20 | Investment in plant technology Ovation NZ is an integrated lamb sourcing, slaughter, processing and exporting business, delivering to customers across the globe. from page 18 Gisborne: Ovation New Zealand REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Whangarei – Auckland – Hamilton – Tauranga - New Plymouth Hawkes Bay - Palmerston North – Blenheim - Christchurch BRANCHES NATIONWIDE COMPRESSED AIR SALES – SERVICE – HIRE Proudly supporting Ovation NZ Phone 0800 668 342 / 24 Hours FOR ALL YOUR RURAL TRANSPORT REQUIREMENTS We provide Livestock, General/Bulk, Logging and Ground Spreading services “The plant processes on a year round basis and seasonally operates a nightshift to accommodate demand from farmers for peak season processing capacity,” says General Manager Alastair Bayliss. “We have a very low turnover of farmer/ suppliers and our location would be a strong influence for many, but we like to think we add a little more in terms of an offering. We allocate processing space to our farmers several months in advance. “The farmer has the confidence that they have that space available to them and we operate a same day process model. The farmer knows their livestock isn’t going to be sitting around waiting to be processed, losing condition and weight through stress.” In recent years Ovation Gisborne has invested heavily in plant technology including robotics and automation to assist with quality, productivity and safety. Modified Atmosphere Packing technology has also been introduced to extend shelf life of chilled shipments. The vast majority of production is exported with main markets being China, US, Canada, UK, EU, and the Middle East. Alastair says one of the cornerstones of success of the business its highly skilled workforce and their loyal, committed culture. “The core of our workforce that we rely upon to train all our new recruits is predominantly from that original team who started with the business over 20 years ago. “We’re highly reliant upon them to pass on those skills and knowledge, and they do it well. “If you walk through that plant, the vast majority of them have smiles on their faces and engage at all levels. “It’s a friendly plant, and I think some of that has to do with the region itself.” Ovation is a significant contributor to the local economy from an employment perspective, and through engaging local businesses to service and support the plant, the company. It is also the principal sponsor of the Waipaoa Station Farm Cadet Training Trust and sponsor the Gisborne A&P show. “We support these organisations because they are important to our rural supply base, Waipaoa is helping to train farmers for the future and the A&P show is a key community event.”
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