Manufacturer hustling to double NZ production

The former are specialists in feeding, handling and spraying equipment, while the latter is an engineering business operating for three generations since 1919.

Hustler says the acquisition is the natural result of many years of active business collaboration between the two companies, with McLaren providing it with extensive expertise in subcontracted fabrication, plate processing and machining.  “This was a logical step to overcome some of the current supply chain challenges in the industry and to help us keep up with the global demand for Hustler’s innovation,” explains Brent Currie, Hustler Equipment chief executive.

The ex-McLaren building in Hastings will provide an additional 4,000m² of office, fabrication, plate processing and machining space to the current 8,000m² of site works at Hustler’s global headquarters on Omahu Road, Hastings. Currie says this will allow Hustler to overcome the difficulties currently facing many manufacturers in the global supply chain by virtually doubling its domestic production fabrication capacities.

With this acquisition, Hustler aims to continue its rapid domestic and international growth, having retained some key McLaren Stainless staff. Currie says the company is now confidently looking forward to the launch of several new product lines later this year, including feeding and handling equipment.

“Farmers are experiencing many months of delay before getting new feed-out equipment that is crucial for the industry as global demand for dairy and meat products is steadily increasing,” he explains.

“We had reached a point where it became necessary to find a solution to meet the demand of the farmers who keep feeding the world in the current a pandemic. We must do our bit to help them by continuing to provide readily available, innovative equipment and great customer service.”