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In fast-moving industries like FMCG, food & beverage, manufacturing, timber, dairy, packaging, and energy, downtime isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a costly risk. Every hour of halted production can mean thousands of dollars lost, missed deadlines, and unnecessary stress on your operations. That’s why John Brooks is committed to being more than just a supplier. We’re your long-term partner in reliability, helping businesses across New Zealand keep their operations running smoothly. Why Partner with John Brooks? Downtime often happens because businesses can’t get the right equipment when they need it. Long lead times, limited availability, and high costs leave operations vulnerable. John Brooks removes these risks with our consistent availability. We have hundreds of products arriving in NZ every month. Electric Motors – durable, efficient, and ready for all industrial applications. Gearboxes – engineered for precision, performance, and adaptability. Variable Speed Drives (VSDs) – delivering control, efficiency, and reliability. Our promise is simple: Consistent Availability – a wide range of motors, gearboxes, and VSDs in stock locally. Fast Delivery – when downtime isn’t an option, we act quickly to get you moving. Competitively Priced – top-quality solutions without the inflated costs. Techtop Electric Motors – Proven Performance, Global Reputation As part of our commitment to quality, John Brooks is proud to supply Techtop electric motors, a globally recognised brand known for reliability, performance, and value. Techtop motors are designed with robust engineering and high efficiency standards, making them the ideal choice for demanding New Zealand industries. From food processing lines to heavy manufacturing, they deliver consistent performance while reducing the risk of breakdowns. By holding Techtop motors in stock locally, John Brooks ensures you have access to a trusted global brand with immediate availability, helping your business stay one step ahead of downtime. A Partnership Built on Trust For more than 60 years, John Brooks has partnered with New Zealand businesses, providing the equipment, expertise, and support they can depend on. We understand the pressure industries face to maintain uptime and productivity, and we’ve shaped our service around solving these challenges. Whether you’re running a bottling line, a food processing plant, or a heavy-duty manufacturing operation, John Brooks is the partner that keeps your systems working, day in and day out. Ready to Eliminate Downtime? When you choose John Brooks, you gain more than a supplier. You gain a strategic partner dedicated to helping your business succeed. ? Contact us today to talk about how our Techtop electric motors, gearboxes, and VSDs can give your business the edge. Email sales@johnbrooks.co.nz or call 0800 48 49 50 ..

Why NZ Food & Beverage Producers are switching to Techtop Electric Motors It's more than just the reliability and hassle-free performance. New Zealand’s food and beverage industry is built on consistency, hygiene, and efficiency, whether you're packing avocados in the Bay of Plenty, brewing beer in Nelson, or processing milk in Waikato. At the heart of it all? Electric motors are powering everything. Your lines, your mixers, your conveyors, your pumps, and your chillers. But when those #electricmotors start causing problems, production slows, product quality suffers, and your team spends more time troubleshooting than producing. Contact an expert on sales@johnbrooks.co.nz or call 0800 48 49 50 5 common issues in the Food & Beverage sector Costly Downtime - Unexpected motor failures bring your whole operation to a halt. In an export-focused economy like ours, a single delay can cause missed shipments and wasted product. Contamination Risks - Poorly sealed or open-framed motors can harbour bacteria or allow foreign particles into your food line, risking non-compliance with MPI standards or your export certifications. Inconsistent Performance - Struggling to maintain steady torque or speed can lead to overfilled packaging, poor batching, or uneven mixing. This directly impacts yield and customer satisfaction. Moisture and Washdown Environments - High-pressure washdowns and humid conditions are part of everyday life. Motors not designed for these environments quickly corrode, short out, or seize up – especially if the seals have worn out. Rising Energy Costs - Older or inefficient electric motors consume more electricity. If you’re noticing power bills creeping up despite the same output, your motors could be to blame. Signs it's time to replace your electric motor Not sure if your current motors are still pulling their weight? Here are some red flags to watch for: Frequent Breakdowns or Repairs – If you're calling in the sparky more than usual, you're likely losing more money on maintenance than a replacement would cost. Overheating – Excessive heat is a common sign of internal wear or overload. Unusual