Business Success Category: Business Success Stories

Across Timaru District, many businesses demonstrate how strong supply chains, strategic investment and access to world-class natural resources can create opportunities well beyond New Zealand’s borders. Juice Products New Zealand (JP NZ) is one example of how businesses can grow from regional roots to become globally significant exporters.

Based within the Washdyke Industrial Hub, JP NZ has grown into one of New Zealand’s largest carrot processors and a leading international supplier of premium carrot juice concentrates. Exporting to markets across Asia, North America and Australasia, the company recently celebrated processing its one millionth metric tonne of carrots, a milestone that reflects decades of investment, innovation and growth.

JP NZ’s journey also highlights one of Timaru District’s key strengths: the ability to support businesses through every stage of development, from entrepreneurial beginnings to international expansion and global investment.

Recognising the long-term potential of South Canterbury, the company’s directors made the strategic decision to relocate operations to Washdyke and invest in a purpose-built processing facility. That investment created the foundation for future growth, allowing the business to expand production, strengthen customer relationships and build a reputation in international markets.

As the company continued to grow, international investment followed. Sumitomo Corporation’s acquisition of the business reflected confidence not only in JP NZ, but also in the region’s production capability, skilled workforce and business environment. Importantly, management and sales functions were also relocated to Timaru, reinforcing the district’s role as a centre for leadership, innovation and strategic decision-making.

For investors, JP NZ demonstrates how businesses can successfully scale from Timaru District while remaining connected to the resources and relationships that underpin long-term success.

A key part of that success is the company’s collaborative approach to supply chain management. JP NZ works closely with local growers and suppliers to identify suitable carrot varieties, coordinate planting programmes and manage harvest schedules. These partnerships create certainty across the supply chain, support consistent product quality and enable the business to respond effectively to market demand.

This close collaboration between producers, processors and exporters is a characteristic shared by many successful businesses across the district. Long-term relationships, trusted partnerships and proximity between suppliers and manufacturers help create resilience, improve efficiency and support sustainable growth.

JP NZ also benefits from operating within one of New Zealand’s most concentrated food production ecosystems. The Washdyke Industrial Hub brings together manufacturers, exporters, logistics providers and specialist service companies, creating an environment where businesses can innovate, collaborate and scale with confidence. Combined with reliable transport connections and access to international markets, these advantages continue to support investment and growth across the district.

JP NZ’s evolution from a growing regional processor to a globally significant exporter demonstrates what can be achieved when strategic investment is supported by strong infrastructure, connected supply chains and access to high-quality agricultural resources.

For businesses looking to expand production, access export markets or establish a foothold in New Zealand, Timaru District offers a proven environment for growth. JP NZ is one example of how businesses can scale successfully from South Canterbury while attracting the confidence of international investors and customers around the world.

Across Timaru District, many successful businesses share common foundations: strong local ownership, deep industry knowledge, trusted supply chains and a willingness to invest for the long term. Heartland Potato Chips is one example of how these strengths come together to create sustainable growth.

Today, Heartland Potato Chips is recognised by consumers throughout New Zealand and stocked in major supermarkets nationwide. Based in Timaru District’s Washdyke Industrial Hub, the business demonstrates how local investment, integrated supply chains and generations of farming expertise can create value well beyond the farm gate.

The Heartland story began in 2009 when a major food manufacturer exited Timaru as part of a national restructuring programme. Rather than seeing the closure as a setback, the Bowan family recognised an opportunity to retain food manufacturing capability within the district. By acquiring the facility and establishing Heartland Potato Chips, they invested in Timaru’s future while creating a platform for long-term growth.

At the heart of the business is Fallgate Farm, which recently celebrated 50 years of family ownership. The Bowan family continues to work across both farming and manufacturing operations, creating a direct connection between production and processing. Potatoes grown on the family farm travel just 30 kilometres to the Washdyke factory, where they are transformed into products enjoyed by New Zealanders nationwide.

This proximity between growers, processors and markets is one of Timaru District’s strengths. Integrated supply chains support quality, traceability and resilience while reducing transport requirements and strengthening operational efficiency.

The business also reflects the value of generational knowledge and succession planning. While Raymond and Adrienne Bowan remain actively involved, the next generation now leads key areas of the operation, combining decades of farming experience with contemporary business leadership.

Spend time with the Bowan family and you’ll quickly understand a characteristic shared by many successful Timaru District businesses. There is a genuine passion for what they do, a willingness to roll up their sleeves and a long-term commitment to both their business and community. These values have helped build trusted relationships, support sustainable growth and create businesses that continue to evolve across generations.

Heartland’s growth has been supported by the wider business ecosystem that exists within Timaru District. Access to productive agricultural land, skilled employees, specialised engineering services, logistics providers and established food manufacturers creates an environment where businesses can scale with confidence.

Heartland Potato Chips has become a source of pride for the district, reflecting the capability, resilience and ambition found across our business community. For investors exploring opportunities in Timaru District, it demonstrates what is possible when local knowledge, strategic investment and connected supply chains come together in a district built for long-term growth.

Across the Timaru District, many of our most successful companies are family-owned enterprises that have adapted, diversified and grown while remaining deeply connected to the region that helped shape them.

Cosgroves stands as one of the district’s leading examples of what can be achieved through long-term vision, innovation and a commitment to building capability over time.

Established in 1935 as a plumbing business, Cosgroves has grown through four generations of family ownership to become one of New Zealand’s most recognised names in roofing, sheetmetal manufacturing and agricultural infrastructure. From its Timaru base, the company has built a reputation for quality, reliability and technical expertise, serving customers throughout the country while continuing to invest in the district where it began.

A defining feature of Cosgroves’ success has been its ability to diversify. Over the decades, the business has expanded from its original trade services into roofing, sheetmetal manufacturing, grain storage solutions and agricultural products. This strategic growth has enabled the company to build resilience, respond to changing market demands and create opportunities across multiple sectors.

Today, Cosgroves works alongside major organisations including Ravensdown, Farmlands and Sukup, supporting customers across the primary production, construction and engineering sectors. These partnerships reflect both the scale of the company’s operations and the confidence that leading national and international organisations place in its expertise.

The company’s success has been supported by the strengths of the Timaru District itself. Access to productive agricultural industries, skilled tradespeople, manufacturing expertise and efficient transport networks has enabled Cosgroves to grow while remaining firmly rooted in the Timaru District. The district’s strategic location and established infrastructure provide reliable connections to suppliers, customers and markets across New Zealand.

Importantly, Cosgroves is not an isolated success story. Across the district, generations of business owners have built enduring enterprises by combining practical expertise with a willingness to adapt and invest for the future. Knowledge is retained, skills are developed locally and businesses benefit from a collaborative environment where innovation is supported by strong industry connections.

For investors, businesses like Cosgroves provide evidence of what is possible here. Their growth demonstrates how companies can leverage local capability, sector diversity and strong supply chains to create resilient, future-focused businesses. Their longevity reflects a district where businesses can succeed, endure, and evolve and create value across generations.