20 DECEMBER
ISSUE 26
NEWSLETTER FOR LANDPOWER | CLAAS HARVEST CENTRE TEAM
VIEWPOINT Message from your CEO, Richard Wilson
Greetings to the Landpower and CLAAS Harvest Centre Teams. I trust this message finds you well as we approach the festive season and the close of another remarkable year for our company. Thank you for all the effort that has been made to support our customers and helping to implement a broad number of projects across the group. This addition of Over the Fence is an excellent collection of stories that represent the extent of what’s going on. In November, Herby, Sam Hetherington, Tim Needham and I had the opportunity to attend the Agritechnica exhibition in Germany and meet with all of our
suppliers. Given it was four years since the last show, there was a lot to catch up on and a valuable chance to strengthen our relationships. We were very impressed with the amount of new product that is coming in the next 1-2 years and the drive towards automation and digitisation. Tim will delve into the details of our visit in a dedicated segment later in this edition. Thank you also for your support of the recent ‘Voice of Our People’ survey. Your candid feedback is instrumental in determining our action plans to enhance the overall experience of working at Landpower | CLAAS Harvest Centre. The insights gained from this survey are invaluable and will be used to shape future initiatives. Many of you will have also participated in the survey for the ‘Build Brand Identity Project’. Your involvement is crucial
as we aspire to define what our brand represents and set the course for our future. Building our brand identity is a collaborative effort, and your perspectives shape the narrative that will carry us forward as we continue to grow. As we look forward to 2024, we have a number of important projects to carry out. While the market is not at the level we enjoyed in 2022, we are investing significantly in areas that provide an improved experience for our customers and help make it easier to do our roles. It will be another exciting year. Thank you again for all the hard work that has gone into 2023. It is truly appreciated, and I wish you and your families a safe and enjoyable Christmas and New Year. Warm regards, Richard
YALDHURST UPDATE
Cafeteria
Admin
Showroom
The IT team has been busy running the bid process for the technology to be used in the meeting rooms, training rooms, and common areas of our new build. Rodrigo Haro, Technology Improvement Lead says “Spark has been selected as our preferred technology partner. In the next few weeks, we hope to finish the contract and begin the implementation of the solutions. I just want to say thank you to all who participated in the selection process”. Overall, they are making great progress, the admin side is starting to take shape and they are currently installing walls.
WHAT’S INSIDE
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TIM TORQUES A look at what went down at Agritechnica 2023.
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LEXION DEMO TOUR Updates from the LEXION Demo Tour team in Australia.
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OVERCOMING ADVERSITY A Tale of Resilience and Community Support.
NEWSLETTER FOR LANDPOWER | CLAAS HARVEST CENTRE TEAM
TIM TORQUES — AGRITECHNICA EDITION! “It was good to be back at Agritechnica after four years”. Herby, Richard, Tim and Sam made up the Landpower contingent and had a busy schedule in Germany over the four-day event. We sat down with Tim Needham, General Manager - Product, to unpack the key points from the trip.
What was the most interesting innovation? Herby giving the XERION 12 a big thumbs up.
“Within our space, it was by far the CLAAS XERION 12 series with AgXeed Agbot autonomous technology. This machine is the future for autonomy. With three modes, it’s up to the user on the level of autonomy required (mode 1 being driver assistance, so the bot helps with machine efficiencies. Mode 2 is co-pilot, so autonomous driving but with a person in the cab monitoring activity, and mode 3 which is full autopilot). It was good to see this XERION innovation being rewarded as Tractor of the Year, as well. Within our competitors, there was a lot of attention around the New Holland 11.90 Combine. However, this is still a preseries machine and unlikely to be seen in our markets in the near future. Plus, they’re still trying to play catch up to the CLAAS LEXION 8800!
What was the key takeaway from your Agritechnica trip? “Our relationships with our suppliers are stronger than ever and we are proud to represent such leading brands in their field. CLAAS is dominating in the Harvesting space. Plus, making gains in the Tractor space – especially with the Tractor of the Year win. AMAZONE is the leader in Spreading, Spraying, Tillage, and Seeding. And GRIMME dominates the vegetable market. During the importer evening, we heard from several CLAAS Board members. The main message from them was around innovation, a summary of the year that’s been, and a big thank you from Mrs. Cathrina Claas-Muehlhaeuser. Cathrina was very grateful to all of their distributors around the world for helping the business sail successfully through four very challenging years.
Richard Wilson, Sam Hetherington, Herby Whyte, Tim Needham & Julian Kollmeyer.
Overall, it was clear that we have very solid relationships with all of our suppliers – from the Senior Management level through to the Product, Technical and Parts teams as well. Plus, we are very much partners, with aligned visions and strategies, with all our suppliers”.
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IN IT TOGETHER | KEEP GROWING | FRONT UP
DECEMBER 2023 ISSUE 26
What was the best machine you saw at Agritechnica and why? CLAAS did a great job of showcasing the 50 years of JAGUAR. They had a special edition black JAGUAR on their stand, which made a big impact for a machine that absolutely dominates the market. In fact, every second Forage Harvester sold worldwide is a CLAAS JAGUAR.
What was the most memorable moment? Seeing Herby with Fritz Borg, Alfons Govert and Egon Willembrink from GRIMME. They met again after 35 years, recreating this photo below and enjoying a dinner together. It was a special evening and illustrates the long and enduring relationships we have in this business.