Noise or Vibration – Grinding, humming, or rattling usually means mechanical issues are developing inside. Spikes in Power Use – Motors drawing more amps than usual are typically running inefficiently or compensating for internal faults. Visible Corrosion or Water Ingress – Moisture inside the housing is a clear sign your motor isn't handling the environment. Sluggish or Inconsistent Performance – Lagging start-ups or fluctuating speed means the motor is struggling to keep up. How Techtop Motors solves these headaches Engineered for NZ conditions, Techtop electric motors are built to handle harsh, wet, and washdown-heavy environments. These motors have sealed enclosures, corrosion-resistant finishes, and robust internals designed for demanding applications. Hygienic and Easy to Clean - With smooth surfaces, stainless steel options, and totally enclosed designs, Techtop motors make it easier to meet NZ food safety and export standards. Reliable, Consistent Performance - From mixing to bottling, Techtop motors deliver steady torque and speed — reducing rework, product variation, and bottlenecking. Longer Life. Less Downtime - With high-spec bearings, superior insulation, and quality components, Techtop motors are built to last. Fewer failures and less time standing around waiting for repairs. Partner with John Brooks — Local Experts in Motion John Brooks has been helping the New Zealand Food and Beverage Sector stay up and running for over 60 years. Our team understand your industry, your compliance requirements, and how costly the wrong motor can be. Talk to us today about switching to Techtop motors — we’ll help you find the right solution to keep your production line running smoothly, safely, and efficiently. Contact us at sales@johnbrooks.co.nz or call 0800 49 49 50. ..

Techtop Electric Motors: Tackling Farming Challenges Head-on. Like boosting productivity and cutting downtime. The farming and agriculture industry depends heavily on reliable machinery to keep operations running smoothly. From irrigation systems and grain elevators to feed mixers and conveyor belts. At the heart of many of these machines lie electric motors, the critical components powering daily workflows. However, poor-quality or ill-suited electric motors often lead to costly downtime, frequent repairs, and productivity bottlenecks that directly impact farmers’ bottom lines. Common Electric Motor Challenges in Farming Harsh operating conditions - Farming environments are tough. Motors often face extreme dust, dirt, moisture, and temperature fluctuations. Low-quality motors can quickly deteriorate, leading to unexpected failures at the most inopportune times, such as during harvest season. Frequent downtime and maintenance - Farmers can’t afford long pauses in their production. Motors that lack durability or efficiency demand constant maintenance and repairs, causing delays and increased labour costs. Inefficiency - Old or poorly designed motors consume excessive energy, driving up operational costs. Energy wastage adds up over large farms running multiple machines around the clock. Inconsistent performance - Motors that fail to deliver consistent torque and speed can lead to uneven processing - such as improper feed mixing or grain handling - compromising quality and yield. How Techtop Motors Transforms Agricultural Operations Built Tough for Agriculture Techtop electric motors are engineered with robust materials and superior sealing to withstand dust, moisture, and temperature extremes typical in farming. This resilience reduces unexpected breakdowns and extends motor life. Maximised uptime through reliability - With premium components and precise manufacturing, Techtop motors provide dependable performance day in, day out. This reliability translates into fewer service calls, less maintenance, and more time focused on farming rather than fixing equipment. Energy savings that add up - High-efficiency designs mean Techtop motors use less electricity for the same output, lowering energy bills and reducing environmental impact—a win-win for sustainable farming practices. Smooth, consistent operation - Advanced motor controls ensure consistent torque and speed, improving the performance of irrigation pumps, conveyors, feed mixers, and other critical equipment. This consistency boosts crop quality and operational efficiency. Choose Quality to Harvest More  In the fast-paced world of agriculture, every minute counts. Using inferior electric motors can cause costly headaches, disrupt workflows, and reduce profitability. Techtop electric motors stand out as a trusted solution, combining durability, efficiency, and performance designed specifically for farming needs. If your farm machinery is underperforming or causing frequent downtime, it’s time to talk to one of John Brooks’ experts about Techtop motors. Upgrade your equipment today to enjoy greater productivity, less hassle, and a stronger harvest tomorrow. Contact sales@johnbrooks.co.nz or call 0800 48 49 50 to connect with one of our reps. ..

