6 | AFFCO Manawatu REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Supporting the region in many ways AFFCO Manawatu that has been operating for more than a century. T T Kim Newth Fielding has a time honoured place in the heart of Manawatu District’s rural economy, with the first ever livestock sale conducted there in May 1880. Fielding is also home to AFFCO Manawatu that has been operating there for more than a century. Today, this modern beef processing plant continues to be as vital as ever for the district’s farmers and rural communities. The plant processes up to 700 cattle a day, or up to 130,000 a year. Investment in technology has kept the plant at the leading edge for quality and safety. Beef cuts and offal product from the plant supplies both domestic and global markets. AFFCO Manawatu is a cornerstone employer in Fielding, employing up to 400 staff. That brings a lot of money into the local economy, benefitting a host of other businesses. One generation after another has worked there, with many local people sharing intergenerational ties with the plant. Their oldest worker is in his 80s and still putting in a good shift. It has been a stable source of work – and a good career pathway - for many through the years. “We run two shifts and operate pretty much year-round, apart from our annual maintenance shutdown for generally up to a month in winter,” says plant manager Ann Nuku. “We have a big commitment to health and safety and literally put hundreds of people through unit training standards to ensure they are safe to work in their area. As well as providing training, it’s about supporting staff with life skills and transferrable skills.” Elite team supportingWhanganui’s manufacturers with specialist services Elite Mechanical and Engineering Ltd is a top industry professional in Whanganui making a big impact on regional productivity by supporting the local manufacturing sector with essential specialist services. Employing a trades-qualified and experienced team, Elite Mechanical and Engineering take pride in every project and offer a quick and efficient service. Clients can expect a high level of detail and workmanship, backed with 24-hour support so help is there when needed. Founder Mike Mooney, who set up the company in 2011, employs a growing team of 40 including engineers, factory staff and apprentices. A strong commitment to upskilling and professional development ensures the team is adaptable and ready to respond to every job. Specialist services offered range from factory maintenance, installation and commissioning of plant for food processing industries to machinery repair and preventative maintenance. “We have our own 5000sqm factory/workshop with multiple gantries and specialist areas for structural steel fabrication, sheet metal fabrication and our machining shop for making custom designed parts and equipment,” says Mike. “Our service is backed with comprehensive CAD software and leading technology, such as our Maxiem 2040 abrasive water jet cutter that provides complex cutting of virtually any material.” Elite Mechanical & Engineering works closely with local processing plants, such as AFFCO Imlay, to meet their servicing and repair requirements. As part of a recent rendering plant enhancement at Imlay, the Elite team installed new equipment and pipework for advanced filtration systems. “On a project like this, we’re able to utilise our access equipment – crane and Hiab – to handle heavy materials and get them installed in the right place.” In a complex modern plant like AFFCO Imlay, breakdowns on key infrastructure like conveyors or air ducts can be costly for productivity. Having the backing of a responsive service partner like Elite Mechanical & Engineering is absolutely critical to minimising downtime. Their team have wide experience in the servicing and manufacturing of all types of conveyor systems, from belts to stainless steel conveyors. In the Manawatū-Whanganui area, Elite Mechanical & Engineering is a valued partner across local industry. Other clients include Open Country Dairy, Tasman Tanning and AFFCO Manawatū. To keep machinery performing at optimum, Elite Mechanical & Engineering recommends regular checks so action can be taken to prevent a production line failure. Their highly skilled team can provide guidance on developing maintenance programmes that will fit into production schedules and programmed downtimes. “Get in touch to discuss your requirements.” CONTACT Elite Mechanical & Engineering T: 06 344 4108 M: 027 465 3208 (Mike Mooney) E: admin@eliteengineering.co.nz www.eliteengineering.co.nz For all your Structural Needs PH: 06 344 4108 | 437 Heads Rd E: mike@eliteengineering.co.nz • WATERJET CUTTING • MACHINE SHOP • STAINLESS STEEL • CERTIFIED WELDING (STRUCTURAL & PIPE) • SHEET-METAL WORK T T to page 8
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