What were the key messages coming from CLAAS? The digitalisation of their systems, machines, and processes. This included the Digital Service Manager for our dealer network and CLAAS Connect for our customers. More information will be coming through next year, as we have CLAAS reps visiting down under in January to further these conversations.
Who had the best stand and why? The CLAAS stand certainly stood out. It was the biggest stand they’ve ever had, and the layout was bang on. It was spacious, uncluttered, and had plenty of room to talk to customers and because of this layout, the machines were the hero. CLAAS also featured a careers area, a digitalisation area, and a driver lounge. It was smart, clean, and well-presented vs. some of our competitors – who were cluttered and not as well laid out. CLAAS had 400 staff working on their stand, and fun fact: they were kitted out in Aussie boots (Redbacks not RMs!) – ‘always ready to go to the field’. The staff working at the event included a lot of operators to talk through the machines, as well as product and technical experts.
What were visitors to Agritechnica most engaged with? Over 470,000 people attended the four-day event. Visitors included OEMs, large corporate farmers, contractors, smallscale farmers, operators, and the supply industry. We saw a huge variety in age range and demographics, with people coming from all around the world. There were also 1,400 journalists, and the total site was 40 hectares – so it was massive. Across all visitor types, there was significant interest in AgXeed. They had five machines around the exhibition (including one at the CLAAS stand), and they all sparked conversation around autonomy and the future of machinery. We’re pleased to represent them in AU/NZ with the demo machines making safe arrivals to both of our markets.
By the way, how much was the speeding ticket that you got for in Hameln?! Don’t know yet, it hasn’t arrived in the post! I blame my passengers Herby, Sam and Richard for distracting me…
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NEWSLETTER FOR LANDPOWER | CLAAS HARVEST CENTRE TEAM
IT SPOTLIGHT – GOING THE EXTRA MILE FOR A SEAMLESS EXPERIENCE In this edition of Over the Fence, we spotlight two remarkable individuals who’ve gone above and beyond to enhance the efficiency and experience of our Service Technicians across the Landpower family.
Martin Chudomel trading his screens for a tractor joystick
Taking IT Beyond the Screens
Navigating the Complex Word of CDS Software
Martin Chudomel (Systems Administrator, Landpower, Christchurch) has been leading the charge in IT to bridge the gap between technology and practical on-the-ground needs. Committed to optimising our branch network performance, Martin has embarked on a journey across New Zealand and Australia, prioritising locations with the most challenging computer networks.
Our service technicians play a critical role in ensuring our machinery operates at its best, and one indispensable tool is the CLAAS Diagnostic Software (CDS). However, the journey with CDS hasn’t always been smooth, with challenges ranging from software download times to unexpected crashes during specific tasks. Enter Nick Jacob (Helpdesk Support Analyst, Landpower, Christchurch) – our dedicated IT professional who took it upon himself to unravel these complexities. Working tirelessly across various Windows versions, Checkpoint, CDS versions, and specific machine connections, Nick has become a familiar face at the Templeton CLAAS Harvest Centre. His commitment to finding solutions led him to join Teams meetings directly from the cab of a tractor, showcasing a hands-on approach that resonates with the Service Technicians he’s supporting. A real tractor cab instead of a virtual background? Now that’s commitment!
Some of you may have encountered Martin when he ventured South, even catching a glimpse of him in a tractor cab. As part of these visits, the IT team is not just fixing issues; they’re tidying up ‘network cupboards,’ removing redundant equipment, testing networks, and improving WiFi coverage. Where further work is required, they collaborate with local partners to ensure a comprehensive and lasting solution.
Kudos to Nick for his unwavering dedication and the extra mile he’s gone to address these challenges. His proactive engagement with Service Techs ensures a seamless integration of technology into their daily tasks.
A big thank you to Nick and Martin for embodying the spirit of dedication and innovation that defines our Landpower team. As we continue to grow and evolve, their efforts contribute significantly to the seamless integration of technology into our daily operations.
It’s fantastic to witness IT breaking free from behind the screens, taking a hands-on approach to enhance the technological backbone of our operations.
BACK AFTER 4 YEARS! Alan Wilde and Phil Hobbs, visited the AMAZONE training facility in Hude, Germany, along with Mick Beale, for ‘Train the Trainer in August’, after a long break since 2019.
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IN IT TOGETHER | KEEP GROWING | FRONT UP
DECEMBER 2023 ISSUE 26
5 MINUTES WITH... JAKE PETERS The newest member of the GRIMME team in Melbourne. But being mostly customer-facing it all comes back to providing the best support possible to the customer at every opportunity. That should always be the focus.
What drew you here and what’s got you excited? The better weather compared to the UK! But not only that, having the chance to further develop my knowledge on the range of GRIMME products here in Australia is an opportunity I couldn’t pass up. I’m most excited by the future, there’s a lot going on here at Landpower and I look forward to being a part of it.
Best advice you’ve ever been given? The best advice I’ve ever heard is to relish all challenges no matter how hard they seem to overcome, as everything bad that happens, or plan that doesn’t come good, is an opportunity to learn and improve for the next time.
Tell us about yourself – where have you come from?
