| 57 Major future-proofing is in process Their workshop operations are certainly growing, along with their capability to supply machinery parts. Sue Russell Successfully navigating the change from a historic farmer co-operative based farm machinery and contracting business to a solid commercial venture, has very much been the journey of Neil and Gabi Costello, since Neil joined in 2013 as a machinery operator. Within four years that transition had taken place, setting up the business to operate effectively in a competitive, demanding market and enabling its future-proofing in the process. “We built a dedicated workshop which is now the heart of our operations here in Te Pirita and we have a team of 10 staff. We’re split now between contracting work, servicing our machinery and providing workshop engineering services to our farmer and ag contracting clients,” says Neil. On the contracting side to the company, Te Pirita Enterprises runs four tractors and in the workshop a mechanical engineering apprentice has joined the team. “We’ve down-sized the contracting side to the company somewhat and focus as always is on the quality and efficiency of cultivation, drilling and precision planting, We decided to concentrate these services on a selection of clients and that’s worked well for us.” As soon as the cows are off the paddocks over the winter months, a drone is often sent over them to assess their situation. Asked how far and wide their tractors travel, Neil says its usually within a radius of 80km from home-base. Engineering activities are busy as Te Pirita Enterprises looks after a growing number of farmers and contractors, deals with machinery break-downs, emergency winter maintenance and undertakes rebuilds of gear. “We do a lot of work on basic things such as silage wagons and the like and we also offer design and fabrication services should something specifically be required.” Neil says there are some unique attributes with the company, including the importation of a large number of parts and the ability to test gear and manufacture inhouse, means that most engineering jobs can be easily handled and in so doing, passing cost-benefits on to clients. “The workshop side of things is certainly growing as has our machinery parts supply capability.” Te Pirita Enterprises are New Zealand’s exclusive stockists for global brands like Aricks, Mudsmith and Tillageworx and every part is thoroughly tested on their own farm equipment before being offered to customers. RURAL PEOPLE » Te Pirita Enterprises Plans ahead to further develop capability, include the intention to purchase more CNC machinery. “The engineering around parts is something we’re looking to further develop and see real potential for growth here.” Asked what motivates them, Neil says simply they’re driven to add value for customers. “There are too many companies just wanting to sell without the quality controls in place. We can stand by every part we sell, and are always working on innovative engineering solutions. With a team member in charge of the workshop and another leading the contracting division, Neil says these days he is largely customer focused, flows between everything and steps in to help when problems need to be solved. “I have a fantastic team of very capable people and a good work culture in place and we’re proud to see what this business has grown into.” Engineering Mechanical Hydraulics Tyres Transport Hire WOF/COF | | | | | Proud to support Te Pirita Enterprises CONTACT DONALD ON 68 Hynds Drive, Rolleston 027 665 9481
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