Ashburton-based Stocker Solutions is celebrating its 30th anniversary in January 2025, a milestone testament to adaptability, customer service and offering farmers the latest agricultural technological innovation, says Shane Stocker who owns the business with wife Cheryl. Founded by the couple in 1995, the company began in a humble garage and has since grown into a comprehensive agricultural solutions provider employing 30 staff across five key divisions: dairy, plumbing, effluent, industrial and pumping.
“We were originally 100% dairy-focused when there were loads of conversions in Canterbury,” says Shane. “As time passed, we have diversified to meet our customers’ needs.” This commitment to customer service has been fundamental to its success. The business prides itself on offering only high-quality equipment and comprehensive support. “We won’t sell cheap equipment that won’t stand the test of time,” explains Shane. “We sell farmers the right equipment for the job. We stand behind what we sell.”
The company offers innovative solutions across multiple sectors from milking machine testing and automation to custom engineering and effluent management. As a GEA Service Agent, Stocker Solutions provides comprehensive dairy equipment solutions including cutting-edge technologies like CowScout – an advanced system offering heat detection and early health intervention for livestock.
Its industrial division focuses on supplying precision equipment for various sectors, from compressors and welders to specialised pumps. The plumbing team handles everything from domestic repairs to complex water reticulation systems, while the effluent division offers sophisticated management solutions using Canadian-designed Houle products.
“We love to do our best for our customers and be there for them for the long term. Our aim is to give 100% support and client satisfaction.”
Shane says the company’s growth reflects its adaptability. Recent investments include a building upgrade expanding undercover room space and acquiring additional parking and storage areas to accommodate increasingly bulky equipment. Looking forward Shane anticipates significant changes in farming technology, particularly around water treatment and milking automation. “There is a lot of compliance coming up with water and water treatment,” he says. “It’s about helping the farming world to keep current and run their businesses smarter.”
Notably, some customers have been with Stocker Solutions since its inception, a testament to its reputation for reliability. “There is real loyalty – both to our customers and suppliers and vice versa,” says Shane. “Our customers come to us with all sorts of requests, and if we can’t help them, we’ll put them onto someone who can.”
The business takes pride in its team, with staff being predominantly trade-qualified and including several apprentices to ensure continuous skill development. Operating from a purpose-built facility on State Highway 1 in Ashburton, Stocker Solutions has transformed from a small family operation to a comprehensive agricultural support business.
As it approaches its 30th year, Shane says the company remains committed to its core mission: providing innovative, reliable solutions that keep agricultural businesses running efficiently. “It’s quite an achievement,” says Shane of reaching 30 years in business. “It hasn’t always been easy some years with dairy payouts up and down. But we love to do our best for our customers and be there for them for the long term. Our aim is to give 100% support and client satisfaction to our customers in every facet of Stocker Solutions.”
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