Which of the values in Our Way (Front Up, In It Together, Keep Growing) do you most like, and why?
I’ve recently moved from Yorkshire UK to Melbourne to join the GRIMME team at the Landpower Vegetable Centre. I’m here continuing my career as a Field Service Technician after 2 years in the same role at Grimme UK. I came over to Landpower AU on the exchange program with GRIMME UK at the start of 2023 and loved it here so much that I applied to come back on a more permanent basis!
I think I could pick either of the 3 options but everything we do is underpinned by what the customer requires from us and how we deliver on that as a team. So, for me In It Together really strikes a chord.
Where’s your happy place? As much as I love rolling around paddocks repairing machinery, my happy place has always been a white sand beach in Ibiza with a perfectly chilled beer. Just add a few good friends and one or two good DJ’s and you’ve got the perfect day/night.
What’s the main focus of your role here? I believe a Service Technician is one of the most diverse roles in any business of any industry. Covering sales, service, aftersales support, and technical backup.
TECH DISCOVERY As part of the technology workstream for the new Landpower building a group of business stakeholders (Brooke Bayliss-Browne, Carly Shaw, Rodrigo Haro, Greg Ferguson, Adrian Dawson and Mike Parris), travelled to Auckland. The objective was to visit Ricoh and Spark buildings to understand their multiple technology solutions for our requirements.
was new and shiny. Their meeting rooms are equipped with the same products that they are selling.
They visited the new Ricoh offices in Auckland, which they had only recently moved into, so everything
The team also visited Spark; they took us to their technology lab where they saw multiple Teams equipment.
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In one room they had 10 different solutions! Overall was a great day to see how meeting room technology is used in different offices and select the best equipment that suits our needs.
NEWSLETTER FOR LANDPOWER | CLAAS HARVEST CENTRE TEAM
CELEBRATING SUCCESS: CLAAS LEXION PRODUCT TRAINING DAY IN DALBY During September, our CLAAS Harvest Centre Dalby team brought together over 30 CLAAS LEXION owners and operators for an enriching and insightful product training day. The event, hosted at our CLAAS Harvest Centre in Dalby, showcased the spirit of collaboration and knowledge-sharing that defines our Landpower | CLAAS Harvest Centre family. A special shout-out goes to our LEXION product specialists, Jack Jordan Hill and Dieter Thresh, who, along with the Dalby LEXION team, Jake Edwards and Dean Spies, played instrumental roles in running the training sessions. The day’s highlight was the hands-on experience provided by customers, Cliff Weier and Nev Boland, who generously allowed the use of their machines. This gesture added practical depth to the training and exemplified the camaraderie and support that characterises our community. We sincerely thank the Dalby Leagues Club for their invaluable assistance, contributing to the seamless execution of this knowledge-packed day. As we prioritise education and collaboration within our Landpower/CLAAS Harvest Centre family, events like these reinforce our commitment to supporting each other in our shared journey toward success. The positive energy and enthusiasm generated during the training day is a testament to the passion and dedication of everyone involved. To all our CLAAS LEXION owners and operators, we appreciate your participation and engagement in making this event a resounding success. Your commitment to learning and growing with us makes our Landpower/CLAAS Harvest Centre community exceptional.
ARE YOU FOLLOWING US? Check out our record breaking social post from the AU LEXION campaign. We’ve had over 1000 likes, 19 comments and 68 shares. The shares are the biggest achievement as that’s our customers sharing our content on their personal pages! If you don’t follow our pages – give them a like. We’ve got a main page for each country (CLAAS Harvest Centre Australia and CLAAS Harvest Centre NZ), but also local pages as well.
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IN IT TOGETHER | KEEP GROWING | FRONT UP
DECEMBER 2023 ISSUE 26
CLAAS LEXION DEMO AND OPTIMISATION TOUR SWEEPS ACROSS AUSTRALIA We are thrilled to bring you the exciting updates from the recent CLAAS LEXION Demo and Optimisation Tour. This spectacular event showcased the capability of our harvesting technology across Australia’s vast expanse. In October, the LEXION Demo Team descended upon our shores, igniting Australia’s most expansive LEXION Demo and Optimisation Tour to date. Twelve LEXION harvesters, representing the epitome of cutting-edge technology, were unleashed across six states—Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia, and Tasmania. The multinational demo team, consisting of skilled drivers from Germany, England, France, and Australia, came together with a singular goal: to demonstrate and support LEXION in its quest to become the undisputed No. 1 in harvesting.
Optimisation Visits: Listening, Measuring, Adjusting At the heart of this tour were the optimisation visits, where our dedicated team engaged with farmers to understand their challenges, measure harvest loss, adjust settings, and ultimately empower them to extract the maximum potential from their LEXION harvesters. The results have been exceptional, with customer satisfaction soaring from an average of 6.56/10 before the visit to an impressive 8.58/10 post-optimisation.
Demonstrations: Showcasing the LEXION Advantage The LEXION Demo Team went beyond the typical demonstration, taking the benefits of our harvesters directly to the farmers on their paddocks and against their existing machines. The key advantages highlighted included high throughput, low fuel consumption per tonne, and intelligent automation, ensuring optimal daily results. This personalised approach has resonated strongly with Australian farmers, reinforcing LEXION’s position in the harvesting landscape.
