58 | CONTRACTING ABC Milking Solutions Sue Russell A helping hand for dairy farmers ABC Milking Solutions services milking systems, effluent systems and provide water and irrigation systems. Claire Marshall and Alan Van Den Heuvel own and operate Rotorua business ABC Milking Solutions. And in the 11 years since establishing the business it has grown from strength to strength, based on the premise that customers return when they experience good old-fashioned service, from people that know the industry. “We service milking systems, effluent systems and provide water and irrigation systems throughout the Rotorua area and surrounding districts travelling as far as Bennydale,” says Claire. “Alan was working for another company that went into liquidation and this presented a huge gap in the service industry for many dairy farmers. We saw this as an opportunity, so we put a business plan together and presented this to DeLaval. We initially had two business partners with us, but now its just Alan and I running the company. It’s busy but very satisfying.” “Our motto is simple: If the farmer can’t fix it, then we will.” “Over the years the number of staff have grown to meet demand. Today, we have six service technicians who have a very diverse, unique skillset. Their capabilities are very broad and they are amazing problem-solvers.” “Three of our technicians are NZMPTA (NZ Milking & Pumping Trade Assn) accredited, which means they are approved by milk supply companies to routinely test and service milking parlour systems. “Our vehicles carry an extensive range of spare parts for milking sheds and water fittings. We also have a sales rep on the road, who can take orders and deliver products on farm. Saving farmers time and money “ Helping Claire in the office is Michelle. Claire says with their current team they are more than capable of delivering the sort of service their customers have become accustomed to, though they are looking to employ one more person. “After that I don’t think we need to grow our team number given our knowledge base.” Growth has very much come about wordof-mouth, which Claire says is especially pleasing. “Farmers talk to each other and they don’t recommend a service provider unless they know they are doing the job.” Alan works full time in the field and Claire thinks this ‘on the tools’ approach has been key to its success. “He wouldn’t ask anything of the staff that he’s not prepared to do himself.” All testing conducted on milking plant and water systems is undertaken to ISO standards. The business has an expansive workshop and supply storage area to hold a substantial amount of breakdown gear. A wide range of breakdown equipment is on hand to keep the shed ticking over while repairs are undertaken. Water pumps are also supplied as a back-up. Work tends to follow an annual cycle of activity as the dairy season unfolds. Split calving which is now quite established in the area means the milking plant has to be maintained regularly. “Our work-flow changes after Christmas when water becomes a big focus as the weather gets warmer. It’s more about the volume and getting the water to stock quickly that becomes important.” While ABC Milking Solutions are licensed suppliers and service-agents of De Laval plant, they also service other milking brands. “We like to think we will have what any dairy farmer needs in order to keep their valuable plant working at full capacity. Our 24/7 breakdown means we’re just at the end of the phone whenever needed.” Providing Water System Solutions for over 60 years
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