Business Rural North Summer 2021

58 | RURAL SERVICES » JWE Ltd JWE develop their products further by Lee Hislop, Ted Miller and Rory Howse in the workshop (above). The V3 spreader control computer (below). Sue Russell S ince establishing Cambridge-based JWE Ltd in 1992, John Whitehead has turned his abili- ties to specialising in the design, manufacture and repair of electronic equipment servicing the ag- ricultural sector. Powering New Zealand’s fert spreading industry is the core thrust of the company, with the creation of technologies such as the V2, V3 and now V3+ Spreading Computer. For John, this process of continual improvement, driven by a real ‘solutions-focussed approach’ is what has made the business what it is today. “The team and I are very proud of the contribu- tion we have made to the fertiliser spreading indus- try. Today, agricultural contractors are operating very sophisticated technologies and with the evolu- tion of the V3+ spreading computer, we’re providing them with the most accurate, user-friendly purpose- built spreading tool available on the market.” JWE Ltd engages in a wide number of sectors, including agricultural contracting, roading, aviation- and aquaculture. It’s V3+ spreading control system interfaces with all quality GPS systems and has been designed to provide optimal information about volumes and flow of spread in real time. John’s long service to the fertiliser spreading in- dustry was recognised this year at the third annual NZ Groundspread Fertiliser Association awards held in June at Mt Cook. JWE Ltd received two of four awards given out each year - The Innovation Award, sponsored by Keith Andrews Ltd and The Presi- dent’s Award, sponsored by Ballance Agri Nutrients. The origins of the V3+ spreading computer hail back to the early 1990’s when a customer of John’s asked for an electronic controller to operate the hydraulics to spread fertiliser. “When we built the V2, the industry took to it because it gave them a choice as to how ferti- liser could be applied in very specific ways. We then went on and built the V3 and V3+, each time improving its capabilities and making it as easy as possible to use, while providing immediate and detailed information to the operator.” Since launching the V3+ in March 2020, JWE Ltd has sold well over 100 units. Listening to feedback from contractors gave im- petus to developing additional features they wanted, including the ability to connect scales to it so the computer could double check on the potential ‘hu- man error’ and prompt the operator to react. “We added cameras as well to the system. So when it becomes mandatory that they want proof of placement, the information is not only recorded in the data but available visually as well.” Manufacture/Repair of Hydraulic Rams Cylinder Honing Agricultural Power Steering Repairs CNC Machining Wheel Machining • • • • • There is nothing we can’t do with a hydraulic ram! 12 Peregrine Place, Frankton, Hamilton 07 847 1514 | www.completehydraulics.co.nz | 0800 EUROAG EUROAGRI.CO.NZ PROUD TO PARTNER WITH JOHN WHITEHEAD ELECTRICAL Congratulations to JWE on their success at the NZGFA Awards Engineering Repairs (2012) Ltd is a family business situated at 14 Watson Street, Ashburton, we specialise in manufacturing and repairs. 03 308 1506 www.engrep.co.nz • CNC machining – lathe & mill • CNC profile and HD plasma cutting • Earthmoving machinery • Alloy and stainless steel mig and tig • General repairs • Fertiliser spreaders • Transport decks • Certified welding Proud supporters of JWE Ltd