Company: Midwest Fabrications, Dalby, Queensland
Company Description: Midwest Fabrication manufactures draper fronts designed for harvesting combines. Our draper fronts are compatible with leading brands such as John Deere, New Holland, and Case IH. Operating for 26 years, Midwest fronts are uniquely engineered to suit Australian land and conditions. We are renowned nationwide for producing the only harvest fronts designed and manufactured on Australian soil.
Nomination Category: Company / Organization Categories
Nomination Sub Category: Company of the Year - Manufacturing - Medium-size
 Nomination Title: Midwest Fabrications
- Which will you submit for your nomination in this category, a video of up to five (5) minutes in length about the achievements of the nominated organization since 1 January 2022, OR written answers to the questions for this category? (Choose one):
Written answers to the questions
- If you are submitting a video of up to five (5) minutes in length, provide the URL of the nominated video here, OR attach it to your entry via the "Add Attachments, Videos, or Links to This Entry" link above, through which you may also upload a copy of your video.
- If you are providing written answers for your submission, you must provide an answer to this first question: Briefly describe the nominated organization: its history and past performance (up to 200 words):
Total 194 words used.
Midwest Fabrication has been at the forefront of agricultural innovation for 26 years, specialising in the design and manufacture of high-performance draper fronts for harvesting combines. As the only Australian manufacturer of harvest fronts, our products are tailored to meet the unique demands of Australian terrains and are compatible with major international combine harvester brands like John Deere, New Holland, and Case IH.
We pioneered the global industry's first 60ft draper front, revolutionising farming efficiency by significantly reducing harvest times. Our equipment is distinguished by its exceptional adaptability to various crops and challenging landscapes, featuring advanced design elements that cater to uneven surfaces and diverse ground contours.
Our commitment to local production not only supports the Australian economy but also provides our clients with unparalleled access to custom solutions and prompt service, addressing many of the logistical and support challenges associated with international suppliers.
The reliability and durability of our products have earned us a respected reputation worldwide, with substantial contributions to farming efficiency acknowledged through various industry accolades. Our success is driven by our unwavering dedication to quality and our responsive approach to customer feedback, which informs our continuous product development and innovation.
- If you are providing written answers for your submission, you must provide an answer to this second question: Outline the organization's achievements since the beginning of 2022 that you wish to bring to the judges' attention (up to 250 words):
Total 224 words used.
In 2023, Midwest Fabrication celebrated 25 years of pioneering innovation in agricultural equipment manufacturing. Under the leadership of Amy Schutt, who succeeded her father, Martin Schutt, the founder, we've continued to evolve from our origins in The Gums, Queensland, where the first draper front was crafted on the family's property.
A key highlight of the past two years is the launch of our LEGACY draper platform range. This new line, which coincides with our 25th anniversary, honours Martin Schutt's enduring impact on the industry. The LEGACY platforms, compatible with the latest John Deere X9 series combines and represents a substantial advancement in our technology, offering significant efficiency improvements for the 2024/25 harvest season.
Our LEGACY range reinforces our status as global leaders in producing extra-wide, 60ft draper fronts, exclusively designed and manufactured in Australia. This local production not only supports the Australian economy but also ensures we meet the unique needs of Australian farmers with unprecedented precision and speed. This has proven to increase cutting speeds by 20% and lower operating costs with simplified electronics and design. These features substantially increase the farmer's net profit after harvest.
Our engagement with farmers directly in the field continues to be a cornerstone of our approach. The feedback from those who use our equipment has been overwhelmingly positive, with testimonials highlighting enhanced harvesting efficiency and operational reliability.
- If you are providing written answers for your submission, you must provide an answer to this third question: Explain why the achievements you have highlighted are unique or significant. If possible compare the achievements to the performance of other players in your industry and/or to the organization's past performance (up to 250 words):
Total 224 words used.
The introduction of Midwest's LEGACY model is not just an advancement; it's a significant industry milestone, reflecting our dedication to innovation and operational excellence. This model uniquely bridges a critical gap in the market, enhancing John Deere's by reducing operating costs by an unprecedented 20%. Such cost reductions are exceptional in the agricultural equipment industry, where average improvements tend to be marginal and less impactful on the farmer's bottom line.
Our continued leadership in developing the world's superior harvesting platform, the 60ft LEGACY front, also sets us apart. Its design optimizes economic efficiency, making it the most cost-effective solution available—a significant feat considering the high costs typically associated with large-scale farming operations.
2023 marked our 25th year of operations, an anniversary that not only commemorates our past achievements but also reinforces our ongoing commitment to the agricultural sector. This year was further highlighted by Amy Schutt's ascension to CEO, a notable development in an industry often dominated by male leadership. Under her guidance, Midwest has not only sustained its industry leadership but has also accelerated innovation, directly responding to farmer needs and securing numerous awards in the process.
These achievements are significant because they demonstrate our ability not only to lead but also to redefine what is possible in agricultural technology, setting new benchmarks for efficiency and effectiveness that benefit the entire farming community.
- You have the option to answer this final question: Reference any attachments of supporting materials throughout this nomination and how they provide evidence of the claims you have made in this nomination (up to 250 words):
Total 60 words used.
Find our LEGACY brochure here, https://www.midwest.net.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Brochure-Legacy-Model-FA.pdf.
You can visit our company’s homepage here, www.midwest.net.au.
https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/bYKVcnsjkMIKNr3Wf8VGAcYe88uz83_P-o9..." style="height:187px; margin-left:0px; margin-top:0px; width:280px" />
3x 60ft Durus fronts during harvest season in Australia
https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/jy6F24KXCBzesRMURxd6TnnVuX_VX8fIB7p..." style="height:185px; margin-left:0px; margin-top:0px; width:292px" />
New LEGACY model attached to John Deere X9 combine in the field.
https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/j2-GCGybGMWLOups5WgO_1FyV30KM4ygqOc..." style="height:197px; margin-left:0px; margin-top:0px; width:296px" />
Photo of Amy Schutt infront of a Durus front in the Midwest factory in Dalby, QLD, AUS
| Attachments/Videos/Links: |
|---|
|
