80 | A sense of quality and reliability are key Ikon Machinery has expanded its offerings. RURAL SERVICES » Ikon Machinery Ltd When George and Kim Andrews established a business to import and distribute farm machinery in 2017, they named it Ikon Machinery to evoke a sense of quality and reliability. Now the family-owned company is operating from new state-of-the-art headquarters in Orari. Located halfway between Timaru and Ashburton on Highway 1, the 1,800 square metre facility features fully insulated walls and roof panels, insulated sectional doors, and a 6.3-tonne gantry crane for assembly and service work. “Our flagship building shows we are fully committed to our manufacturers and customers,” says George. “We believe in high quality and we apply it wherever possible in our business.” After moving to New Zealand in 2012 and gaining experience in the local agricultural sector, George saw an opportunity to bring in specialised cultivation equipment that wasn’t widely available. His first major move was to import a range of Köckerling cultivators, which he felt were a perfect fit for Canterbury’s farming needs. “S-tine cultivators offer farmers a complete cultivation system in a single machine,” explains George Andrews. “In contrast, disc harrows typically require additional equipment to fully prepare the soil. The Allrounder S-tine cultivator, with its double STS packer, is a very efficient and effective option that leaves fields beautifully levelled.” Since then, Ikon Machinery has expanded its offerings to include a diverse range of high-quality machinery including Stewart Trailers, Graham Edwards Trailers, Siloking mixer wagons, Agriweld subsoilers, Schaffer telehandlers and Güstrower spreaders. The company’s focus, Andrews says, is on finding the right machine for each customer’s unique requirements. “Farms and farming practices can vary greatly, so what works well for one customer may not be the optimal solution for their neighbour,” he says. “That’s why we carry such a broad product selection - to ensure we can provide each customer with the best tool for their specific needs and goals.” This commitment to matching the right equipment with the customer’s needs has paid dividends, with Ikon Machinery’s reputation for quality and service leading to a growing base of repeat customers. “At Ikon Machinery, we always start by having an open dialogue with our customers,” George explains. “We take the time to understand their existing equipment, operations, and goals. This allows us to recommend the best solutions to meet their needs. We pride ourselves on providing exceptional service both before and after the sale. Our extensive and continuously growing parts inventory is a key part of how we maintain strong relationships with repeat customers.” This attention to detail extends to Ikon Machinery’s supplier relationships. Andrews visits Europe annually to maintain close ties with the family-owned businesses that manufacture the equipment he sells. “Just as we are deeply invested in the equipment we offer, our suppliers are equally passionate about their products,” he says. “Many of them are familyowned businesses, just like us, with a hands-on approach to their operations.” With its new home base in Orari, George says that Ikon Machinery is well-positioned to continue its growth. He is confident that the company’s focus on quality, customer service, and finding the right solutions will continue to drive its success. “A large part of Ikon Machinery’s growth has been driven by recommendations and referrals from satisfied customers. We’ve found that word-ofmouth is absolutely crucial for our business and we are proud our reputation is being established by happy clients.” Karen Phelps
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