Our
McIntosh Brothers
70+ Years of Innovation and Legacy in the heart of Palmerston North, amidst the hum of ambition and the clatter of tools, two brothers, Bryant, a fitter and turner, and Bill McIntosh, embarked on a journey in 1950 that would shape the landscape of farm machinery in New Zealand and crane hire in the Manawatu.
Our Timeline
1950’s The Garage Days
In a humble shed, the McIntosh brothers began as jobbing engineers, repairing anything that came their way. Their early days were marked by resilience and craftsmanship, laying the foundation for what would become McIntosh Brothers Engineers Ltd.
1960’s The Workshop
In the early 1960s, beside the North Island main trunk train line, they erected a purpose-built workshop. Buzzacott sheep showers and stock crates flowed from their hands. Gary Adsett, a stalwart of the company, joined and still works for the company today, an example of dedication and loyalty of the team.
1970’s Crane Hire Takes Flight
The need for a crane to lift the stock crates led to the birth of the crane hire division in the 1970s. A Commer TS3 truck and good old kiwi ingenuity resulted in the first crane followed by a second and then a third built in the workshop. Agricultural machinery became synonymous with McIntosh Brothers and the blue machines were popping up around the country.
Feeder Wagons and National Recognition:
Star salesman Bob Potts developed the idea of a feeder wagon for New Zealand conditions and modified an English version. The first display at the National Field Days in 1973 was a turning point, marking the beginning of continuous innovations in the development of feeder wagons.
1980’s Generational Shift
In 1987, the second generation, Bill’s sons Brett and Craig, entered the scene, helping to modernise the company and develop into new opportunities and markets.
1990’s Change
Bryant’s departure in 1994 marked a transition, but his dedication resonated in the company’s ethos.
2000’s Expansion
In 2008, the company had expanded to such an extent that it was decided to move a larger site in Armstrong Street, Palmerston North.
2010’s Celebration and Growth
Celebrating 60 years in 2011, the company embraced its third generation with Scott, Brett’s son, joining in 2011, injecting fresh vigour into marketing and operations.
2020’s Legacy Lives On
The passing of Bill in 2021 marked the end of an era.
His legacy lives on as McIntosh Brothers Engineers Ltd, still a family-owned and managed business, celebrates over 70 years of innovation. Brett now leads, with Scott managing McIntosh Cranes Ltd which has grown into a separate company. The commitment to customer needs, product quality, and the farming community remains unwavering, as well as a company that looks after its staff and the Manawatu community.
Towards the Future
Today, McIntosh Farm Machinery is not just a manufacturer; it’s a legacy, resonating from New Zealand to Australia and Chile. With a loyal dealer network and a commitment to making products work for the customer, McIntosh Farm Machinery continues to shape the farm machinery industry with new strong, safe, sustainable, and innovative products being developed. and McIntosh Cranes has a reputation for designing innovative solutions in challenging situations, professionalism, and dedication to every job.
Services
Recondition and modification services for older McIntosh Farm Machinery
Backup Service
We carry an extensive range of stock parts which enables us to quickly deliver the parts you need. Our long-term staff have a huge depth of knowledge from the machines made as early as 1970’s through to current models, so we can ensure you get the right parts and advice for your McIntosh machine.
Company Relationship
McIntosh Farm Machinery has been producing strong, reliable farm machinery since 1950 in New Zealand, made in our workshop in Palmerston North. McIntosh Cranes was started to help with that production but is now a strong independent sister company that still provides some of McIntosh Farm Machines transport needs this means we have a fleet of cranes, trucks and Hiab’s at our disposal if required.
