Potato Review

www.potatoreview.com POTATO REVIEW SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2019 25 PROFESSIONAL’S PROFILE We are very proud of what we have achieved! We started working in a small cowshed on my grandad’s smallholding. Today, we’re a global supplier to many of the major packers around the world. How has your own career outlook changed over the years? Our intention from the outset was not to be the biggest but to be the best in our market. A lot has changed over the years, and we have had to embrace new technology, not only in our manufacturing processes but also in the equipment we o er our clients. With changing legislation, we have had to be more focused on health and safety both at our factory but also when working in customers’ sites. I would like to think through our continuous R&D we have given our customers a rst class product, allowing them to add value and meet the requirements of their clients. Creating a great team and investing time and training in the people you employ has become very important to me over the years. is is a signi cant focus for me now. What challenges is the industry facing at the moment, and what more could be done to meet and overcome these? One main challenge the potato industry faces at the moment is the shortage of labour. ere is a big drive to nd automated solutions for roles previously carried out by hand. Machine diagnostics is also an important consideration. Packing lines can be running 24/7, and machine stoppages can cause a signi cant and costly problem. erefore being able to ag up potential issues before they occur is really important. Preventative maintenance is a great bene t. As a company, we put lots of thought into designing equipment, to ensure all areas are easily accessible for maintenance and service to prevent failures. What tips do you have for the future generation? My tip would be to work hard and listen to what the client’s requirements are. Don’t try to mislead them. If you are not sure - say so and go back with the correct information. Give value for money, and if you encounter a problem hit it head on and resolve the issue as fast and e ectively as you can. It is vital to build a good relationship with your customers. We nd now it is more of a working partnership between both companies working towards a satisfactory outcome. “Creating a great team and investing time and training in the people you employ has become very important to me over the years.” A developing family history Nigel’s father started the business 75 years ago. Initially, he carried out farm repairs on combines, bailers and installed grain dryers. He is 94 this year and still visits the factory regularly “just to keep an interest in things”. He then progressed to building basic barrel graders, washers and de-stoners for local farmers handling carrots, potatoes and beetroot. Over the years, Haith has developed its product range to be able to o er clients “the complete solution”, according to Nigel. As well as vegetable handling equipment, it is involved in wastewater treatment, allowing waste wash waster to be cleaned and returned back to the plant, reducing costs and helping the environment. “It is about 10 years since we invested £2.5 million in developing a state of art factory and o ce complex on our site at Armthorpe. Since then, we have continually invested in the latest manufacturing equipment to improve quality and reduce lead times,” Nigel said. From an early age, Nigel has been interested in repairing machinery and his love of “doing up” bikes and motorbikes never died. Outside of work, he is still a motorcycle enthusiast. Nigel Haith said working his way up through all aspects of the company have given him a greater understanding of what is required when designing and building equipment for the agricultural market.

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