PTN Poultry Experts is a poultry solutions business that puts sustainability, quality, care, and innovation at the heart of every decision. PTN was founded in 2005 by Steve Cottam and Frank Ermerins who were determined to create a different kind of poultry business, and used their expertise in poultry, manufacturing, and mechanical design to do just that.
Steve, who is PTN’s managing director, says that while many organisations were looking to make products cheaper for customers, they wanted PTN to focus on long-term cost savings for customers by finding creative solutions across the whole business.
“Frank and I both have the willingness to get our hands dirty and experiment with designs. We like to use a bit of Kiwi ingenuity to push the boundaries of what poultry equipment has previously been, with the view to help our customers and birds get the best possible results,” he says.
PTN’s equipment is created to benefit the birds first and foremost. It often leads to enhanced productivity and performance – providing a greater return on investment for poultry farm owners. Examples include the design of PTN’s volume-based drinkers, which improve birds’ intake experience and help keep sheds drier, as well as its 360-degree feeders, which improve the distribution of feed.
“We really care about making sure the birds have the best life possible, in a warm, cosy environment with healthy food and water always available. We put a lot of care and heart into our work, and it’s reflected in our solutions,” he says.
Operating from its base in Taranaki, PTN designs and manufactures its products locally but has a strong offshore presence – managing regular exports to Europe, Australia, Asia and the United States.
Sales and Logistics Manager, Shelley Cottam, says the business first heard about the FernMark Licence Programme in 2018 when it was planning to expand the exporting arm of its operations.
“We heard about the FernMark during a course we took with NZTE called Export Essentials,” she says.
“We immediately saw it as a fantastic opportunity as we looked to grow our exports and establish our reputation in overseas markets – not just as a competitor, but as an organisation looking to define the industry.”
Five of PTN’s products are now licensed with the FernMark, which Shelley believes is helping to put PTN front-of-mind with customers overseas.
“Our aim is to be a brand that customers all over the world think of when they want to buy or replace poultry equipment. Having the FernMark sets us apart and it ties in perfectly with our own company values and focus areas. We’ve noticed it also serves as an instant conversation starter at trade shows,” she says.
Another aspect that sets PTN apart is its earth-friendly endeavour. All plastic parts are 100 percent recyclable, and the business continually seeks to create products that reduce energy consumption wherever possible.
Shelley has heard many times from customers that they cannot believe the products are made in Aotearoa New Zealand. She said the FernMark has helped to establish PTN’s reputation as a sustainable and ethically conscious business, due to its connotations with New Zealand’s pure, clean and green image.
“We are proud to fly the New Zealand flag, and we are proud to be a part of a programme that’s helping New Zealand manufacturers to set themselves apart and take their products to the world.”