Transcript: In this video, we are discussing a device that connects two shafts, commonly known as a shaft coupling. Couplings come in many distinctive designs and here at John Brooks, we focus on offerings from industry-leading brands. Types of Couplings The types of couplings offered include flexible jaw, barrelled sleeve, anti-backlash, rubber tyre, grid, and compression Explore couplings stocked by John Brooks by following this link. Flexible jaw couplings, such as the Poggi GH couplings, are one of the more popular options and consist of two interlocking hubs and a polyurethane spider insert. These are particularly effective for use with AC Induction and DC motors due to their high shock absorption and ability to handle shaft misalignments along with higher speeds. Flexible jaw couplings are low maintenance with no requirement for lubrication. Different hardness levels of the plastic inserts are available. Barrelled sleeve couplings such as the Poggi GDR couplings are made up of two toothed hubs and an external nylon sleeve that encapsulates the coupling. Applications that require electrical insulation and ease of removal are required. Like flexible jaw couplings, these couplings are low maintenance Anti-backlash couplings are single piece couplings that unlike many other types of couplings are designed to minimise any angular movement or misalignment as opposed to compensating for them. The Oriental Motors MC couplings are excellent units that are perfectly suited to applications such as connecting Rubber tyre type couplings such as the Dodge Raptor, are comprised of a large natural rubber insert housed between two hubs. These types of coupling are particularly suited to applications where misalignments of the shafts are considerable and/or there are high shock loads and vibrations that need to be mitigated. Grid style couplings such as the Bibby G Flex couplings are all metal couplings that excel at protecting against shock loads and vibration. They are comprised of two hubs, a metal grid spring and external housing. Grid couplings can handle high torque loads as well as various shaft misalignments. Periodic lubrication of these units is required. Compression style couplings such as the Atra-Flex M1 coupling provide a stable connection while also providing a safety control aspect where the plastic insert will shear in the case of a lockup and release the driven shaft to prevent damage. A replacement insert can then be reinstalled easily without the need for any tools or removal of the hubs. How to select a coupling? When selecting an appropriate coupling for your application it is important to consider the following factors: Diameter of the driven and driver shaft Required torque transmission Amount of shaft misalignment Position accuracy required Maximum speed Mounting restrictions Ease of assembly/disassembly John Brooks has a wide range of expertise spread across 3 branches in Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch to help assist in selecting, modifying, and delivering solutions you can trust. If you are not sure which coupling you should select for your project, contact your local branch, and a John Brooks representative will be in contact to discuss your needs and requirements. ​ ..

John Brooks - The Grower The story begins in the early 1930s in New Zealand with a young boy with an entrepreneurial mindset picking fruit and veg and riding his bike around the neighbourhood selling them. Tomatoes, potatoes, apricots, plums. Picked packaged and Delivered. ​John Brooks - The Engineer Fast forward 20 years, the young boy is now a man, an engineer in the Merchant Navy. Even there he was finding ways to make more money. He started A Bob A Nob, giving his team haircuts before they got back to shore. His ability to identify a need and add value was a talent. After the Merchant Navy, John worked for an engineering business which gave him a real taste of how things should not be done. John Brooks - The Restaurateur He quickly moved on to his next venture, he opened his first proper business - a fish and chip restaurant in 1954. With the combination of experiences learnt he decided to put everything on the table and risk it all for something he believed would change his life. He mortgaged everything - including the knives and forks - bought a van, an A30 Austin to be precise, and John Brooks Ltd was born. John Brooks - The Company He started by taking orders and selling products with prompt delivery. He understood the demand and valued efficiency, no matter what the customer would always get their product as quickly as possible. ​After years of building his reputation, John Brooks got an office space in a crushing plant and started employing designers and Sales Reps. He saw an opportunity to use the products at hand to provide better custom solutions for his customers and with that he expanded the John Brooks offering. John Brooks the Legacy Brand Now, John Brooks is in 3 locations and services Nationwide providing custom industrial automation solutions to a wide range of industries (inc. distribution, agriculture, winemaking, manufacturing), John’s ethos of work hard, provide the best service and always help your customers has been handed down through 3 generations and today John Brooks is the leading name in the Industrial Automation space. ..

