Land-based Engineering Students Gain Industry Insight at Fleming Agri
May 7, 2026
Land-based Engineering students from CAFRE, Greenmount Campus recently visited Fleming Agri in Newbuildings to gain insight into agricultural machinery manufacturing, career opportunities, and the commercial challenges of operating within a competitive industry.
The visit began with a presentation from Sales Director David Meban and Sales and Marketing Coordinator Alison Duncan, who outlined the company’s history and its focus on producing simple, robust machinery guided by the motto “Simplicity is our Strength.” Students learned about Fleming Agri’s efficient batch production model and its wide product range, including link boxes, trailers, slurry tanks, and grass rollers. This was followed by a discussion on how such a diverse range of machinery is effectively managed within a single production facility.
Students learned how Fleming Agri’s business model is built around the mass production of simple, robust equipment. This approach enables the company to operate efficiently while maintaining consistent quality across its wide product range. Alison also provided the students with an insight into the marketing side of the business, explaining how social media has become a key promotional tool, enabling Fleming Agri to reach a wider, more targeted audience in a cost-effective way.
Students then toured the factory, gaining a practical view of modern manufacturing processes. They followed the full production journey from steel storage and laser cutting through to welding, painting, finishing, and final inspection. The use of advanced technology to reduce cutting time, lower costs, and improve accuracy and efficiency impressed the students.
As the tour progressed, students observed sub-assemblies moving efficiently through the factory until completion of final products such as bale lifters and bale spikes. The speed, organisation, and workflow clearly demonstrated the benefits of a well-designed manufacturing process. The visit also highlighted tight industry profit margins and the importance of logistics in controlling costs.
Throughout the visit, students actively asked questions about machinery design, production methods, and the extensive equipment range. This engagement reinforced classroom learning and provided valuable real-world insight into manufacturing, innovation, marketing, and career opportunities within Land-based Engineering, resulting in a highly beneficial educational visit.
If you are interested in studying the Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Land‑Based Engineering as your next step after GCSEs, CAFRE encourages you to visit our exhibition and speak with our staff at Balmoral Show. We would be delighted to meet you and will be available throughout the show in the Eikon Centre, area EK1, to answer any questions you may have.