As the next potential generation of ambitious dairy farmers, it was a great opportunity to see the assembly and manufacturing of the M²erlin. The M²erlin is designed, produced and assembled at Fullwood CS’s UK head quarters and factory in Ellesmere, Shropshire and the full line can be seen during a factory tour.

Starting at the training M²erlin, the young farmers got up close to a M²erlin in action and watched the rhythmic and effortless sequence of the M²erlin in training mode. Guiding this area of the tour was Andrew Davies, Technical Support Manager who answered any questions the YFC had along with Sion Jones, Project Co-ordinator and Alex Canlett, Technical Support Engineer. The enthusiastic group learnt about the mechanics and statistics of the M²erlin, the process and mechanism of conventional parlours and the efficiency and diversity of Fullwood CS’s range of cooling equipment. From there, the tour leaders Aled Williams, Production Manager and David Morris, H&S Manager joined the group to present the production areas of the factory to include the laser cutting and welding areas. Moving onto the staged construction line to building the M²erlin, the group were divided to give a closer insight into the M²erlin and all of the components that make it up.

It was a glimpse into just one of the manufacturing sites of the Fullwood CS Dairy Group and the building of the M²erlin. We hope it allowed this next generation to be inspired about robotic milking and the benefits it has for present and future dairy farmers.