80 | Big focus on dairy sector DFI Engineering specialising in engineering services for dairy foods processing and packaging plants. DFI Engineering T T Bernadette Cooney ENGINEERING Hamilton-based engineering workshop DFI Engineering Ltd has proved a valuable partner for the dairy foods sector and others since it was co-founded by Mitch McHardie and Joe Turner in 2021. With over 20 years of experience in the Waikato region’s dairy foods industry, the duo has built a company specialising in engineering services for dairy foods processing and packaging plants. Located in Frankton, DFI Engineering operates across the heart of New Zealand’s dairy industry. Approximately 60% of the company’s work is dedicated to serving dairy processors such as Fonterra, Dairy Goat Co-operative, and Synlait. The company maintains strong relationships with key clients like Aurora Industrial Packaging, providing parts and installation services for seed and meal feed packaging systems. “Our work primarily involves upgrades in dairy and packaging factories, including pipework, process modifications, and conveyor and automation installations,” says Mitch. “We enhance efficiencies by modifying existing lines and making and installing fit-forpurpose new ones.” Maintenance and servicing for food health and safety is another offering, evident from its contract to inspect and service magnetic separation equipment across New Zealand’s dairy industry, annually – vital for removing steel particles from food and liquid products during processing, and before it is packaged. While dairy processing is the core focus, the remaining 40% of its work involves other industrial sectors, including packaging, materials handling, and civil infrastructure wastewater projects. “Our expertise in fabrication for material handling allows us to work with a range of industries, from glass manufacturing to assisting with water and wastewater infrastructure,” says Joe. A current example of their diverse engineering skills is an installation project for Architectural Glass Products (AGP) in Cambridge. “One of our recent major projects has been the installation of a new glass-processing line at AGP, where they cut and temper the glass to make double-glazed units,” says Mitch. “There’s about 400 metres of conveyor and equipment going in there. To date, we’ve had about 80 containers of equipment turn up from Austria, so it’s pretty substantial.” The scale of this operation requires significant mechanical expertise and collaboration with global automation specialists and local electrical contractors. “We value our industry partnerships and collaborations with local trades,” says Joe. “We work closely with our customers to provide engineering solutions and it’s important to us that we meet project deadlines and minimise production downtime.” DFI Engineering’s highly skilled workforce includes seven full-time staff and an additional five contracted fitter welders. “We’re hands-on problem solvers,” says Joe. “We fabricate, weld and install with precision across a variety of food-processing sectors. Whether it’s dairy foods or any other materials handling process, we do our best to deliver top- tier solutions and dependable servicing.” With a reputation for precision, reliability, and strong client relationships, DFI Engineering remains a trusted name in Waikato’s industrial sector, helping businesses maintain and optimise their processing operations. “We want to grow within our expertise rather than diversifying too much,” says Joe. “Our goal is to continue refining our skills and delivering innovation to food and dairy processing plants.” Proud to support rural processing across New Zealand Arrange a site visit today, rural or city: 0800 55 77 33 aurora-process.com — Packing Consumables & Equipment Servicing — Robotic Palletizing & Wrapping — Bag & Sack Filling & Closing Equipment From single units through to fully automated packing lines
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