Announcing 24 hours from order to dispatch to provide engineers and industries with access to custom-built, on-demand VARVEL BEVEL HELICAL GEARBOXES. In the dynamic world of industrial automation, where timing, precision and efficiency are paramount, John Brooks stands at the forefront of problem-solving for the whole country.  Last month we were thrilled to announce the launch of our Gearbox Build Centre, a pioneering initiative that is set to redefine the landscape of industrial operations across New Zealand. This centre is designed to provide engineers and industries unprecedented access to custom-built, on-demand VARVEL BEVEL HELICAL GEARBOXES, with unparalleled dispatch advantage within 24 hours from order placement. The Industry Challenge: Time and Reliability For engineers and industrial operations, the quest for timely solutions is unending. Traditional procurement of gearboxes, riddled with prolonged lead times of shipping to NZ and logistical complexities, often poses a daunting challenge.  Downtime, a bane of industrial operations, results in significant revenue losses, and the struggle to find a suitable replacement gearbox compounds these challenges. Moreover, the aspiration for enhancing productivity through upgrades or augmenting existing operations with new gearboxes has often been hindered by availability issues. Enter the VARVEL Gearbox Build Centre: A Paradigm Shift The introduction of the Gearbox Build Centre stands as a testament to John Brooks Limited's commitment to transforming industrial automation engineering in New Zealand. With our dedicated centre, engineers and industries can now enjoy the liberty of custom-built VARVEL BEVEL HELICAL gearboxes designed to their unique specifications.  The hallmark of this innovative approach is the NZ-only ability to dispatch a newly assembled gearbox within an astonishing 24 hours from order placement – a breakthrough that resonates with industries seeking rapid solutions.  Why You Need a New Custom-Built Gearbox: Scheduled Maintenance: The Gearbox Build Centre enables seamless scheduled maintenance by offering tailor-made replacements precisely when they are needed. This minimises operational interruptions, allowing industries to optimise their maintenance schedules. Immediate Breakdown Replacement: In the face of unexpected gearbox failures, downtime can be crippling. Our on-demand solutions guarantee a swift replacement, thereby reducing revenue losses and ensuring uninterrupted operations. Future-Proofing with Spare Gearboxes: Industries can now proactively safeguard their operations by stocking custom-built spare gearboxes. This foresight prevents downtime and production losses, even in the face of unforeseen failures. OEM Integration: Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) can now seamlessly integrate VARVEL BEVEL HELICAL gearboxes into their products, enhancing their reliability and functionality.​ Operational Upgrades: The Gearbox Build Centre is the gateway to enhancing existing operations by seamlessly adding VARVEL gearboxes to motors. This paves the way for increased efficiency, productivity, and energy savings. The VARVEL Advantage: Unrivaled Quality and Performance 1. European Quality: The VARVEL brand is synonymous with European excellence. The Gearbox Build Centre exclusively uses high-quality European parts, ensuring longevity and precision in every custom-built gearbox. 2. Smart Design: VARVEL gearboxes are ingeniously designed to be versatile substitutes for numerous other brands, eliminating compatibility worries and providing seamless integration. 