Brett McIntosh
General Manager
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
The Garage Days
In a humble shed in November 1950, 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.
The Purpose-Built 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 and long serving foreman of the company, joined and still works for the company today, an example of dedication and loyalty of the team.
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 with modifications to 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.
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. Bryant’s departure in 1994 marked a transition, but his dedication resonated in the company’s ethos.
Expansion and Celebrations
The new millennium brought expansion, with a move to Armstrong Street in 2008. 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.
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 continues to shape the farm machinery industry with new strong, safe, sustainable, and innovative products being developed. This has been helped by a strong loyal New Zealand dealer network and an excellent representative in Australia, Trac Mac Farm Equipment. With the capability and imagination to figure out how to make our products work for you.
McIntosh Cranes continues to support the business and has a reputation for designing innovative solutions in challenging situations, professionalism, and dedication to every job.
Meet Our Team
Scott McIntosh
Group Operations Manager
Angus Waller
Operations Manager
Chris Pinkney
Manufacturing, R&D Coordinator
Doug McNeur
Company Accountant
John Cheal
Production/Sales
Gary Smith
Parts
Chris Lister
Sales Administration and Purchasing
Leanne Holdaway
Office Manager
Mark Fleming
Developer/Engineer
Bruce Lambie
Health and Safety Manager
Hanna McIntosh
Marketing
Company
Relationship
Since the early 1950s, when it began as McIntosh Brothers Engineering, the company has been building strong, reliable farm machinery right here in the Manawatu. Today, the company is part of a group that includes McIntosh Cranes and Palmy Ag. McIntosh Cranes was originally developed to support the engineering side by lifting stock crates onto trucks, but it has since grown into a vibrant, independent transport and crane operation. The McIntosh name is now a familiar sight across the region, with a fleet of cranes, Hiabs, and trucks proudly carrying the brand. Palmy Ag rounds out the group as a farm machinery dealership, delivering trusted service to customers throughout the Manawatu.
