| 45 RURAL SERVICES » Scullys Transport Ltd / Total Harvesting Ltd A wide array of services are offered to farmer clients. Embracing a new era Rapidly expanding Kareen Phelps Sue Russell Scullys Transport is embracing a new era as the second generation steps up to grow the Southland-based business while maintaining the family values that have underpinned its success for more than 80 years. Matthew Scully, who recently returned home after completing a Bachelor of Commerce and Agriculture at Lincoln University, is now managing the company’s day-to-day operations. “It’s a changing of the guard for Scullys. Dad has been the face of the business for a long time. Customers have been welcoming of the shift and the changes being made to the business,” he says. Founded in 1945 by Hugh Scully with just one truck, the company has remained privately familyowned and operated. Today Matthew’s father Brent oversees the company and is also the maintenance manager, mum Maryann manages accounts and administration and brother Cameron, who is currently studying at university, helps out when he can. “It’s pretty cool it’s been passed down the generations and we are still privately family owned and operated,” says Matthew. “When our customers ring they are dealing with us. We have long standing relationships and it’s resulted in loyal customers over the years, including multiple generations of families.” Under Matthew’s leadership, Scullys Transport is introducing new technology and expanding its services. The company has transitioned from a paper-based dispatch system to a mobile and tablet-based platform, allowing real-time tracking of trucks and drivers. Precision tools such as Tabula proof of placement are now being used for the fertiliser side of the business, improving efficiency and accuracy on farms. The fleet itself is growing with two new trucks recently added - a livestock truck with larger crates for more stock, and a fertiliser spreader equipped with advanced technology for wider, more accurate Since last discussing business with Tyler Mitchell, of Otago-based Total Harvesting two years ago, business has been continuing well. In early September, the company engaged 13 driver/operators and support staff, however Tyler says he expected that number to increase to between 15-20. Along with this family owned business, Tyler also owns Total Spraying which carries out boom and gun spraying. Keeping things very much in the family, older brother Bailey owns Total Transport Otago. All three businesses are based out near Dunedin Airport. Tyler has been at the helm of Total Harvesting 3 years now, working toward ownership from his parents, Craig and Rebecca who established the company 26 years ago. Rebecca still manages the office as Tyler says she knows too much to be replaced. A wide array of services are offered to farmer clients, including harvesting silage and hay, baleage, maintaining hedges, undertaking necessary seasonal groundwork, laneways, even managing effluent ponds. Of the team of operators, three currently are from overseas. Tyler says he engages drivers from England and Ireland, many of whom have worked for him in their off-season a number of years now. “It works out very well. Providing them with fulltime employment and I know they can just come in and pick up the machines, understanding what we do and what our standards of work are.” The busy season begins in September, after a quieter down-time, something Tyler says is necessary to ensure staff have a well-earned break from what quickly becomes very busy, long days behind the wheel. The fleet includes x3 Claas harvestors, x3 JCB loaders, x7 Fendt yractors, x4 Massey Ferguson tractors, x2 Claas tractors, x3 McHale balers, tube wrapper, x2 McConnell hedge cutters, x2 excavators, x4 Keenan muck spreaders, x2 Pottinger pick up silage wagons, x6 silage trailers and x5 silage trucks. The fleet is maintained by a qualified mechanic. “This means our winter time is busy with all the equipment being gone over before the start of each season because reliability is key to a successful season ahead.” While based not far from Dunedin, work extends over a footprint typically within a 50km radius. “But we’ll go further if the work demands,” Tyler explains. Asked about whether finding great staff to operate the gear is a challenge, Tyler says he would welcome engaging young people into the business, however sadly a good work ethic is needed to be successful and this is sometimes lacking. “We struggle to find locals who can manage the hours and intensity day after day, which is a shame. This is why our returning operators are of so much value to me.” These days, Tyler says his priorities are to be in the office, ensuring all the work scheduled has been allocated and the drivers have everything they need to get the work done. “It’s where I can deal directly with clients and ensure those relationships, some of them very longterm, are maintained well. A significant part of our work is repeat business.” A job tracking system helps keep farmer customers up to speeed with where a particular job is at. “This means they can just get on and do their own work, while being able to access up to the minute information on work progress on the farm. Its a tool they really appreciate!” Specialists in All Auto Electrical Repairs & Servicing Proudly associated with Scullys Transport Ltd 4 V I C T O R I A A V E N U E , I NV E R C A R G I L L Phone 03 218 3200 | admin@ajautoelectrical.net.nz Delkor battery specialist Caravan electrical and solar Air conditioning Auto electrical repairs and servicing Bridgestone Tyre Centre Looking for tyres and tyre repair services in Dunedin? At Bridgestone Tyre Centre you'll find an extensive range of quality tyres and tyre and repair services; including car tyres, SUV and 4x4 tyres, van tyres, tyre fitting, wheel balancing, wheel alignment and puncture repair. Truck tyres & Farm tyres. 18 Donald Street, Dunedin 03 488 5361 No Hidden Fees • No Hidden Commissions • Total Transparency Donaldson Brown is proudly 100% New Zealand owned. www.donaldsonbrown.co.nz coverage. The team has also grown, with six staff plus the family now on board and plans to take on additional drivers and office personnel as the business expands. Casual staff are employed during peak seasons to ensure timely service. “With me coming home there’s a lot of passion and energy to grow things and chase the work. Also many people are keen to support local and privately owned businesses,” says Matthew. The livestock service safely transports dairy cows, sheep, lambs, bobby calves and beef cattle, while bulk transport covers fertiliser, grain, palm kernel and coal, with on-farm delivery or unloading from boats as required. Water delivery services provide up to 26,000 litres per load with flexible scheduling and weekend call-outs for residential or commercial clients. Log cartage supports local forestry operators and mills and baleage and silage cartage ensures feed is transported efficiently across farms. Coal deliveries are available in both bulk and bagged formats, supporting residential heating and farm operations throughout Southland. Matthew says that Scullys Transport continues to focus on reliability, efficiency and personal service, with safety and environmental responsibility central to its operations. Fertiliser spreading uses advanced TracMap and Navman technology to ensure accurate nutrient application across paddocks, while detailed records help farmers optimise productivity. “We are small enough to care, big enough to deliver,” says Matthew. “Scullys Transport aims to maintain long-term partnerships with its clients.” Matthew says that regional conditions support the company’s growth. “Southland does well when farming is doing well. Obviously the milk schedule and milk prices have risen and that’s had a flow on effect. Scullys Transport has been serving Southland’s rural community for over 80 years. With a good fleet, strong family values and a reputation for reliability, we’re well set up for the future.” For all your insurance needs For Specialist Local Knowledge & Advice contact us at: Level 1, 33 Gala Street, Invercargill 03 211 3018 108 Main Street, Gore 03 203 3220 admin@ibal.nz GROUP UB We are proud to support the Scully family • Farming • Transport & Logistics • Business • Personal Insurances
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=