 |
| Brent Esler, CEO |
Westland Farm Centre Integration Completed
As from 1 February CRT FarmCentre store number 31 was added to the network with the rebranding of the former Westland Milk Products’ retail site at Hokitika following our acquisition. We are very grateful for the co-operation of the Westland Milk Products’ board of directors, supplier farmers, staff and other customers in this process.
The move is a very positive one for all concerned, and again CRT can demonstrate that we can bring the efficiencies of scale to this business yet still maintain that local service element and connections with customers that are so vital to success in this market.
We have also enjoyed excellent co-operation from New Zealand Post in the handover of the two rural mail runs that were operated by Westland as part of this process, and we are very pleased that we can continue to provide that service to local consumers.
CRT’s District Managers
Late last year we introduced district managers throughout the South Island to provide business leadership and decision making at a more local level. A total of 24 district manager roles were created which has inevitably added some cost to the business. We see this is an investment in creating an even better service to shareholder and sales penetration which we believe will provide significant benefits for all shareholders. The previous management of regional performance, particularly FarmCentre retail and field staff was in the hands of six regional managers. We were concerned that they were spread too thinly to co-ordinate the total business of CRT at the district level and this now gives them the opportunity to focus on their core responsibilities.
Each district manager does have another function in their role, whether this be real estate, livestock, retail or another trading area. However, their primary task is to provide frontline management and ensure the activities of all areas of CRT’s business are co-ordinated and are performing as effectively as possible. The strategy we have implemented is in the interests of better service and generating greater sales for the benefit of all shareholders, and these early days are showing very encouraging signs.
South Island Field Days
Two major events on our horizon as we go to print are the Wanaka Show from 11 – 12 March and the South Island Agricultural Field Days at Lincoln from 30 March – 1 April. Our team is working with CRT suppliers to ensure that we can showcase the best of CRT’s offerings to all shareholders at these events. The South Island Agricultural Field Days are particularly challenging, with the CRT Village being constructed at the Lincoln site.
The Village really will be a demonstration of the strength of our CRT community with your co-operative, CRT suppliers and shareholders working together.
The Directors and staff of CRT hope to meet you at these events.