The Season Unfolds: Early Start, Dry Conditions, Positive Feedback The harvesting season kicked off earlier than usual, propelled by a dry finish across the country. The conditions varied from drought-affected crops in Queensland and Northern New South Wales to average to slightly above-average yields in the southern states. The dry weather has kept the Demo Team on their toes, engaging in demonstrations and optimisations with overwhelmingly positive feedback from the visited customers. As we approach the festive season, harvest is expected to conclude in most parts of the country before Christmas, except Tasmania and Southern Victoria. We’ve attached some captivating pictures to provide you with a visual journey of this remarkable tour. For further details or specific graphics, feel free to reach out. Thank you to Jack Jordan-Hill for keeping us in the loop and spearheading this incredible initiative.
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NEWSLETTER FOR LANDPOWER | CLAAS HARVEST CENTRE TEAM
WAGGA WINNERS ARE GRINNERS! Congratulations to the CLAAS Harvest Centre Wagga team, who won Best Outdoor Large Commercial Exhibitor at Henty Machinery Field Days in September. Henty Machinery Field Days is Australia’s largest agribusiness event, attracting more than 55,000 people each year, so it’s good to see the hard work of the local team.
Paul Birbeck (National Sales & Operations Manager, Landpower Melbourne), Ash Heydon (Administration Manager), Andrew Kearns (Branch Manager) and Murray Higman (Sales Representative) all from CLAAS Harvest Centre Wagga Wagga.
Bring on next year!
A TALE OF GROWTH AND LEGACY In the spirit of celebrating the growth, legacy, and vibrant tapestry of our Landpower family, we’re thrilled to bring you an inspiring story that recently unfolded in Proserpine, Queensland. It’s a narrative that speaks to the essence of our shared values and the resilience of our agricultural community. Fraser Ford, a longstanding multi franchise dealer under the dedicated stewardship of Brian Little for 17 years, has entered a new chapter with a change in ownership. The torch has been passed to the Filby Family (Filby’s Motors); a company deeply rooted in the Proserpine region for three generations. This transition signifies a dealership’s evolution and reflects a family’s commitment to their agricultural heritage.
their automotive legacy and a return to the agricultural sector. Rebecca, the General Manager of their Toyota business and a Director for Fraser Ford shares the intricate details of this remarkable journey. From the early days of the John Deere agency to the present multi-franchise landscape, the story is a testament to the enduring spirit of family, community, and the agricultural industry. We invite you to delve deeper into this narrative directly by connecting with Rebecca. Her insights into the dealership’s history, the Filby family’s vision, and their aspirations for Fraser Ford will undoubtedly offer a captivating perspective on this momentous transition. Let’s celebrate this new chapter in Proserpine, where the past and present converge to shape the future of Fraser Ford under Filby Motors. Stories like these remind us of the profound connections we share within the Landpower family.
Brian Little
Matthew Filby has stepped into the role of Dealer Principal, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a passion for the farming community. Melissa Filby assists him as General Manager, ensuring a seamless continuation of Fraser Ford’s legacy. Together, they aim to maintain the dealership’s reputation for excellence and commitment to the local agricultural sector.
Please join us in welcoming Filby Motors to the Landpower and CLAAS Harvest Centre family.
What makes this story particularly fascinating is the Filby family’s rich history in the region. Their journey began with the uncle’s foray into agriculture as a John Deere agent, dealing with tractors in the early days. Over the years, the family’s automotive ventures expanded, encompassing renowned franchises such as Toyota, Mitsubishi, and Nissan. Now, as the grandkids step into the shoes of their forebearers, there’s an unwavering commitment to reconnect with their agricultural roots. The acquisition of Fraser Ford, with its CLAAS and AMAZONE offerings from Landpower, provides a compelling collaboration between
Robert, Rebecca, Melissa, Sue & Matthew Filby.
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IN IT TOGETHER | KEEP GROWING | FRONT UP
DECEMBER 2023 ISSUE 26
20 YEARS OF GOULBURN FARM MACHINERY A very big Congratulations and Happy Birthday to the team at Goulburn Farm Machinery! Mark and Michelle Coggan, along with daughter Ellie, celebrated 20 years of trading this November, coming from humble beginnings back in 2003 when they sold their agricultural spraying business and decided to open a machinery dealership with just 5 employees (including Mark Weatherstone and Jason Riley – both still with GFM today!) to 30 employees now across their three branches in Goulburn, Bega and Cooma. Through the years of ups and downs, growing their team, dealership expansion and relocation in 2008 to their purpose-built facilities in Knox Street, one thing has remained the same – a focus on service and supplying all makes and models of agricultural machinery for their diverse customer base, ranging from the smallest farmlets to large scale broadacre operations across Southern New South Wales. Congratulations Mark, Michelle and Ellie, your dedication to exceptional customer service and support across 20 years is truly impressive, and we’re so proud to partner with you – here’s to another 20 years!
Mark & Michelle Coogan with Ian Hockaday, Logistics and Multi Franchise Manager, Landpower, Melbourne.
