| 45 McLarens has grown threefold since 93’ Tony’s team ensures everything is running smoothly. Lindy Andrews RURAL SERVICES » McLarens Rural Services Loyalty runs deep between McLarens Rural Services and the Waikato dairy farmers it supports. Tony McLaren, his wife Jan, business partners Jess Fabling and Damon McKinnon, and their team of 14 full-time staff still look after clients inherited from Tony’s father, Graham, who founded the business in 1980. With a footprint spanning from the Bombays to halfway to Cambridge, the company specialises in the sales and service of all milking machinery and water pumps. In 2009 McLarens Rural Services also became a Stihl Shop, providing top quality outdoor power equipment. “Originally, there was only one small engine technician, a milking machine guy, a part-time office lady and Dad,” Tony remembers. “Now, along with the retail shop, we have a team of fully industry-trained milking machine and water pump technicians who provide a 24/7 on-farm service.” While not a farmer himself, Tony’s family ties with dairying go back to the end of World War II, when his grandfather returned home and gained a Coromandel farm in the postwar ballot. In the years since he took over the business from his father in 1993, it has grown threefold, whilst walking hand-in-hand with Waikato dairying industry through many highs and lows. Despite fluctuating market influences, the demand for service and maintenance, as well as 24/7 help with breakdowns has never waned. McLarens is farmers’ “go to” for new milking and water pump installations, repairs and maintenance, along with quality outdoor power equipment like Stihl, Walker & Cub Cadet. Tony’s expert team work alongside builders and electricians at the initial stages of new constructions to install water pipes, although new sheds have been few and far between over the last several years. Once a new installation is complete, Tony’s team ensures everything is running smoothly before signing off. New digital milking technologies, although costly, offer advantages. “You need to be a bigger farmer to make it economical,” Tony explains. “You also need to make changes to adapt to robot milking. “Certainly, there is an advantage in that you need less manpower. You also get more accurate data on your animals and herds, milk volumes and quality. “Farmers can identify better producing cows and feed them more to produce more milk. It also gives the option to identify those that produce less and improve their output.” Dairy farmers work hard to ensure waterways run clean and clear, using riparian plantings and managing effluent to reduce run-off. Tony and his team work alongside effluent spreading equipment specialists, providing reliable manpower and expertise for repairs and maintenance. “Farmers care about how their farms interact with the environment,” says Tony, a trustee of the Awarua Trust, which works to advance and support education in all aspects of, and research into, sustainable and efficient farming and agricultural practices. Morrinsville is growing, spurred on by new residents seeking more affordable housing, along with new industrial developments. For McLarens, that’s a bonus. “We’ve certainly seen more foot traffic in our Stihl retail shop,” he says, “people wanting weedeaters, blowers, ride-ons and lawnmowers. Dairying is still our biggest side however and the shop caters for that as well.” Tony never loses sight of customer loyalty, a legacy that now includes a new generation of farmers. “Loyalty is 100 per cent important to us. Our clients trust us to do the job right.” Your Guide in the world of business. Monitored Business Performance | Taxation | Accounting Computer Services | Management Consulting Business Planning | Financial and Estate Planning Proudly Supporting McLarens Rural Services We endeavour to continue to provide the highest quality professional service and guidance. (07) 839 3639 enquiries@sparrow.co.nz sparrow.co.nz
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