The History of Gallagher Gates

When it comes to reliable – and fit for purpose – solutions, Gallagher understands these are key aspects to making farm life easier and more profitable.

Along with providing technological solutions, Gallagher has a proud history of researching, designing and manufacturing gates and gate hardware to standards New Zealanders can be proud of which this month has been cemented by a new five-year warranty.

For Gallagher’s Gate & Gate Hardware Manager Ian Richards, thinking about, refining and maintaining processes to continually set benchmarks for excellence has been top of mind since his grandfather – John Richards Senior – started what was called Franklin Machinery Exchange in the South Auckland suburb of Pukekohe in 1941.

“My grandfather’s business started in the second-hand machinery space and began to diversity into the manufacturing of farming related products such as pig troughs and cow shed bales during the 1950s,” Ian explains.  “At the time our family owned a farm so product development was carried out there in a practical real-life setting.

“Recognising a market need for quality metal products, by 1960 the business further diversified into developing frame gates and gate hardware,” he adds.

Having taken on that commitment to developing quality metal products, Ian explains that was met with the need for investment into people and machinery to deliver on those customer expectations.

“When we’re designing gates and gate hardware that are produced in Pukekohe, we think a lot about New Zealand’s farming landscape.  There’s a lot to consider – think our coastal communities, areas prone to corrosion – not to mention the Kiwi DIY way which is taking on the installation of gates ourselves,” Ian explains. “With that meant we’ve always had a strong desire to have control over the complete manufacturing process – that led to the installation of a zinc electro-plating plant, and later a hot dip galvanising plant so that our output could consistently deliver what was needed.”

Continuous improvement, fresh thinking, and innovative undercurrent saw Gallagher purchase the company in 1994.

“The shift to Gallagher led to a number of benefits.  It meant we could leverage the skills of a network of manufacturing and rural specialists.  Being part of an international brand comes with some truly useful benefits for customers too – and that’s who we’re dedicated to,” says Ian.

Among those customer benefits include a team of farm and lifestyle specialists located throughout New Zealand who are on hand to provide support and advice on not only gates and gate hardware – but also the full range of Gallagher products – and best practice farming advice too.

Today, Gallagher’s range of gates – which also consists of Greyson Gates and Franklin Gates - includes a full line-up of nine gate models to suit a wide range of farming situations.  Ian explains for every one of those models produced, he and the team are committed to delivering products that meet the needs of New Zealand’s rural community.

“Ever since the start, we considered - and continue to consider – design to be critical in the success of our products and a number of our designs have come directly through working with farmers.  All of our equipment is made and maintained by our in-house engineers who uphold a high level of control on quality so that we’re producing gates and gate hardware that is not only made to last, but represents value for money due to their design and the quality of materials used in manufacture,” Ian adds.

“We’ve come a long way in our manufacturing processes.  Gate frames need to stand the test of time so the hollow structures are punched for venting and are submerged in a bath of molten zinc at a temperature of 460 degrees Celsius.”

This method of hot dip galvanising is considered the best form of corrosion protection.

“The process itself means the product is galvanised on the internal surfaces of the pipe, as well as the outside.  This protective coating provides excellent corrosion resistance for exposure in the toughest conditions,” Ian explains.

And that’s not the only way the Gallagher team ensure world-leading quality.

“All outputs are checked for accuracy against drawings and testing jigs.  That’s something we’ve done for the last 60 years, and look forward to doing for the next 60 years – all to ensure we’re delivering for our customers,” Ian concludes.

View the range at here.  Gallagher, Franklin, and Greyson gates can be found at rural stockists throughout New Zealand and now include a market-leading five-year warranty.