HARVEST SAFE: PRIORITISING WELLBEING DURING BUSY TIMES As we hit the heights of the bustling harvest season, our commitment to the wellbeing of every team member takes centre stage. The harvest months bring a surge in activity, and it’s imperative that we continue to collectively focus on managing ourselves, both physically and mentally, in the closing weeks and months of this peak period.
key aspects like crushing, driving, high-pressure hydraulics, operating machinery, working at height, lone working, and fatigue management.
Planning for Success: Detailed Strategies Detailed planning is essential for success. Anticipate challenges, ensure appropriate PPE, and utilise the Take 5 method to ask critical questions about the task at hand. A thorough plan minimises unforeseen obstacles and risks.
Investing in Your Health: The Foundation of Success Quality and quantity of sleep are the cornerstones of navigating harvest demands. A well-rested mind and body enhance our resilience and ability to handle the challenges ahead. Balanced nutrition is equally crucial, influencing energy levels, focus, and overall health. Whether it’s making time for exercise, meditation, or connecting with loved ones, creating a space for rejuvenation outside work contributes to our collective success.
Driving Safely: Addressing the Fatal 5 When on the road, prioritise safety by avoiding the ‘Fatal 5’: Speeding, Not wearing a seatbelt, Driver Fatigue, Driving under the influence, and Driving while distracted. Regular rest breaks, vehicle checks, and monitoring of personal wellbeing are essential.
Preparing for Heat: A Hot Topic
Preparation is Key: Safeguards and Support Strategies
With warmer days ahead, preparing for working in the heat is crucial. Stay hydrated, take breaks in shaded areas, wear protective clothing, and be mindful of the signs of heat-related health conditions.
We encourage every team member to take a moment to assess where they might feel stretched in the coming weeks. Put safeguards and support strategies in place now to ensure a smoother journey ahead.
Post-Harvest Wellbeing: Annual Leave As the harvest concludes, consult with your manager for a well-deserved Annual Leave break. This time is not just rest; it’s an investment in your overall wellbeing and an opportunity to nurture family relationships.
Managing Fatigue: A Priority for Safety Fatigue is more than just feeling tired; it’s a state that can compromise safety and effectiveness. Strategies to manage and monitor fatigue include focusing on good sleep hygiene, understanding and communicating about work hours, and recognising signs such as reduced coordination and decisionmaking abilities.
In Conclusion: A Collective Effort for Success Our success during harvest is a collective effort, and your wellbeing is at the heart of it. By prioritising safety, rest, and preparation, we fortify ourselves for the challenges that lie ahead.
Principal Risks: Implementing Take 5
Harvest Safe,
The harvest period introduces additional risks, particularly around our Principal Risks. Utilise the Take 5 risk assessment method to evaluate tasks before proceeding, emphasising
Kylie Petronio Safety & Wellbeing Business Partner
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NEWSLETTER FOR LANDPOWER | CLAAS HARVEST CENTRE TEAM
BUILDING OUR BRAND IDENTITY: A VISIT TO CLAAS HARVEST CENTRE, BAY OF PLENTY Exciting developments are happening in our journey to redefine and strengthen the identity of our Landpower and CLAAS Harvest Centre brand. Recently, two members of the TBWA team, the creative minds behind our Build Brand Identity Project, visited our CLAAS Harvest Centre Bay of Plenty branch. This visit marks a crucial step in the initial discovery phase, where stakeholder research becomes the compass guiding us toward a future that resonates with our essence and purpose. Bruce Rankin, Branch Manager, and his dedicated team at CLAAS Harvest Centre Bay of Plenty warmly welcomed the TBWA representatives, fostering an environment of collaboration and insightful dialogue. The visit was productive and allowed for some hands-on exploration of the remarkable machinery that defines our commitment to excellence in the agricultural sector.
TBWA team impressed by the machinery at CLAAS Harvest Centre, Bay of Plenty.
The TBWA team thanked Darren Sandford (General Manager - Marketing & Customer Experience) for facilitating this visit, emphasising the importance of collaboration and open communication. The conversations during this visit contribute significantly to the broader goal of defining our brand and charting a course that aligns with our vision for the future.
We thank Bruce and the CLAAS Harvest Centre Bay of Plenty team for their hospitality and valuable contributions to this crucial project phase. Their insights and perspectives play a pivotal role in shaping the narrative of our brand, reflecting the authentic spirit of Landpower. Stay tuned for further updates as we navigate the path toward a revitalised brand identity. Your involvement and support are integral to this process, and we look forward to defining a future that truly reflects the heart and soul of Landpower.
As we embark on this transformative journey, witnessing the engagement and cooperation from all corners of our Landpower family is inspiring. The Build Brand Identity Project is more than a creative endeavour; it’s a collective exploration of our values, aspirations, and the unique qualities that set us apart.
Show and tell Aaron Philips, Parts Manager, CLAAS Harvest Centre Waikato took his RC Car to Goodwood School in Cambridge and demonstrated what his car could do!
TELL US YOUR STORY. We love to hear and share your stories. Email marketing@landpower.co.nz with what you’re up to along with photos for the next issue.
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IN IT TOGETHER | KEEP GROWING | FRONT UP
DECEMBER 2023 ISSUE 26
OVERCOMING ADVERSITY: A TALE OF RESILIENCE AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT In the ebb and flow of life, some moments redefine our journey, casting a light on how fragile life can be. We share a story that embodies the strength of the human spirit, the unwavering support of a community, and the resilience that can emerge from even the most challenging circumstances.
