84 | nzdairy DAIRY SERVICES » Strautmann Hopkins A brand synonymous with quality Conor, who has taken over as National Parts Administrator and Technical Product Specialist, is utilising the skills he learnt while undertaking a degree in Agricultural Commerce at Massey University. Anne Boswell Only the best survives for 40-plus years in the agricultural machinery industry. Founded in 1983 by Manawatu’s John Hopkins, Strautmann Hopkins was launched to help deliver the best of German agricultural machinery to New Zealand farmers. John was drawn to Strautmann machinery for its strength and reliability compared to other loader wagons at the time. He initially imported a Strautmann loader wagon for the Hopkins family cluster of farms, but it wasn’t long before local farmers and contractors in the area wanted access to what John was working with. He established a professional relationship with Strautmann and became the official importer and representative for the brand in New Zealand. The relationship between the Hopkins family and the Strautmann brand has continued to strengthen over time and last year, the ownership of the business evolved once more. Originally a partnership between John and eldest son Ian, in 1993 John’s youngest son Andrew took over the business and continued to develop it. But in 2023 Ian – who also farms a 690ha sheep and beef farm - returned to purchase the business with wife Shelley and son Conor, who have continued to grow the business in New Zealand with service agents and a dealer network. Conor, who has taken over as National Parts Administrator and Technical Product Specialist, is utilising the skills he learnt while undertaking a degree in Agricultural Commerce at Massey University. “I have a deep passion for the brand,” Conor says. “It was a bit of a childhood dream to find myself working for a contractor and driving a Strautmann wagon. There are a lot of opportunities to learn and grow within the business, and I am hoping to head to Germany shortly for further technical training.” A brand synonymous with quality, Strautmann machinery is well-respected in New Zealand. Because of this, Strautmann Hopkins has enjoyed steady growth over the years and today, the business not only imports Strautmann loader wagons but mixer wagons, muck spreaders and grab buckets. There is a machine suitable for any environment throughout New Zealand. Perhaps most importantly, Strautmann Hopkins and its dealers have teams of highly-experienced mechanics on hand to service and repair Strautmann machinery quickly and efficiently, so farmers and contractors can get back to work as YOUR FARM MACHINERY SPECIALISTS AgPlus are the EXCLUSIVE dealer for: 28-32 LAWRENCE AVE, TE AROHA 3320 • www.agplus.co.nz • 07 884 9901 All Strautmann machinery and parts throughout the Waikato and Bay of Plenty regions. With our dedicated field service team we can service all makes and models of machines on-farm, or in our workshop based in Te Aroha. • Mixer Wagons • Feed out wagons • Muck Spreaders • Loader Wagons Exclusive dealer for Strautmann throughout the Waikato and Bay of Plenty regions. — 24/7 service — Repairs and servicing trucks, trailers and heavy machinery for all makes and models 10 Kinloch Street, Invercargill · Em: mcleod.diesel@xtra.co.nz Ph: 03 215 7011 · Mobile: Brad 021 570 112 www.360lg.co.nz Proud to work with Strautmann Hopkins New Zealand owned solutions focused and Partnership driven. A true 360 approach to international trade. soon as possible. Help in sourcing genuine Strautmann machine parts is only a phone call away, and can also be found in the online parts catalogue. The Strautmann Hopkins team also prides itself on refurbishing used Strautmann machinery, giving it a new lease on life to ensure quality machinery can be acquired by all. In addition to the head office in Palmerston North, Strautmann Hopkins has a network of dealers and service agents around the country to ensure farmers and contractors from all over New Zealand are able to access quality machinery and services.
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