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Doug and Logan McKee inspect a product at their Feilding site.
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 machinery editor Mark Daniel takes a closer look at McKee Plastics, catching up with business development manager, Logan McKee.
Q: When was the company founded, by whom and why?
McKee Plastics was founded in 1975 in by William Douglas McKee, aka Doug, with the goal of providing durable, cost-effective on-farm solutions for Kiwi farmers. The business supplied reliable, locally made products that could handle the tough conditions of the agricultural sector. Over nearly 50 years, we’ve expanded our range and reputation, becoming a trusted name in agriculture, forestry, construction, civil industries and even areas such as the kayaking community.
Q: Where are you located?
Proudly based in Feilding in the Manawatu, where we’ve been a part of the community since our formation. In 2022, we expanded by acquiring a small business from Waimate, South Canterbury, which allowed us to broaden our product range. Our team is a dedicated group, many of whom have been here since the early years.
Q: What are your key products and which markets do they serve?
Our core product ranges include Calf Feeders, designed to cater for small lifestyle blocks, right the way through to large scale commercial operations, alongside water troughs that are essential for dairy and livestock enterprises. We also manufacture and market culvert pipes, for use in farm water management, civil infrastructure and drainage projects. Our South Island products include steel farm trailers, as well as 12-volt and Honda-powered spray units. These latest additions, complement our existing seasonal product lineup, allowing us to serve farmers year-round, while taking the South Canterbury product range’s reach nationwide.
Q: Are your products unique?
Of course we have competitors in the market, but we focus on what we do that makes us different. Our products stand out because they are born & bred in NZ, being designed by our founders and manufactured locally for NZ conditions. We also build products that are durable and built to last, achieved by using high-grade materials and refined moulding techniques. We also have an in-house focus on sustainability, actively recycling plastics to reduce waste, so we welcome any end-of-life water troughs, tanks and feeders that can be used.
Q: Looking at an everevolving market, what changes have you made over the last few years?
In recent years, we have acquired a complementary product range that increased our portfolio, ensuring we cater to rural New Zealand throughout the whole year. We constantly refine our manufacturing processes to improve efficiency, while also reducing waste. We also been strengthening our recycling program, reinforcing our commitment to sustainability by helping farmers to dispose of their end-of-life products. Moving forwards, we’ll continue to invest in innovation, sustainability, and market growth, ensuring our products remain accessible, affordable, and reliable.
Q: What has been the company’s greatest success since its formation?
Our biggest success is being a trusted, multi-generational business that has stood the test of time. Expanding our product range in 2022 was also a major milestone, as prior to that we have always had a “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” approach. The acquisition has allowed us to offer a more diverse catalogue while keeping our manufacturing strong in New Zealand.
Q: In contrast, what has been the biggest “Oh Bugger” moment?
We have “oh bugger” moments every day, from small buggers to large buggers, so we have learned to pivot quickly in those moments. Anyone brave enough to be in business in 2025 should account for these curve balls and roll with the punches rather than fight the waves. As an old sales rep told me years ago, “When the wind changes direction, some build walls, others build windmills”. It took me a while to realise that he meant ‘always be ready for change’, and it’s now a philosophy I try to bring to our family business.
Q: If you were approached by someone looking to start a business, what would be your three key pieces of advice?
Stay true to quality – customers remember reliability over short-term price advantages. Adapt to change – markets shift, so businesses that evolve survive. Build strong relationships, as success isn’t just about the products, it’s about people, partnerships and trust.
Q: Where do you see the company in the next three, five and ten years?
Over the next three years, our aim is to strengthen our national presence, while ensuring our product lines continue to evolve with the market. Over five years, we plan to further develop our sustainability efforts, improving recycling capabilities and working with farmers to support NZ manufacturing.
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