The Landpower family rallied around her and her partner, providing support through calls, texts, and emails. In times of adversity, witnessing the depth of compassion within our community is heartening. The recovery journey, spanning over three months, has been a testament to Nicola’s strength and the support they’ve received. Returning home, gradually reintegrating into daily life, and resuming work after five weeks, this journey is an inspiring example of triumph over adversity.
On 5 April, Nicola Leonard, Administration Manager, CLAAS Harvest Centre Southland, faced a lifealtering event. A sore back, initially diagnosed as osteoarthritis, evolved into a harrowing battle with sepsis, leading to a paraspinal abscess. This journey unfolded into a critical situation, with organs shutting down and a less than 10% chance of survival.
It’s a personal victory and a collective one, showcasing the power of unity within the Landpower family. The added joy of new life—14 Golden Lab Pups born during this period—serves as a poignant reminder that life continues to bloom even in the face of challenges.
Nicola was airlifted to Dunedin Hospital by the Otago Rescue Helicopter, powered by Landpower. Nicola’s experience is a testament to our equipment’s critical role in the fields and in the broader context of saving lives.
As we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who supported Nicola and her family during this challenging time, we also celebrate the indomitable spirit of our Landpower family members. This story exemplifies the strength within each of us and the power of camaraderie that defines our community.
A 15-day coma, multiple surgeries, tubes protruding from various places, and a 20-day stay in the ICU marked the initial phase of this arduous journey. Three months of rehabilitation in Puriwa Hospital followed, where the strength to walk, sit up, and perform daily tasks was relearned. The process demanded resilience, tenacity, and an unwavering will to overcome.
May this tale of resilience and community support inspire us all as we continue to navigate the journey of being In it together.
GRASSMEN DOWN UNDER Last silage season the social media group Grassmen sent one of their team, Cian, out to see Sam Monk’s operation for the season and travel in NZ/AU to see other farming and contracting businesses. Through the Monks team, they introduced us to Cian and invited him, Ruth and Gareth Gault – the founder of Grassmen for a look around the Landpower Melbourne business. Grassmen have one of the biggest social media followings for used machinery and are very big influencers. One of their key missions is to support and encourage young people to travel and work in Agriculture abroad. With nearly 460,000 followers, let’s hope we can reach some Service Techs and staff to join the CLAAS Harvest Centre and Landpower teams in AU and NZ!
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Check out the video https://fb.watch/oOcQweWH1X/
NEWSLETTER FOR LANDPOWER | CLAAS HARVEST CENTRE TEAM
5 MINUTES WITH... JESS SUTTON Best advice you’ve ever been given?
Jess Sutton, Parts Manager, CLAAS Harvest Centre Northland tells us about her time in the parts industry and how her leadership is helping the parts department at the branch.
Just do it, get out there and try. You never know where it will lead.
Which of the values in Our Way (Front Up, In It Together, Keep Growing) do you most like, and why?
Tell us about yourself – where have you come from?
Keep growing - We definitely strive to do better for our customers always and the growth I have seen within this branch in my time here is phenomenal.
I have lived in Whangarei my whole life and have been in the automotive industry for about 14 years. I started in car mechanics and then changed to heavy diesel, where I moved into a parts role, and have been qualified in parts since about 2014. My spare time is spent either with my family, doing house renos or doing up cars.
Where’s your happy place? My happy place is whereever my kids are!
What’s the main focus of your role here? My main focus is to deliver the best result to our customers, above all else their continued success and satisfaction is what drives me.
What drew you here and what’s got you excited? After I had my son, I took time off to spend with him. After 3 years I returned to work with Balance Agri Nutrients but found that I was drawn back to this industry, CLAAS Harvest Centre Northland was advertising for a Parts Manager, so I applied not so optimistically as I had never been in a manager role before, and over 4 years later here I am! I have loved being part of turning the results of this parts department around, being able to achieve the results around accuracy and availability has been fantastic, and as above the customer satisfaction.
(Left to right) Sloan, Jess, Billy and Max (in front).
OUR NEW CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE PROGRAM IS COMING
can spot and resolve any issues in the moment rather than waiting a whole year to discover any problems.
Who is our CX provider? We’ve partnered with Feedbackasap to create a survey program for our company. They have done a fantastic job of creating a customer-friendly platform with bespoke survey templates to help us measure our CX performance and capture valuable insights. With surveys across the sales, service, and parts experiences, these insights will help us to identify opportunities to develop solutions to strengthen customer experience and loyalty.
To support our focus on Customer Experience we are in the process of implementing a new solution for surveying our customers and collecting valuable insights from the ‘Voice of our Customer’. What’s new?
When?
Up until now, customer surveys have been sent just once a year, meaning that some customers will receive a survey 12 months after their transaction. With our new CX platform, we are moving to an ‘Always on’ structure with surveys being sent within a week of the customer’s transaction with us. This means the experience is fresh in the customer’s minds, the insights we receive are more accurate and we
As a starting point, we will be launching a NZ-wide pilot survey in January, asking for feedback from customers who have had a recent service with us. This pilot program will help us shape the final survey that will be launched ANZ-wide across sales and service later in 2024. More updates to follow in the next edition of Over The Fence.
