Bigger size Better Performance
When Moonie farmers and contract harvesters Martin and Craig Schutt became frustrated with imported harvesting platforms that constantly under performed, they set about designing their own.
As farming practices changed with the benefits of GPS and rotation cropping, father and son, Martin and Craig, saw the need for a draper with improved ground-following ability, increased reliability and durability.
The advantages of this superior design solution quickly evolved into a thriving family run manufacturing business. Since its launch in 1998 Midwest Fabrication has become a leading manufacturing firm producing the widest range of draper fronts in the world.
Draper widths range from 25ft (7.6m) to 50ft (15.2m) - a key factor in achieving controlled traffic farming.  They are long-lasting and have the flexibility to operate on a range of combine harvesters.
The increasing demand for Midwest products is proof of their high quality. Last year alone the company produced 170 draper fronts and there are over 600 Midwest draper platforms in use throughout Australia. Interest from overseas markets is also on the rise with the company already exporting units to Canada, South Africa and Sudan.
From its Dalby-based manufacturing plant the company operates state-of-the-art machinery including robotic welders, a CNC press and lathes to facilitate the design process while a fully integrated MRP system streamlines the purchasing, manufacturing and delivery process.
The company employs up to 100 staff during peak production and its products are networked through 130 dealers Australia-wide. Dalby has proved a suitable company base with access to distribution networks and an established manufacturing sector as well as being within close proximity to the family farm.
Operating within a farming family culture, Midwest Fabrication has the flexibility to respond to customer feedback and deliver premium agricultural equipment to the Australian market. Its ability to react quickly to market trends is a major factor in keeping Midwest Fabrication on the cutting edge of draper front design worldwide.
The new and improved Midwest Crophawk series released earlier this year is a result of rigorous research and development. The new model incorporates a specially designed drive system, Midwest’s own Pickup Reel, new fore and aft lighting package and improved service accessibility.
Martin says its practical features such as these that deliver Midwest’s reputation for world class quality. 
“We listen to the end users and we continually modify the product to make it better. We conduct research and development at locations throughout Australia and this allows us to set new standards which have placed us at the forefront of our industry.”

www.midwest.net.au