| 33 Pratt Milking & Waikato Construction Management T T Sue Russell New facility meets demands of busy firm Pratt Milking specialises in a number of on-farm infrastructure projects, including installing and servicing milking machines Te Awamutu-based Pratt Milking Ltd is embarking on its next phase of growth, having moved into a new purpose-built office and workshop premises. Built by Waikato Construction Management (Coresteel) the new premises at 815 Bond Road has a space at the front which will be leased out to another business, says company director Zakk Pratt. Pratt Milking has a history which extends back 36 years, when Zakk’s father Dan, established the company. The company specialises in a number of on-farm infrastructure projects, including installing and servicing milking machines – they are De Laval and Grundfos agents and undertake water reticulation projects and stainless steel fabrication. Twenty staff are engaged in the company day to day. The new base extends over a 1200sqm footprint. “I pretty much oversee the milking and water and engage with clients on new projects,” says Zakk. “I’m fortunate to have two business partners Brett McLeod and Jason Donnelly, with a very competent team of fabricators, welders, milking machine technicians on board.” And there’s been plenty of work on, especially on-farm, as farmers choose to invest in upgrading or replacing plant with a good pay-out. Zakk says they try to stick pretty much locally with projects but they have been known to go somewhat further afield. Like many other construction-sector companies, he also says it is becoming increasingly challenging to attract qualified staff. “We have to have a good balance of qualified to training staff to make it work well. There’s an element of on-call work as well which is something not everyone wants to do in their job.” He currently has apprentices gaining experience under guidance with milking machines, water services and light fabrication. And while traditionally the milking plant the business builds is for the cow dairy sector, just every now and then Pratt Milking Ltd gets involved in a ‘different’ milking shed build. “We are building another sheep milking shed. It seems something that I’ve noticed of late with some farmers converting to milking sheep.” The current sheep milking shed is at Mercer, north Waikato and work was not quite halfway through the complete installation. “It will be completed by the end of April all going well and so far there have been no issues present at all.” Aside from their work on dairy farms, Pratt Milking Ltd also undertakes general stainless steel fabrication projects across a range of types, including installing plant in honey factories, creating head-stones, kitchen benches and bespoke custom-designed builds. Asked if there are any plans ahead to evolve the business further Zakk says he’s pleased with where they are positioned in the sector but never says never. “We have a good balance between our core services and custom-built one-off projects.” businesscentral Each edition priority delivered to your door. . Stay informed; we work with business owners and decision-makers across all economic sectors, pro iling their success. i ; i i i i - ll i , ili i . www.waterfordpress.co.nz/subscriptions . . . i i 03 983 5525 03 983 5525 Your Business, Your Industry, Your News. Volume 6 | Issue 2 | April 2021 www.waterfordpress.co.nz ‘Excellence in Energy’ Taranaki’s Todd Energy will have a key role to play as New Zealand moves toward a low emissions economy. Page 8 Waikato farmers Dean & Ang Finnerty have expanded their dairy cow operation into a successful goat milking enterprise as well PAGE 10 Turning challenge into opportunity AUTUMN 2022 www.waterfordpress.co.nz Volume 6 | Issue 3 | July 2021 www.waterfordpress.co.nz Making waves Back on track New Zealand hydrofoil maker Armstrong is generating interest around the world with its high performance products. Work on the ambitious NZCIS facility in Upper Hutt is progressing well after Covid disruptions. PAGE 70 PAGE 10 Healthy delivery A new elective surgery facility in Hastings will provide a big boost to the region’s operating capacity. PAGE 52 Volume 6 | Issue 5 | December 2021 www.waterfordpress.co.nz Cheers Boys! YoungWellington irm3Māori Boys is creating a buzz with it’s ground-breakingWai Manuka natural beverage. PAGE 45 Passion and pride New Plymouth’s Energyworks has forged a strong reputation in 50 years of business. PAGE 64 Seaview upgrade CentrePort’s SeaviewWharf facility is set for a major upgrade to bring it up to international standards. PAGE 14 Pratt Milking’s stylish new office and workshop at 815 Bond Road. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT • Sports and Dance Floors • Gym Floor Maintenance P: (09) 274 9712 E: info@hardwood.co.nz REGAL JOINERY Aluminium Joinery Commercial 102 Kent Street, Hamilton 07 847 9882 regal.joinery@xtra.co.nz REGAL Proud to support Waikato Construction Management Ltd
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