| 53 T T Kelly Deeks Better transport for precious cargo Float Factory focuses on equine transport, while BPR Manufacturing is the CNC machining and engineering arm of the business, supporting a wide range of industries with high-precision components. MANUFACTURING BPR Manufacturing Since acquiring the well-known Float Factory in 2022, Palmerston Northbased BPR Manufacturing has applied a sharp manufacturing mindset to turn the once underperforming horse float business into a streamlined, high-quality operation with strong customer trust and growing demand. Directors Jadon Williams and Matt Buckley, both with strong backgrounds in engineering, rebranded their original company, BPR Engineering, to BPR Manufacturing to better reflect the company’s expanded capabilities. While Float Factory focuses on equine transport, BPR Manufacturing is the CNC machining and engineering arm of the business, supporting a wide range of industries with high-precision components. “We saw the Float Factory as a good business with a respected name, but it lacked structure and consistent processes,” Jadon says. “With our manufacturing mindset, we knew we could fix that.” The pair took a cautious approach in their first year, working alongside staff, customers, and industry peers to understand the product and the market before implementing significant changes. With horse floats carrying precious cargo, sometimes valued in the hundreds of thousands, safety, design integrity, and quality assurance were non-negotiable. “One of our first major challenges was the lack of detailed construction plans,” Jadon says. “Every float was different. That kind of variation is the worst enemy of efficient manufacturing.” Applying their engineering expertise, the team at BPR developed full construction drawings and standardised components, allowing repeatable processes and quality control. Components like internal gates that separate horses can now be manufactured using CNC machines and jigs, eliminating human error and streamlining production. They have also responded to market demand for affordable options. Competing against low-cost Chinese imports is a challenge for most New Zealand manufacturers, but Jadon and Matt are determined to offer a locally manufactured alternative that balances price, performance, and peace of mind. “We’ve developed a prefabricated float that’s cost-competitive with Chinese- produced product, but comes with New Zealand-built quality assurance and after-sales support,” Jadon says. “It’s about giving families, especially those with kids just getting into pony clubs, an option that doesn’t break the bank.” Float Factory now offers affordable floats and is working towards having a consistent supply of ready-to-go floats that can be delivered in a week, rather than the typical 18-week custom lead time, and this approach is proving highly successful. “We’ve built six of our prefabricated entry-level floats so farm and sold every one within three weeks,” Jadon says. “We’re aiming to be the ‘car yard’ for horse floats that are finished, functional, and available now.” Meanwhile, BPR Manufacturing continues to grow its CNC machining business, focusing on small to medium production runs of high-precision components. Their shop includes Haas CNC machining centres, a CNC lathe, and advanced CAD/CAM capabilities using Fusion 360. They supply parts for road-sweeping machinery, custom gears for e-bikes, and complex components for automotive and industrial clients. “There are plenty of shops doing basic CNC work, but we go for the high-end, precision stuff. That’s where our strengths are.” As for the horse float side of the business, strong relationships with local customers have been key. Jadon has invested time in learning the industry from the ground up, listening to customer feedback, and building trust. Float Factory now sponsors local horse events and gets out in front of customers to show support, and show off their latest floats. “People can see the quality for themselves,” he says. “We’re not just selling floats – we’re backing the people who use them.” - SO YOU CAN FOCUS ON THE JOURNEY, NOT THE GEAR. Learn more LOW-MAINTENANCE, ROBUST, RELIABLE Proudlysupporting BPRManufacturing
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=