Milk collection on the rugged West Coast of New Zealand is no small feat.  

Every day, our tankers set out on long-haul routes, navigating remote landscapes and unpredictable weather to ensure fresh milk reaches Westland’s processing sites on time. Some round trips can take up to 14 hours, the drivers often facing tough road conditions navigating state highways, gravel roads and farm tracks.  

Each of the 28 trucks in our tanker fleet is on the road 24 hours a day/seven days a week, collecting milk from our around 400 suppliers from Karamea in the north to south of Fox Glacier and east to supplier farms in Canterbury as far south as Glenavy. 

The trucks travel around 210,000 kilometres a year, carrying loads ranging from 29,000 litres of milk up to 39,000 litres for the bigger units. 

Behind the scenes, a complex logistical system is at work to keep operations running smoothly and ensure customers receive a reliable supply of high-quality dairy ingredients. To meet growing demand and adjust to evolving farm practices, Westland is making key investments in its milk collection network. Traditionally we’ve replaced our trucks every five years to ensure driver and public safety and efficiency,  

Three larger tankers are on their way to improve efficiency, alongside an upgrade to the scheduling system at the Hokitika processing site. These changes will help streamline collection times and allow us to adapt better to the shifting milking schedules on farms, which now range from traditional twice-a-day milking to milking once-a-day and at 16-hour intervals. 

Communication is critical in milk collection, as both farmers and processors navigate seasonal fluctuations, production shifts, and unexpected disruptions. The ability to quickly adjust to changes - such as colostrum and A2 collection requirements - ensures Westland can maintain a steady and consistent supply of fresh milk for processing its high-quality products. 

Every step in the collection process plays a role in delivering dairy ingredients of the highest quality. Efficient scheduling means shorter transport times, preserving milk freshness from farm to factory. Investing in logistics and infrastructure ensures supply chain reliability, giving customers confidence that their dairy supply will remain steady, even as industry demands evolve. 

With a focus on efficiency, quality, and adaptability, Westland is committed to refining its milk collection processes to meet the needs of both its farmers and customers. As these improvements take shape, the goal remains the same, keeping the supply chain moving and delivering the best of New Zealand dairy to the world.