On the back of client demand, Progressive Engineering continues to diversify its business.
In the past 12 months, on top of the usual milking, electrical, pumping and platform work, Progressive Engineering has added refrigeration and home heating services.
Managing director Chris Hughes said clients had asked about the possibility of on-farm refrigeration services, and Progressive has delivered.
‘‘We now do everything in and around the shed.’’
Twelve months ago, the refrigeration division was started, with one qualified refrigeration engineer, Ben Henderson.
Since then, the division has continued to expand, with Ben being joined by another qualified refrigeration engineer and two apprentices.
‘‘The guys are also backed up by our team in the electrical division as well,’’ Chris said.
Ben now leads the refrigeration team and the group is encouraging farmers to get their onfarm refrigeration sorted with changing milk cooling regulations coming into effect on June 1.
The new rules state that raw milk must be cooled to 10degC or below within four hours of the commencement of milking, and be cooled to 6degC or below within the sooner of six hours from the commencement of milking, or two hours from the completion of milking.
Milk is also required to be held at or below 6degC without freezing until collection or the next milking and must not exceed 10degC during subsequent milkings.
Progressive has the capacity and ability to make changes to on-farm fridge systems and offers free cooling system audits.
Sometimes, it was not as simple as refrigeration units needing to be replaced, and the audit would identify what needs upgraded, if anything at all, Chris said.
It could be the plater cooler, the water plumbing or a chilling issue, and the Progressive team can identify what area needs upgraded and complete the job, too.
‘‘As we know, refrigeration is one of the most important parts on the farm. There’s no point spending all that money getting it out of the cow only to have it not cool properly, it needs to be looked after when it’s out of the cows, too.’’
That is why Progressive have an on-call technician 24/7, to ensure the milk stays cool.
Remember, changes come into effect on June 1.
The second part of the new refrigeration division is the home heating services.
While Progressive has always installed heat pumps at clients requests, two market-leading brands brands in Mitsubishi and Panasonic are now available.
Floor and ceiling consoles, ducted units and split systems are all available.
Progressive does the job from end to end, from free design and quote, to sale right through to installation, as well as free in-home consultations to make sure you get the right unit for your home.
Drop Chris, Ben and the team a line to get your refrigeration sorted on-farm and your homes heated for this coming winter.