3. Enhanced Torque: VARVEL gearboxes are engineered for higher torque, offering energy-efficient solutions that translate to substantial cost savings. Key Benefits of Our 24-Hour From Order to Dispatch Minimal Downtime: The ability to receive a fully assembled VARVEL BEVEL HELICAL gearbox within 24 hours is a game-changer. It eliminates the frustrating and costly wait times associated with traditional suppliers. Unmatched Variety: John Brooks understands that every industrial application is unique. That's why our assembly line is equipped to handle a wide range of gearbox types and specifications. Whether you need a replacement, a spare, or a gearbox for a new development, we've got you covered. Expertise and Precision: Our team of skilled engineers meticulously assembles each gearbox, adhering to the highest industry standards for quality and precision. You can trust that the product you receive will meet your exacting requirements. Reduced Losses: By offering quick access to essential components, we help our clients reduce downtime and minimise the financial losses associated with operational interruptions. How It Works Placing an order with John Brooks for a VARVEL BEVEL HELICAL gearbox is a seamless process: 1. Contact Us: Reach out to our knowledgeable sales team via phone, email, or our website. Provide your specifications and requirements. 2. Fast Quote: Our team will swiftly provide you with a competitive quote for your gearbox. 3. 24-Hour Assembly: Upon your confirmation, our skilled engineers will commence the assembly process, ensuring your gearbox is ready within 24 hours. 4. Dispatch: Your fully assembled VARVEL BEVEL HELICAL gearbox will be dispatched promptly to your location, minimising downtime and operational disruption. A Commitment to Excellence At John Brooks, we don't just deliver gearboxes; we deliver solutions. Our 24-hour assembly line for VARVEL BEVEL HELICAL gearboxes is a testament to our commitment to serving the evolving needs of the New Zealand industrial automation sector. We believe that quick and reliable access to essential components is not just a convenience; it's a necessity for your success. A Future of Innovation Awaits The launch of the VARVEL Gearbox Build Centre represents a new dawn for industrial automation in New Zealand. John Brooks Limited is poised to redefine the way industries approach gearbox procurement, maintenance, and upgrades. With our dedication to offering custom-built solutions and rapid dispatch, we empower engineers to overcome challenges swiftly, seize opportunities promptly, and drive their operations to unprecedented heights. As we embrace a future marked by efficiency, reliability, and progress, John Brooks Limited stands resolute in its mission to propel industries forward with cutting-edge solutions. The Gearbox Build Centre is a testament to our unwavering commitment to delivering excellence, on time and every time. We invite engineers and industries to partner with us in this transformative journey, where innovation meets reliability, and industrial aspirations turn into reality. Join Us in Redefining the Future of Industrial Automation We invite engineers, plant managers, and industry professionals across New Zealand to experience the revolution of our 24-hour VARVEL BEVEL HELICAL gearbox assembly line. Contact us today to discuss your specific requirements and discover how John Brooks team located in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch can help you achieve unparalleled operational efficiency and cost savings. Don't let downtime hold you back. Choose John Brooks Limited and experience the future of industrial automation today with 24-hours ready once the order is placed.Our experienced engineers will help you to calculate the parameters of a gearbox you need, so that you get the right one assembled for you within 24 hours. For inquiries and orders, please contact us today. ​You can request assembly of any of gearboxes below - simply click through and enquire from the page and enjoy prompt assembly and delivery. Gearbox Varvel Bevel Helical Right Angle RO Gearbox Varvel Bevel Helical Right Angle RV Gearbox Varvel Parallel Shaft RN Gearbox Varvel Helical Inline RD   ..

