Business Central December 2024

8 | AFFCO Manawatu REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AFFCO Manawatu put on a barbecue every year for the Manawatu Oroua Boys and Girls Championship Day in Rongotea. AFFCO Manawatu provides opportunities for more specialised training. “For example, we train our own meat inspectors who can gain a diploma level qualification (Level 4) through a meat inspection training programme. We also offer various apprenticeships for people with the experience to advance to a more senior level.” With close ties to organisations like Manawatu’s Central Economic Development Agency (CEDA), AFFCO Manawatu is well-represented at local career expos and works to encourage young people to make a future in the red meat sector. Currently, the plant has two Meat Industry Association (MIA) scholars working part-time with them while studying at Massey University. Both are planning a career in the sector. The scholarship programme is tailored to that end and seeks to prepare students for future leadership roles. As well as financial support, MIA scholars receive mentoring and participate in a range of industry events and networking opportunities. Ann notes that their workforce is becoming increasingly more diverse. For many, English is not their first language. “While this can be challenging, we use translators quite a lot and have translated our training materials into a range of languages.” As well as providing employment and career opportunities, AFFCO Manawatu supports the community by donating to events such as the annual Fielding Salvation Army Christmas lunch. “We also put on a barbecue every year for the Manawatu Oroua Boys and Girls Championship Day in Rongotea, which is organised by a local agricultural club. It’s a great event with children from across the region parading their lambs and calves for judging.” T T from page 6 Reliable, Customisable Solutions for Tradesmen & Businesses If you’re in the market for a Tradesman trailer, you can’t go past Fortress Trailers for the most reliable, practical and best range of products. The company built its foundations on a desire to deliver to the market a sound solution for mobility, storage, versatility and security of tools and equipment across a wide range of trades, clubs, and service providers. Signi icant research and development have gone into the design and manufacture of trailer solutions. The trailers are designed and built to the company’s speci ications, resulting in a robust, quality solution that delivers on functionality while looking great and o ering a professional mobile billboard for businesses. The standard of quality is something owners Matt and Sharlene Hird stand by. “It’s a high-end product and built tough to withstand the harsh environments that New Zealand roads and conditions throw at them,” Matt said. “Most people are going to take that product away and be happy with it for a long, long time but also have that security in the back of their mind that if something goes wrong with it can be repaired, it’s not a one-minute wonder.” Sharlene agreed, adding: “Service isn’t just about ixing the product, it’s also about making sure that the customer’s happy with the purchase, that they’re getting more back-up help that we can o er them, and just making sure that they’re happy and their needs are met.” Fortress Trailers is also the exclusive reseller in New Zealand of the Pro Trade Series from Uprising Engineering, Australia. These market leading trailer solutions complement Fortress’ own o ering, providing a wide range of options to meet the requirements of most applications. With high level base trailer speci ications and a broad range of optional accessories, Fortress can customise the setup of any of its models to meet the requirements of any business. “Our trailers enable functionality, lexibility, and delivery of increased pay loads of tools and assets, with increased security,” Matt said. “On the outside we o er a full signwriting design and application service ensuring you can maximise your investment through utilising the trailer as a professional mobile billboard.” Optional extras include power/charging solutions, fridge-freezer capability, GPS security monitoring, shelving modules, water tanks, ire extinguishers and full vinyl wrap signage. Matt and Sharlene are passionate about their business and committed to delivering the highest quality products supported by exceptional service and support. Call them today for a chat or pop into the showroom in Te Awamutu and to discuss your needs. FORTRESS TRAILERS Was born out of the desire to deliver to the market a sound solution for mobility, storage, versatility and security of tools and equipment across a wide range of trades, clubs and service providers. WARRANTY FINANCE We offer full finance options at competitive rates. All our Trailers come with a 2 year warranty. REMOTE ALARM Ensure your tools, equipment and supplies are kept safe. ON BOARD POWER Charge tools, on board batteries and have 240V power to your tools. GPS TRACKING Know where your trailer is at all times with a BLIP-R GPS Tracking. FRIDGE / FREEZER Food & Refreshments always available with an onboard Fridge. matt@fortresstrailers.co.nz Matt: 021 981 932 | Free: 0508 438 663 www.fortresstrailers.co.nz Optional Accessories

RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=