Fast Movers SA 2009
Issue No. 51 - February/March 2010
Kelly grows on US demand
By rights, Kelly Engineering should not be able to do what it does - export agricultural machinery to the USA. But the Fast Mover is not only doing that, but growing rapidly. “Our main focus is manufacturing. We have always produced our own products, developed, designed, fabricated, marketed and distributed,” says MD, Shane Kelly. “Some units go directly to end users but these days more go to machinery dealers. Our products are targeted to farmers and the national networks of dealers. “The product we are focusing on is our light tillage range. We make a Diamond Disc Chain Harrow - not a very catchy phrase but an exceptionally good piece of equipment. It is a machine that helps farmers manage crop residue, prepare a seedbed and perhaps most importantly, control weeds. “It is widely accepted that retaining crop stubble and having it break down into the soil has many benefits. This tool is a fast and cheap way to assist in this. “Chemicals are relied upon for crop production, but to be sustainable there needs to be some balance in all things. Modern ‘No Till’ cropping systems are enormously beneficial for soils, for production efficiencies and for farmers’ wellbeing and work regime. The only downside I can see is the complete reliance on herbicides for weed control. “Our disc chain provides a viable solution that supports the intent and purpose of No Till. The same benefits can be seen in other cropping systems through efficiency and cost reductions.”
Kelly’s rapid growth hinges on several factors. After several mean seasons, more productive times are driving demand which the firm’s disc harrows are well placed to tap. “The most significant increase however has come about as a result of our decision to export,” Shane says. “We know our product and we understand our marketplace quite well, to us the logical step was to enter new markets. Forming a relationship with a very good marketing representative has been a significant win f...
