WELSHPOOL-based machinery dealer Fred Hopkins WA has enjoyed a recent growth spurt by winning a $6 million contract to supply olive oil processors to giant olive oil manufacturers Boundary Bend, Swan Hill, Victoria.
According to Fred Hopkins company directors Dudley and Gary Johnson, who hold the Australasian franchise for the Italian-made Ameduni processors, Boundary Bend will buy six machines, worth $1m each over three years.
Last year Boundary Bend bought the olive oil division of Timbercorp.
"These machines take olive oil processing to a new level," Gary said. "Until now, the best processors available could extract 7.5 tonnes of oil an hour but the Amenduni will easily achieve 12t/hr.
"And as the olive oil industry grows and more companies expand, these will be the type of machines in demand because of obvious cost efficiencies."
According to Dudley, their winning tender beat four rival tenders.
"The winning tender was announced at the annual Olive Expo in Sydney and it surprised a lot of people in the industry that a WA company won," Dudley said.
The contract has vindicated a decision made five years ago by Dudley and Gary to add a canola press to the then two divisions comprising ag machinery and small engines.
"That's where it all started and we've gradually built up this side of the business to a stage where it is now a fully fledged division within the company," Dudley said.
"We believe there's more growth because the machines we sell can extract oil and juice from other products such as palm oil, mangoes, oranges and the like."
An important aspect that Dudley and Gary ensured was put in place before they started selling Amenduni processors was service back-up.
"We have an arrangement with Amenduni where they assist us with technical back-up and service personnel," Dudley said. "When machines are installed, they are done so by experts from Europe and the Middle East with people highly experienced in the olive oil industry.
"They remain with the company until other staff are trained and proper handover occurs."
Amenduni also provides technical assistance through the warranty period.
The Ameduni processor is not a crush but works through two centrifuges, one horizontal and one vertical.
Designated the REX350, it has been tested to 18t/hr but is rated at 12t/hr.
According to Gary, one of the big benefits of the Rex350 is that it has a second extraction process to increase yields.
"It has been designed with a minimum of components for less maintenance and reduced power needs and it certainly is the best machine I've seen on the market," he said.
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