A new chapter for Auto-Drafter
DTS has sold its dairy automation business – Manual and Auto-Drafter, in-line milk sensors, in-bail identification and Herd-Man solutions, to MilktechNZ®.
As of 1st November 2024, MilktechNZ® will take over the support for the installation, service, and support of drafting gates, in-line milk sensors, in-bail identification and the Herd-Man software and app.
Find out more about MilktechNZ®Q. Who is MilktechNZ®
MilktechNZ® is an innovative New Zealand-owned, designed and manufactured company renowned for their CR-1 electronic cup removers, and for creating simple, clever dairy technology for today’s farmers worldwide. We are confident that you will be in good hands with MilktechNZ®.
Q. Why the change?
This transition allows DTS to focus on our strategic goal of becoming New Zealand’s premier refrigeration supplier and producer of stainless-steel vats and tanks.
DTS will continue to invest in research and development for more sustainable refrigeration solutions for NZ Dairy Farmers. Alongside this, we have recently invested in new laser welding technology for our stainless-steel manufacturing.
Our core business will maintain the supply of 95% of New Zealand’s Milk Vats to dairy co-operatives and support the refrigeration and manufacturing requirements of food, beverage, and pharmaceutical producers across NZ.
Q. What do I need to do?
Absolutely nothing. Your drafting gate, in-line milk sensors, and your herd-man login will continue to operate as normal.
As of 1st November, you will continue to access Herd-Man via the Herd-Man app or the MilktechNZ® website: milktechnz.com
Q. I’ve just purchased a drafting gate, what is happening with my installation?
As the DTS technical support team and installation team are moving to MilktechNZ®, you can be assured your installation will progress as expected.
Q. Will my heat detection/cow wearables still be supported?
Yes. Your cow wearables will still integrate with Auto-Drafter and Herd-Man.
Q. Who should I contact for drafting gate support?
Until the 31st of October DTS will continue to be your first port of call on 0800 500 387.
From the 1st of November, MilktechNZ® will be your first point of contact. Call 0800 645 583 or 0508 MilkHub (0508 645 548)
The MilktechNZ® office is open Monday – Friday, 8.00am – 5.00pm with 24/7 emergency breakdown support for customers.
Q. Who should I contact about refrigeration emergencies?
As always, DTS will continue to be here for all of your refrigeration service and support, you should continue to contact DTS on 0800 500 DTS (0800 500 387).
Q. Who should I contact regarding invoice queries?
After the 1st of November, invoice queries should be sent to [email protected].
Q. I’ve been dealing with a certain tech support person from DTS, who should I contact now?
The good news is, that you’ll continue to be supported by the same team. All DTS technical support staff are moving to MilktechNZ®.
Until the 31stt of October DTS will continue to be your first port of call on 0800 500 387.
From the 1st of November, the technical support team for Auto-Drafter, in-line milk sensors, and Herd-Man solutions will sit under MilktechNZ®. Ph: 0800 645 583 or 0508 MilkHub (0508 645 548).
Q. Will I have an increase in my subscription costs?
MilktechNZ® promises there will be no subscription cost increases for this financial year.
Q. Will there be any service interruption while Auto Drafter and Herd Man transition to MilktechNZ®?
As the DTS technical support team is moving to MilktechNZ® we are very confident when we say that there will be no service interruption for Auto-Drafter, in-line milk sensors, and Herd-Man solutions.
Q. Who is my MilktechNZ® Area Manager?
The MilktechNZ® Area Managers are:
PAUL McGILL – Waikato, Taranaki
North Island Sales Manager
021 833 945
[email protected]
CRAIG KELLY – Northland, Bay Of Plenty, Manawatu
National Technical Sales Manager
022 502 3369
[email protected]
MARK CRAIG – South Island
South Island Sales Manager
027 579 2802
[email protected]
MEDIA RELEASE: DTS Announces Sale of Automation Business to MilktechNZ®
DTS is excited to announce the sale of its dairy automation business to MilktechNZ®, effective October 31, 2024. This strategic move will see MilktechNZ® take over the support for the installation, service, and support of Manual and Auto-Drafter, in-line milk sensors, in-bail identification and Herd-Man software and app.
MilktechNZ® is an innovative New Zealand-owned, designed and manufactured company, renowned for their CR-1 electronic cup removers, and for creating simple, clever dairy technology for today’s farmers worldwide. We are confident that you will be in good hands with MilktechNZ®.
Gavin Thwaites, CEO of DTS, states, “I have full confidence in the capabilities of MilktechNZ®. With over 80 years of combined expertise in dairy technology and automation, their leadership team is exceptionally equipped to support and further evolve the dairy automation business ensuring it meets the demands of customers.”
“The strategic sale of our Automation Business allows us to sharpen our focus on becoming New Zealand’s leading provider of cutting-edge refrigeration systems and precision-engineered stainless-steel vats and tanks. We remain deeply committed to technological innovation and sustainability, continually investing in R&D to develop more energy-efficient and eco-friendly refrigeration solutions for New Zealand’s food producers and dairy industry.”
Thwaites added, “We will continue to supply over 95% of New Zealand’s milk vats to dairy cooperatives and provide refrigeration solutions to food, beverage, and pharmaceutical producers nationwide. To further enhance our lean manufacturing capabilities, we have recently acquired new state-of-the-art, hand-held laser welding technology for our stainless-steel vat production, pushing the boundaries of quality and efficiency.”
MilktechNZ® CEO and founder, Gustavo Garza, says, “We are so excited about the acquisition of MilkHub® (DTS dairy automation business) into the MilktechNZ® portfolio. I have long admired the MilkHub® technology and advocated for the brand. I recognise its seamless alignment with the MilktechNZ® product suite, as both brands share a commitment to innovation, efficiency, and providing advanced technological solutions for the dairy industry.
“DTS has established a solid foundation for this business. MilktechNZ® is committed to expanding this dairy automation product range, leveraging our innovative capabilities to further the legacy of MilkHub®. Additionally, we will be updating the MilktechNZ® product suite to work seamlessly with MilkHub®, providing our farmers with a seamless, innovative milking solution. Stay tuned as we advance the future of dairy automation.”
Based in Hamilton, New Zealand, MilktechNZ® sells its products throughout New Zealand and internationally through its global dealer network.