| 13 nzdairy DAIRY AWARDS » Jaspreet Singh Jaspreet arrived in New Zealand, initially to undertake business management qualifications. Tony Clark 0274 382 180 tony@rdsl.co.nz Tony Clark established Rakaia Dairy Services Ltd six busy years ago and in that time, he’s built up an amazing team of skilled technicians. “I’m very fortunate with the crew I have. It means I can focus on engaging with farmer clients, quoting jobs and chasing work,” Tony says. Based at Rakaia, some 58km south of Christchurch, the bulk of work undertaken is in an hour radius from base and also includes work on the West Coast. When it comes to articulating why the company has forged such a great reputation Tony says its because he knows that providing clients with consistently the best and most reliable service and building long-term relationships are key to success. “I know these things matter more than just quoting a price. Promptness of service is by far the most important thing as we’re dealing with farm infrastructure that has to work and can be relied upon. When things break, it’s expensive down-time that farmers don’t have.” Tony’s also put a lot of emphasis on training his team to work at the standard of competency he regards as essential. Only two or three of his team came to his door carrying the experience to hit the ground running, so setting aside time for learning has been a priority all the way through. In this day and age, the nature of Developed an amazing team plant used in modern milking systems is very sophisticated, with a high level of automation, taking away from farmers the need to rely so heavily on human-resources to produce milk. “We’re involved in brand newmilking plant so we’re absolutely up to date with the latest technologies.” Tony says over the years there’s been a concerted shift in dairying practice to focus on animal health and well-being, and not just milk production volume. He also says he’s happy with the current size of the business and to focussing on really delivering what a farmer needs and really understanding their situation well. As an additional string to the bow, Rakaia Dairy Services Ltd, also o er general engineering services for clients, including welding, stainless steel fabrication, plumbing, repairing leaks. “It just makes sense as we’re the guys on the ground in the milking shed to repair any small breakages and ix gear.” Asked how busy he is, Tony says there’s plenty of work on, installing new automation into existing farms and a brand new build in Timaru. He comes back to how the success of the business is closely linked to the work ethic and care his sta put into every project they’re involved in. “We have the reputation we do today because of the team’s consistently high standard of work.” • MilkingMachine Service, Installation&Repairs • Teatspray Servicing • General Engineering • Stainless Steel Fabrication&Welding • AuthorisedAgents for Read Industrial, Wetit, All lex&Protrack
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