up of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) with the launch of the new 850 and 1000R models, said to offer industry-leading horsepower, increased suspension travel and refined handling.

Featured

'Female warriors' to talk ag sector opportunities

The East Coast Farming Expo is playing host to a quad of ‘female warriors’ (wahine toa) who will give an in-depth insight into the opportunities and successes the primary industries offer women.

Dairy-beef offering potential for savings

Beef produced from cattle from New Zealand's dairy sector could provide reductions in greenhouse gas emissions of up to 48, compared to the average for beef cattle, a new study by AgResearch has found.

Dairy buoyant

The Rabobank Rural Confidence Survey found farmers' expectations for their own business operations had also improved, with the net reading on this measure lifting to +37% from +19% previously.

Farmer confidence flowing back

Confidence is flowing back into the farming sector on the back of higher dairy and meat prices, easing interest rates and a more farmer-friendly regulatory environment.

National

Machinery & Products

GEA launches robotic milkers

Milking technology provider GEA Farm Technologies is introducing its first automatic milking system (AMS) in New Zealand.

More front hoppers

German seeding specialists Horsch have announced a new 1600- litre double-tank option that will join its current Partner FT single…

Origin Ag clocks up 20 years

With roots dating back to 2004, Origin Ag was formed as a co-operative business model that removed the traditional distributor,…

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Dark ages

OPINION: Before we all let The Green Party have at it with their 'bold' emissions reduction plan, the Hound thought…

Rhymes with?

OPINION: The Feds' latest banking survey shows that bankers are even less popular with farmers than they used to be,…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter