88 | nzdairy RURAL SERVICES » Corkill Systems Keeping things simple and focusing on farmers’ needs Field days setup. Dolly the Cow. Karen Phelps Corkill Systems, which specialises in automation, electrical and engineering solutions for the dairy industry, has thrived for over three decades by keeping things simple and focusing on farmers’ needs. “We are a solutions company. All of our products have come from finding solutions to customers’ problems,” says Mikey Corkill, who took over as managing director last year after joining the business in 2015. The Opunake based company, founded by Mikey’s father Steve Corkill in 1988, has developed a reputation for innovation and practicality in an industry dominated by large corporations. Unlike its bigger competitors, Corkill Systems prides itself on maintaining personal relationships with farmers. “We take pride in being a small family business. I’m on the tools and at the coalface doing the work,” explains Mikey. “The comment we get a lot is that if someone rings up for support they are dealing with people they know. It’s a very personal relationship-based service. Farms are often family-owned operations, so they appreciate dealing with another familyowned business. The company has been at the forefront of dairy innovation for decades. It was the first to put a variable speed on a milk pump in 1993, and pioneered the same technology for vacuum pumps in 1996, says Mikey. These innovations have since become industry standards. One of its signature products, which is a good example of the simple yet effective approach the company takes, is the Walkthrough Teat Sprayer System, developed around 20 years ago. “It’s a simple, robust, reliable product that’s very affordable. There is not much that can go wrong with it as we kept it simple,” says Mikey. This philosophy of simplicity and reliability runs through everything Corkill Systems produces. Its PTO tractor generators, assembled in Opunake using imported alternators and is assembled at the company headquarters. “We don’t run a gear box so there is no oil that needs checking and servicing. Another simple easy solution,” Mikey points out. Another example of the company’s problem-solving approach is its rotary milk lobe pump, the first of its type internationally designed specifically for dairy plants. “It will pump froth and it can run dry without damaging seals. It is a positive displacement pump, which reduces milk solid damage,” explains Mikey. The company’s innovations have been recognised with multiple awards at the New Zealand National Field Days over the years. It also contributed to Corkill Electrical being named the 1999 Taranaki Medium Business of the Year and the Electrical Contractors Association of New Zealand’s 1999 National Small Business of the Year. With 12 staff, including Mikey’s wife Krista who handles administration and marketing, Corkill Systems maintains its own manufacturing on site while also sourcing products from suppliers. Steve, now 70, has largely retired but still advises and occasionally takes on jobs. ❒ Self alignment – for smooth jam free running. ❒ Width distance rollers allows variation in tracks. (Easy assembly of yard.) ❒ Can have entrance or exit gates anywhere in side rails of yard. (Loading ramp, pens, etc.) ❒ Gate length – up to 16 mtrs. (16mtr gate over feed pad, etc.) ❒ Light weight, strong construction –minimises cost in yard construction. ❒ Four wheel drive www.highrunner.co.nz As it continues to expand its client base, Mikey says that Corkill Systems remains focused on providing efficient, functional, cost-effective and low- maintenance control systems for the dairy industry and other sectors requiring hygienic-grade applications.
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