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GIANINA SCHWANECKE
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Hansells Masterton and Sharpes Stock Feeds have been inducted into the Wellington Region Business Hall of Fame in recognition of their contribution to the region’s economy.
The two Wairarapa businesses were recognised alongside six other Wellington regional businesses at a ceremony in Upper Hutt on Friday night.
Businesses are nominated by others in the business community and independently researched and judged before being inducted.
Alan Stewart, chairman of Hansells Masterton, said it was an honour for the company to be recognised.
Stewart was in central south Australia and only found out the company had been inducted into the hall of fame after a customer called to congratulate him.
“It’s very nice to be acknowledged,” he said
“We’ve been around for 85 years and we are certainly one of the oldest food manufacturing companies in New Zealand.”
He said the business was still expanding and picking up new customers all the time.
“We are a team who work very hard to produce products that are sold through New Zealand and sold overseas.”
Third-generation owner and operator of Sharpes Stock Feeds, Sam Orsborn said the award meant a lot to them.
“There were some amazing businesses represented and we were honoured to be there,” he said.
The Carterton-based livestock feed supplier has been operating for more than 120 years.
Orsborn’s grandfather, Alan, bought the business from John Sharpe in 1937 and it has been in the family ever since.
“It’s nice that it’s been carried on through the family,” he said.
“We are very client-focused. Our products and services are what do the talking.”
Sharpes Stock Feeds has launched a mobile app service for farmers to order their feed via mobile as part of efforts to keep the business moving with the times.
Other businesses recognised at the awards include Wedgelock Equipment Limited, phil&teds, Hills Hats, LG Anderson, and Coastlands Shoppingtown.
Helen Down, chief executive of the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce, said the award acknowledged businesses which typically flew under the radar.
“Operating for so long and so well known in their communities, they tend to become ‘part of the furniture’ and almost invisible.
“The Wellington Region Business Hall of Fame seeks to bring them out into the open and honour their superb achievements, along with the important role they play in the social and economic fabric of our communities,” she said.
