UPDATE: A south-west Australian business is making waves on the global market by shipping eight WMI bale feeders to Chile, marking a significant international export deal that puts Warrnambool on the map. The shipment, currently en route, follows the success of seven previously exported machines, highlighting a growing demand in South America.
Owner Jason Willie of Carroll’s Manufacturing Industries expressed his pride in this monumental achievement. “It’s probably a product that doesn’t really go outside of Australia normally… I can’t even think of any other manufacturers in Australia that would be sending feeders overseas,” he stated. This shipment not only underscores the company’s innovation but also sparks excitement among local farmers who recognize the global reach of their homegrown product.
The logistics of shipping these advanced machines to Chile posed unique challenges. “We’d never put [this many machines] in a container before,” Willie explained. To ensure a successful shipment, the team adapted their approach by standing the machines upright, enabling them to fit within the container’s dimensions. This innovative strategy demonstrates the company’s commitment to making their products accessible on a global scale.
Since taking over the business in 2009, Willie has transformed Carroll’s Manufacturing into a cornerstone of the south-west agricultural industry, with an estimated 600 to 800 machines operating across the region. The arrival of this new shipment is expected to take approximately three months to reach its destination in Chile.
In addition to this international success, Willie is actively involved in the upcoming Koroit Field Days and Agricultural Show scheduled for February 20-21, 2026. This event, which aims to strengthen the agricultural community in south-west Victoria, will showcase Willie’s products alongside a new partnership with The Midfield Group and Union Dairy Company. This collaboration represents a significant boost for the event, enhancing the offerings available to local farmers.
Committee secretary Julie Houlihan emphasized the importance of this partnership, stating, “The Midfield Group and Union Dairy Company are integral to the economic and agricultural fabric of our region.” The partnership is set to feature expanded dairy and livestock displays, expert presentations, and new opportunities for farmers to engage directly with industry specialists.
As this story unfolds, the south-west business community watches closely, eager to see how this international venture will shape the future of local agriculture. With the shipment to Chile and the upcoming agricultural show, the momentum is building, and the excitement is palpable.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story, as Warrnambool continues to shine on the global stage.
