The AIRR Independent - Page 17
Unwavering focus on quality
clearly Apparent to all
A party of nine comprising of AIRR executives, consultants
and members Lachy Cox (Cox Rural), Derek Abra (AMPS
Commercial), Cambell Hill (FarmStuff) and Ash Corbett
(Corbett Rural Supplies) recently attended the 12th China
International Agrochemical & Crop Protection Exhibition
(known as “CAC”). Based in Shanghai, the team relished the
opportunity to meet with agricultural chemical producers who
supply product for the APPARENT range of crop protection
chemicals.
CAC is the largest agricultural chemical trade exhibition conducted
globally and affords the opportunity for customers to meet with their suppliers
at the one location in March every year. A similar trade exhibition, known as
AgroChemEx, is conducted in Shanghai in October every year. Around 800
companies exhibited their products and services at CAC in March comprising
the majority of China’s 700 basic producers of active material as well as all
major Indian producers. The AIRR team in attendance couldn’t believe the
number of suppliers and gained full appreciation of the experience needed to
find those that are the best core manufacturer in each of the different techs.
Manufacturers of production equipment and packaging and surfactants also
exhibit their wares. After meeting Huntsman, Lachy Cox said “we can leave
here absolutely knowing Apparent ‘Glypho’ has no peer on the market.”
CAC also operates in tandem with a major Chinese fertiliser exhibition
where this year 160 companies exhibited their product ranges. Both CAC
and AgroChemEx also offer the opportunity for customers to network, and
once the exhibition is over, to visit manufacturing plants.
From there the AIRR delegation would visit the plant where Apparent
Glyphosate is manufactured. Based approximately three hours by road from
Shanghai, the group were fortunate to get a tour of the plant and to observe
the production of Apparent Glyphosate 450 in 20-L drums.
The plant was extremely impressive – all were amazed to hear with its
current Glyphosate production is at 45,000 MT of Glyphosate 98% Technical
per annum. To place this figure in context, the Australian market consumes
the equivalent of 35,000 MT of Glyphosate Technical per annum. The plant
has grand plans to more than double its current capacity over the next few
years. The team couldn’t believe the systems, the scale and unwavering
focus on quality. Ash Corbett, a huge Apparent Glyphosate customer, said
“They take such pride and have such passion in what they do – we are in
great hands”.
The manufacturer is looking at getting into other technicals in large
volumes, through further investment. The plant contains it own state of the
art water treatment and power plant – all so that they can produce the best
performing Glyphosate for their customers all around the world.
Amongst the work, there was time for play. The AIRR delegation was
privileged to visit the ancient city of Xi-an, widely regarded as the cultural
capital of China. Approximately two hours north-west of Shanghai by air, Xianis the home of the so-called “Terracotta Warriors”. The Terracotta Warriors
were conceived by the first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang (221-210 BC)
to protect his mausoleum following his death and the end of the Qin Dynasty.
The Terracotta warriors are slightly larger than “life-size” to appear more
fearsome and include various military ranks as well as horses.
Many of the Terra Cotta Warriors have not been unearthed and will not
be until technology is available to protect their colour. All of the warriors
unearthed earlier (except for a few in glass cases) have lost their colour. It is
believed that at least 6,000 warriors exist intact and that there are possibly as
many as 8,000 pieces. Xi – an is the only city in China with its 12 meter-high
and 14km long wall intact. Xi-an is also a modern city with a population of
7.7 million people and
at the centre of China’s
cotton and textile
industry.
All in all it was a
very valuable trip that
left the AIRR team and
all attending members
absolutely certain that
Apparent
products
are sourced from the
finest
manufacturers
of all key technical’s.
In fact –the biggest
& best in the world.
Farmstuff’s Cambell
Hill put it beautifully
“The companies we
deal with are all so
professional with their
main emphasis being
on quality. I can say
to my clients, with
complete confidence,
that Apparent branded
products are as good
as any of the ‘big boys’
AIRR’s Dave Schelling & Kane Law at the
and better than most
going around.”
Glyphosate plant
Shanghai sparkles at night
Enjoying the Shanghai sun (L-R): Lachy Cox, Derek Abra, Ash Corbett, Cambell Hill, Kane
Law, Craig Farrow & Dave Schelling
Derek Abra, Cambell Hill, Lachy Cox & Ash Corbett with Apparent Glyphosate 450 drums