| 67 nzdairy Feeling of more positivity in the sector Sue Russell The company is fortunate to have a good core of 180 customers who rely on ABC Milking Systems to visit on site and undertake repairs and regular maintenance of plant. RURAL SERVICES » ABC Milking Solutions Ltd Claire Marshall from ABC Milking Solutions in Rotorua says there’s a feeling of more positivity in the sector than there has been for some time, a trend she, along with the rest of the team are happy to embrace. “Any shift on interest rates has a huge impact for our customers so we’ve welcomed the recent reduction in the OCR and banks’ responses to this,” says Claire, who with partner Alan Van Den Heuvel, lead a team of eight. Given how tight the market has been Claire says there are no plans at this stage to grow staff numbers significantly. The bulk of work is general maintenance of milking plant machinery along with a 24 hour break-down service she knows is really important for the company’s farmer clients. Helping Claire part-time is Michelle CollinsonSmith in the office and Claire takes care of all the administration and asisting with quoting projects. A new sales rep is starting with ABC Milking Solutions in December. This new team member comes from a dairy industry background and completing staffing changes is a new technician who will replace a member of the team who is leaving. “It’s very challenging to find people in the industry that have the training so we are taking people in to train. The benefits of this, of course, are that they become very skilled and work to the standards our reputation has been built on.” Training new staff takes at least a year given the diverse range of work ABC Milking Solutions delivers for customers, however Claire stresses the time spent on training is time well-invested in the long term success and growth of the business. The company’s break-down service extends over a sizeable geography through to Mangakino, Mamaku, Galatea, Reporoa, Waikite Valley, Ngakuru, Atiamuri and Kaharoa. Claire says the company is fortunate to have a good core of 180 customers who rely on ABC Milking Systems to visit on site and undertake repairs and regular maintenance of plant. “They understand we will be at their door as quickly as possible as we know the impact any break-downs in a milking shed or ancillary equipment has. We appreciate their loyalty and custom.” Asked what skills a great milking plant technician needs Claire says one ability that is key is to solve problems and think on your feet. Two technicians are NZMPTA (NZ Milking & Pumping Trade Assn) accredited. “This means they are approved by milk supply companies to routinely test and service milking shed systems.” Alan’s days are kept busy working full-time in the field and Claire says this is definitely one of the strengths of the business. “He’s constantly talking with our customers and working with the team out on the field which gives him a very good sense of how the business is performing and perceived. The thing about Alan is that he wouldn’t ask anything of the staff that he’s not prepared to undertake himself. It’s leadership through performance.” Any testing of milking plant and water systems is always undertaken to ISO standards, so customers are assured the testing systems are robust. “We’re also fortunate to have a large workshop and product storage area which at any time has a significant volume of breakdown gear within easy reach for our technicians.” As the summer months approach, the focus shifts to servicing water supply systems, to ensure stock are supplied an adequate amount of water at all times. ABC Milking Systems are licensed suppliers and servicing agent of DeLaval plant, however Claire stresses they also service other milking brands. “We like to think we’re a one-stop shop for replacement equipment for all dairy farmers and our breakdown technicians are able to repair all milking shed brands.” www.yardmaster.co.nz PROVENEFFLUENTPRODUCTS PLUSLOCALKNOWHOW ABC Milking Solutions Ltd is a proud member of the ABC Milking Solutions Ltd 19 White St Rotorua. Ph:(07) 348 3628 REID & HARRISON ...that works! Specialists in the design and manufacture of variable speed Milk, Vacuum, Water, and Effluent Pump Controllers 3 YEAR WARRANTY on all our products info@sema.co.nz www.sema.co.nz
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