Lovett Family Farms: “Testimonial from New Zealand!”

“VHM is ‘quality’; you know it works, with the high-quality machines they have developed and built themselves. VHM really stands behind their promises, even when it comes to service or ‘whatever needs to be done.’ “

Daniel & Emily Lovett run their family-owned Lovett Family Farms along with parents Greg & Joanne Lovett and 16 full-time employees. With their ambition to be the leading farm in their field, they produce and deliver crops of the highest quality on the 1,000-acre farm. In terms of onion production, they control the entire process from growing and harvesting to storage, packaging and exporting around the world. As frontrunners in agricultural technology and environmental leaders in the industry, they have found a strong match with VHM Machinery.

Excellent reputation

About four years ago, Daniel imported his first VHM TwinFilr to significantly increase storage and handling capacity in the then newly built storage and packing hall. “We looked no further. VHM was the first to develop this machine and has an excellent reputation for quality.” Since then, the machinery has expanded even further and a lot of “VHM orange” has been added to operations. The BigbagFilr, EvenflowTipr and various feeders are all from the same family and also work extremely well with the other machines in the processing lines.

More work with the same number of employees

Thanks to easy-to-operate machines that could be installed plug&play, box & bigbag logistics have been optimized and simplified. That means more work with the same number of employees. And with that, this automation solution very concretely meets one of the biggest challenges for the company today; finding staff. Just like in the rest of the world.

And what does it mean when you buy machines from a manufacturer on the other side of the world with a time difference of day and night? Daniel: “That has never really been a problem. All kinds of technical solutions these days that make it easy to cover the distance, just as if you were on site. We have installed cameras in our sheds on which VHM’s mechanics can log in and watch the working machines live. In a joint whatsapp group, our people have direct and immediate contact with the VHM mechanics on technical matters. Moreover, I would rather have direct contact with someone overseas who knows the machine 120%, than a dealer or someone locally who has only a little knowledge of a large number of different machines.”

Connection

A nice touch is the Grillr (the VHM barbecue) he received as a gift with his TwinFilr order. “Together with my great team, we always find an opportunity to light up the barbecue, because a good collaboration is definitely worth celebrating!”

Two weeks ago Daniel went to Europe to visit the Potato Europe Expo in Germany. Before leaving, he announced “If the travel schedule permits, I will definitely stop by VHM to meet you again and discuss our future plans and dreams.” And he did. Thanks for visiting Daniel; know that you are always welcome!

Also take a look at Lovett Family Farms’ beautiful website