New Besgrow Bulletin
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Goodbye to one Ben as we welcome to another
Ben our operations manager at Pacific Bark has decided that the UK is the place for him and he is off to do his OE. We wish him well in his travels and all the best for the future. We would also like to welcome Ben Savage as our new operations manager - isn’t that handy!
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Besgrow Orchid Trial
The orchid trial at Lincoln University is going really well. The Besgrow team spent a couple of days re-potting the Phalaenopsis into a variety of different substrates.
We learnt a few things during our days there; it is much easier and faster to pot in bark and Orchiata, however you can get some nasty prickles from fir bark. We also learnt how hard it is on your back. We are looking forward to seeing the results.
Visits to Korea and Japan
Anthony has been busy travelling over the past few weeks. He has been to Korea where he visited distributor Ever Green. Mr Chung arranged for Anthony to visit a number of Phalaenopsis and Cymbidium growers, some of which were growing in Orchiata.
Anthony has also just returned from Japan where he was visiting our distributors to present a new Spagmoss packaging design. The design was received well and we are looking forward to moving into the new packaging in the future.
Aftershocks continue to shake Canterbury
We realise some of you may have seen and heard enough about the earthquake in Canterbury, but for us the apparent aftershocks which are earthquakes are a constant reminder.
Tony and Andrea Norton sent us through these photos showing what happened inside their glasshouse. The Gropacs were shaken off the hanging gutters, but we understand generally the damage to structure of there houses were minimal.
Coastpak purchase of Suttons Moss ensures a healthy future for the local industry
The West Coast based moss industry has undergone further consolidation with the announcement of the purchase of Suttons Moss by Coastpak (part of the Pacific Wide Group).
Effective as of 1st November 2010, this brings together two businesses with complimentary offerings and history in the industry. Both are family owned operations and have a long association on the coast with strong West Coast management and staff.
Well known and respected for their value-added specialist products, Suttons have been integral to the development of the moss industry in New Zealand. With the decision to pursue other interests, the Sutton family wanted to make sure their company would be left in good hands, but more importantly, stay as a NZ owned and operated business.
“We began exporting 22 years ago and have watched the industry go through many changes over that time. The purchase of Suttons Moss by Coastpak can only be good for the local industry,” says Les Sutton’ “as they will bring to the table a more globally aware level of sales and marketing.”
Coastpak has a proud heritage and will continue to strive to produce the highest quality Sphagnum moss to grow the world’s best orchids. Their portfolio of moss products, along with an excellent range of other horticultural growing substrates, is well respected nationally as well as on the global stage.
With carefully controlled management and monitoring, Coastpak ensures this quality resource is ongoing, which is good news for the survival of the industry.
“Three years ago’” comments Anthony Washington, Pacific Wide (NZ) CEO, “the NZ dollar was crippling to the NZ exporter and industry, however Coastpak continued to support the industry during those difficult times and has now come out of it stronger for the experience. Focussing on customer requirements, plus meeting and maintaining strict quality control standards have been the key to this success.”
As 70% of moss is sourced from independent suppliers, Coastpak views these partnerships as integral to the success of Coastpak and the local independent supplier. The purchase of Suttons will truly benefit the industry as a whole, strengthening demand and ensuring a healthy future for all concerned.
Backed by the sales and marketing team of Pacific Wide, Coastpak believe with the added product lines from the purchase, they now have the opportunity to not only strengthen their stake in the Japanese market, but also develop new sales channels into the lucrative US and European arenas.
For further comments please contact Anthony Washington- CEO Pacific Wide New Zealand, (03) 3598 230 or 0274 396 309
Serious earthquake shakes Christchurch and surrounding areas
A serious earthquake hit Christchurch city and surrounding areas (Canterbury district) at 4.35am Saturday 4 September. The earthquake has done some serious damage to buildings in the CBD and some specific areas that surround the city area.
There have been no deaths and we are thankful for this and think it is due to the hour that the shake hit the city.
As far as the Pacific Wide Group is concerned our processing facilities in Hokitika and Matamata have experienced NO damage and it is business as usual. Lyttelton and Tauranga ports are still operational therefore there will be NO disruption to any shipments.
All our staff are safe and well and we are working as normal in our Christchurch office. Some of our filing cabinets had fallen over and a few minimal breakages (see photo of Clive’s model car collection). We are some of the lucky people of Canterbury. We look forward to any orders that you may have and will ensure they are processed promptly.
Kind regards
Clive Washington
Managing Director