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Made in New Zealand is a feature that looks at the wealth of design and manufacturing ability we have in New Zealand, producing productive and cost-effective products for the agricultural sector. This week, we take a closer look at BA Pumps and Sprayers, catching up with directors, Mark, Penny and Guy Rendle.
Q - When was the company founded, by whom and why?
In 1989 Mark, Penny and Guy Rendle identified a need for rugged, high quality, New Zealand- designed and made pumps and sprayers to meet increasing diversity in land use. Originally known as Bertolini Australasia, BA Pumps and Sprayers has grown from this concept to become New Zealand’s leader in pumps and sprayers.
Q - Where are you located and how many people are employed?
We have a fabrication and assembly facility in Cambridge, New Zealand employing 45 people. This is complemented by BA Group Australia, which has an assembly facility in Geelong, near Melbourne, employing 25 people – including the national sales team.
Q - What are your key products and which markets do they serve?
We offer spraying solutions for dairy farmers, arable farmers, viticulture, horticulture, silviculture businesses across all geographic regions of New Zealand.
Our relationship with Bertolini Italy has allowed us to bring in the best Italian and German pump technology and develop spraying products for the New Zealand market. This has resulted in a range of products that can help farmers and growers apply crop protectants effectively, efficiently and safely.
Q - Are your products unique? If so, what are the key benefits or selling points?
Much of our success has come from a commitment to researching the unique New Zealand land use market.
Using this information, we develop and manufacture products that meet, and often surpass, the expectations of our customers. This uncompromising strategy has given us a true edge in the rural marketplace.
Q - Looking at an everevolving market, what changes have you made over the last few years, or will you make?
As a New Zealand company, we are born with Kiwi ingenuity that keeps us ever changing. As our business grows, we’ve changed our systems and processes to improve efficiencies across the company. On the product side, we have our own R&D team and partner with other spraying technology experts, such as TeeJet Nozzles and Smart-Apply, to develop products that agricultural and horticultural businesses can use as they become larger and face increased demands and legislation.
Q - What has been the company’s greatest success since its formation?
Growing from a company employing four people to one employing over 70 people here, in New Zealand and Australia.
Q - If you were approached by someone looking to start a business, what would be your three key pieces of advice?
Passion – You need to be passionate about what you are doing. If you don’t have the passion you won’t have the drive to make the business a success. Perseverance – It’s not easy starting a business and there will be things that won’t go your way so keep trying. And, finally, don’t give up!!
The market is in decline in the United States, Canada and Brazil. In Europe, sales are falling in Germany, France and Spain. Turkey is experiencing a sharp decline, whilst the economic strategies and policies implemented by India and China are driving purchases in both countries.
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