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IN IT TOGETHER | KEEP GROWING | FRONT UP
DECEMBER 2023 ISSUE 26
SEAMLESS IN THE CLOUD: A TECH JOURNEY CULMINATES IN CRM V9.1 UPGRADE The technology team led by Helen Drijfhout, General Manager – Technology shares information below about this exciting upgrade. The Journey to CRM V9.1
Old servers need to be retired as they are no longer supported by Microsoft which means they are more vulnerable to Cyber Security incidents. The older the servers are the higher chance of compatibility issues when we want to implement a new version of a system.
What were the main drivers and goals behind upgrading to MS CRM V9.1, and how does it align with the company’s overall strategy? The main driver is to get our CRM platform upgraded and in support. This project was due to go-live in 2021 but a major performance issue was experienced and there was a long delay in getting a fix.
The strategy is quite simple and essentially to make sure our infrastructure and systems are ‘in support’. It sounds simple but the reality of making this happen is a lot of work behind the scenes.
This has now been resolved and the project is gearing up for a go-live early in the New Year.
Having our systems supported also contributes to some major risk initiatives like obtaining Cyber Security Insurance.
Behind-the-Scenes Benefits
User Experience and Training:
Can you highlight some key behind-the-scenes improvements and benefits this CRM upgrade brings, especially those that may not be immediately apparent to most users?
As the upgrade is rolled out, how are you ensuring a smooth transition for end-users, and are there any additional training or support measures to maximise the benefits of the new CRM version?
This is a like for like upgrade which makes sure our systems are secure and supported. Users probably won’t notice a major difference but upgrading means we can receive security updates and we can remove the older versions of Window Server.
We have key business users as part of the project team. They have been integral in testing and will be highlighting any changes for users. We don’t anticipate formal training is required as the functionality and processes are not changing. You can expect to see some communication in regard the cutover and the key changes once the team are ready to go-live.
Server Retirement Strategy With the retirement of servers in the coming months, could you elaborate on the strategy behind this decision and the anticipated impacts on the company’s IT infrastructure and operations?
IN THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS This Christmas the team at Landpower Australia has connected with their community, donating gifts to the local volunteer-run group “Wyndham Hearts In Hands”. WHIH supports local families who may be going through a tough time. Each year they host a Christmas party to celebrate the families they support, giving gifts to children ages 1-12. “A big thank you to the Landpower Australia team for their kind donations, they are so appreciated!”
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NEWSLETTER FOR LANDPOWER | CLAAS HARVEST CENTRE TEAM
WELCOME ABOARD New Starters Aden Bekkers, Parts Interpreter, Northam
Jotika Kumari, Accounts Administrator, Christchurch
Alex Dalziell, Apprentice Service Technician, Northam
Ken Kotkas, Service Technician - Exchange, Ashburton
Amy Blackler, Machine Procurement & Logistics Coordinator, Christchurch
Ken Paolini, General Manager - Western Australia, Perth
Andres Klem, Service Technician - Exchange, Ashburton
Lisa Olds, Warehouse Assistant, Melbourne
Andrew Grintell, Pre-Delivery Assembler, Wagga Wagga
Louis Minnaar, Service Technician, Waikato
Ansgar Ingwersen, Service Technician - Exchange, Geraldton
Lucy Nicholson, Payroll Administrator, Christchurch
Anthony Burg, Group Chief Financial Officer, Christchurch
Matt Walker, Service Manager, Esperance
Bailee Day, Workshop Assistant, Esperance
Michael Glasby, Service Technician, Dalby
Barbara Dal Piaz, Warranty Administrator, Christchurch
Michael Partridge, Regional Sales Manager - Southeast AU, Melbourne
Beau Noonan, Warehouse Assistant, Melbourne
Mike Coetzee, Service Technician, Templeton
Ben Clare, Apprentice Service Technician, Central Districts
Mitchell Barron, Sales Representative, Ashburton
Brett Buchanan, Service Technician, Southland
Mon Craig, Technology Manager - Group Applications, Christchurch
Brody Warrington, Apprentice Service Technician, Templeton
Monika Kovacs, Accounts Receivable Administrator, Christchurch
Callum McCall, Apprentice Service Technician, Southland
Natalia Cuttance, Trainee Sales Representative, Otago
Carl Jordt-Petersen, Service Technician - Exchange, Esperance
Nicolas Valenzuela Astorquiza, Warehouse Assistant, Melbourne
Chelsea Mills, Workshop Assistant, Katanning
Niklas Vosse, Service Technician - Exchange, Ashburton
Chris Henderson, Sales Representative, Otago
Obi Brinkley, Service Technician - Exchange, Wagga Wagga
Cohen Hoskins, Junior Yard Assistant, Otago
Olivia Hesketh, Parts Interpreter - Exchange, Esperance
Dale Burgess, Apprentice Service Technician, Ashburton
Paul Knight, Warehouse Assistant, Melbourne