A build center dedicated to the assembly of Varvel Helical and Bevel Helical Gearboxes. This new facility marks a significant milestone in providing enhanced support to your company's productivity if a new or replacement gearbox is required in the shortest lead time. Check out our video showing how we can assemble a Helical Gearbox and process an order within 24 hours by clicking on the picture below: The Build Centre, strategically located in Auckland, is fully equipped with a purpose-built assembly area, and staffed by a team of trained technicians with experience in gearbox assembly. This facility is designed to cater to the growing demand for  Varvel Helical and Bevel Helical Gearboxes. known for their exceptional performance, durability, and precision engineering. Enquire about the assembly of the gearbox you need below or reach out to our team to get advice: Gearbox Varvel Bevel Helical Right Angle RO Gearbox Varvel Bevel Helical Right Angle RV Gearbox Varvel Parallel Shaft RN Gearbox Varvel Helical Inline RD Stock housing sizes available in component form ready to build ratios from 2:1 to 630:1 and torques to 4000Nm, and input assembly flanges to suit IEC, Nema or Special Servo design. One of the standout features of the Build Centre is its commitment to rapid response and uninterrupted service. John Brooks is proud to offer a fast 24-hour despatch service ex Auckland from the time of order placement. This offering ensures that industries can maintain seamless operations without lengthy downtimes, boosting productivity and minimising disruptions. "John Brooks Auckland's Build Centre is a testament to our dedication to providing custom build to order solutions and unmatched customer service," said Karl Brooks Managing Director at John Brooks. "With our specialised expertise in assembling Varvel Helical and Bevel Helical Gearboxes, combined with our extensive stock of Electric motors and variable speed drives, we are able to offer any speed or torque requirement that will provide a local solution to our valued clients. This build center extends our existing build to order facilities for Cycloidal Gearboxes and Pump control systems" The opening of the Build Centre aligns with John Brooks ongoing commitment to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction. The company remains devoted to supporting industries across diverse sectors, including manufacturing, agriculture, food and beverage processing with the most reliable and efficient power transmission solutions available. The Build Centre's launch also emphasises John Brooks partnership with Techtop Australia Varvel's distributor for Australia and New Zealand. Varvel is a renowned manufacturer of high-quality gearboxes. This collaboration aims to combine Varvel's expertise in gearbox technology with John Brooks dedication to customer satisfaction, offering a comprehensive range of gear solutions that cater to various industries and applications. For more information about John Brooks new Build Centre, please contact your nearest branch. ..

Alfa Laval is a market leader to assist in your sanitary flow control needs. It is our great pleasure to inform you that John Brooks Ltd signed an agreement with Alfa Laval NZ to represent and distribute Alfa Laval equipment, such as butterfly valves, centrifugal pumps, heat exchangers, tank cleaning heads and many flow control products from their range.  We will be able to provide a local Sales Engineer to your business to help supply your ALFA LAVAL needs. From May 1st 2017, all orders and projects will be handled by John Brooks Ltd. John Brooks Ltd will start to stock spares, new equipment for your industry and to be able to answer and service your installation with the minimum lead time. We expect that this partnership will provide you an outstanding response coupling high-quality product with excellent service to provided solutions that respond to your true needs.     ..

View Sawyer Robot tending machines at FoodTech exhibition held in New Zealand.  John Brooks partnered with Codemark at New Zealand's Food Tech PackTech expo held in Auckland showgrounds. The Sawyer Collaborative Robot worked continuously through out the three days without taking a break by showcasing Code Marks Labelling machine and Laser Barcode machine. The precision of the Saywer robot to 0.1mm accuracy allowed the labels to be placed over the top of each other each and every time.  This demonstration was 'taught' to Sawyer in under 20min by moving the collaborative robot's arm through the series of steps. Sawyer robot requires no safety cages, the ease of setting up collaborative robots at your workplace is now more then ever easier. Remove the mundane and repetitive tasks with the Sawyer Robot. Contact John Brooks so we can talk to you about your requirements, we can set up a Proof of concept of the tasks you require to be automated and see if Sawyer is right for your business.    ..

We are excited to relaunch our website for our 50 year company anniversary.  Now you are able to comfortably view our website on all manner of devices including smartphones, tablets and desktops. Check out our new Service section and our Automation and Motion Control projects team, as well as how John Brooks as contributed to NZ industries. ..