64 | Packhouse small, but flexible Along with all the post-harvest activity on the site, Birchwood Packhouse also manages a dozen orchards for grower-owners in the district. HORTICULTURE Birchwood Packhouse T T Sue Russell General manager of Katikati-based Birchwood Packhouse, Phillippa Wright, who has been in the role for two years, describes the business as a boutique kiwifruit post-harvesting facility, with their size offering benefits for their grower clients. “We have a very well-established team of people and because we’re small we’re more flexible and dependable. Many of our permanent team of about 22 staff have years of experience behind them. They understand what our standards are and all contribute to supporting each other,” she says. At its peak during the processing period of February to about the end of June, staff numbers working over two shifts spanning 22 hours swell to 80 people, and Phillippa says they are fortunate to have many locals who return season on season. This group is topped up with backpackers, who enjoy the opportunity to spend time in the district, while earning an income to support their future travels. “It actually works out really well because we have the core of experienced team leaders, and department managers who report to me. We also place a great deal of emphasis on continually improving performance across all KPIs, including health and safety, handling and packing of kiwifruit, quality assurance and use of technologies.” Over the years Birchwood Packhouse has invested in modern and efficient grading, packing and cool-store equipment. Along with all the post-harvest activity on the site, located about five minutes south of Katikati, Birchwood Packhouse also manages a dozen orchards for their grower-owners in the district. “We’re always looking to manage more orchards should the opportunity present. It means for these orchard owners we take care of all aspects of growing and processing their crops each season, and because we’re very efficient, they receive cost-benefits in return.” When she was appointed to the role, the board Phillippa reports to gave her the clear mandate to increase production. Last season 2.2million trays were processed, and though this year’s goal increases that number by 400,000 trays, Phillippa says it’s a very achievable figure and has confidence the team and plant will deliver on this aspiration of packing 2.6 million trays of export-quality kiwifruit across red, green and gold varieties. “We have everything we need to handle this increase, and with prudent investment in equipment and training, I’m confident we have a bumper season ahead.” For people wanting to work in the industry, there are a range of jobs available for application on the company’s website, and Phillippa says entry-level people with a good work ethic will receive all the training they need to become part of a highly motivated and productive team. “One of the things that is lovely to see is people returning year after year to help us during the peak processing times. “They understand how we operate and just pick up where they left off the previous season. There’s also plenty of variety of roles on offer.” In 1997, Birchwood Packhouse was registered as a co-operative, and a decade later DMS Progrowers became investor shareholders. The company’s board is made up of two DMS members, four Birchwood Co-op members and an independent chairman. KIWIFRUIT AND AVOCADO SPRAYING Ross Tanner 027 256 4470 | tannersprayingltd@gmail.com 7 Woodland Rd, Katikati
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