Dallas Hartmann, Stocktake Assistant, Otago
Paul Yellamati, Helpdesk Support Analyst, Christchurch
Dan Brand, Service Technician, Waipara
Richard Veitch, Service Technician, Bay of Plenty
Daniel Lintern, Apprentice Service Technician, Taranaki
Ron Festner, Service Technician - Exchange, Katanning
Diana Michetti, Landpower Vegetable Centre Administrator, Melbourne
Ross Wilson, Machine Cleaner, Esperance
Dion Loijen, Apprentice Service Technician, Waikato
Rylee Reeve, Parts Interpreter & Administration Support, Southland
Drew Richards, Service Technician, Katanning
Scott Alison, Workshop Foreman, Ashburton
Emily Santillo, Reception Administration Assistant, Melbourne
Simon Knight, Branch Manager, Southland
Felix Buntkiel, Service Technician - Exchange, Waikato
Steph Peploe, Senior Marketing Executive, Christchurch
Felix Epp, Service Technician - Exchange, Southland
Vaughan Cole, Service Technician, Esperance
Hayley Oversby, Administration Officer, Esperance
Will Flittner, Product Specialist - LEXION, Melbourne
Jack Hendren, Workshop Assistant, Waipara
Will Hinton, Workshop Assistant, Otago
Jan Toreno, Workshop Assistant, Ashburton
Zac Curnow, Machine Cleaner, Esperance
Jasper Wiese, Service Technician - Exchange, Esperance Jeremy Roberts, Warranty Coordinator, Christchurch
WELCOME BACK
Jesse Loomes, Apprentice Service Technician, Timaru
Andres Santander, Horticulture Parts Interpreter, Melbourne
Johann Fouche, Service Technician, Bay of Plenty
Antoine Derycke, Demo Driver/Marketing Content Creator, Melbourne
Joe Scorgie, Senior Graphic Designer, Christchurch
Craig Norton, Branch Manager, Waikato
Josh Aitchison, Apprentice Service Technician, Waikato
Jake Peters, Field Service Technician - GRIMME, Melbourne
Josh Lake, Apprentice Service Technician, Ashburton
Tom Bates, Sales Trainee, Waikato
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IN IT TOGETHER | KEEP GROWING | FRONT UP
LONG SERVICE
DECEMBER 2023 ISSUE 26
CONGRATULATIONS ANNIVERSARIES
A huge thank you to the following team members for their combined 170 years of service!
20 years
Herby joined the Landpower Christchurch team for the August monthly team meeting.
Markus Muller, Warranty & Technical Support Coordinator, Melbourne
15 years
He thanked everyone for their hard work and added warm congratulations to all those who celebrated a work anniversary. “I have such pride in seeing people grow in this company.”
George Duffy, Service Manager, Southland Jo Holland, General Manager, Otago Joel Brian, Assembler/Yardman, Melbourne Richard Sidey, Sales Representative, Waipara
10 years Daniel Bates, Parts Manager, Central Districts Dave Cookson, Warehouse Manager, Christchurch George Jennings, Combine Service/Sales Support, Ashburton
5 years Aled Jones, Service Technician, Southland Coert von Wielligh, Service Manager, Bay of Plenty Daniel Hutton, Service Technician, Templeton Duane Courtney, Parts Inventory Manager, Melbourne Jack Lamb, Parts Interpreter, Templeton Jake Van Beek, Service Technician, Templeton
In this photo (left to right) Ritu Singh – (Finance Manager – Wholesale) – 4 years. Shereen Woods (People & Culture Advisor) – 5 years with Max, aged 11 weeks). Laurence Babb – (Logistics Co-Ordinator) – 8 years. Herby (since 1978!)
Jordan Law, Branch Manager, Central Districts Mitchell Nicolson, Service Technician, Waikato Ruskin Hardie, IT Senior Applications Specialist, Christchurch Shereen Woods, People & Culture Advisor, Christchurch
Absent from photo: Steve Gorman – 7 years, and Nigel Prattley – 8 years.
Stephen Taylor, Service Technician, Waikato Tiersa Wiens, After Sales Administrator, Waikato
BACK SLAPPING CONGRATS TO…
CAM ROBERTS Qualified in October 2023 CLAAS Harvest Centre Northam
…OUR APPRENTICES WHO RECENTLY GRADUATED:
LIAM DU PLESSIS Qualified in under 9 months in November 2023 CLAAS Harvest Centre Bay of Plenty OLLIE POOLER Qualified in June 2023 CLAAS Harvest Centre Ashburton
Kevin Folley and Liam Du Plessis
Michael Phipps and Cam Roberts
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Ollie Pooler and Steve Copping
NOTICEBOARD
FAREWELL DANNY! We bid farewell to Danny Nadolski Warehouse Assistant, who retired after 20 years of working at Landpower AU. Thank you for your contribution to the company, enjoy retirement!
WEDDING BELLS Getting married has been the best day of their life to date for Chris Duggan, Finance Business Partner, Landpower NZ and new wife Holly. The couple’s wedding on 18 November was held at The Welder in Central Christchurch. Ninety of their closest friends and family shared the special day with them. Congratulations and best wishes from the team.
LEARNING ON THE JOB Paul Dymock Systems Administrator had his son Michael in the Landpower Melbourne office for a week doing his Year 10 work experience. He was mentored throughout the week by Manoj Kumar Budigi, Helpdesk Support Analyst. Manoj taught him all about IT support and the importance of it within a modern workplace. Special thanks to Paul Birbeck, National Sales & Operations Manager for allowing this opportunity to happen. Michael was very thankful for this opportunity and is now very excited and determined to work in this field after school!