With energy costs continuing to make up a large part of any farm business’s overheads, being able to monitor and use it efficiently is increasingly important.

Achieving that goal goes beyond simply buying the right kind of low-energy equipment but relies on sophisticated monitoring and control systems that are designed to optimise operations and reduce costs and depend on the kind of expertise Staxson Mechanical and Electrical Services excels in providing.

Founded in 2018 by director Steve Ingram, the Sittingbourne-based company has rapidly built a reputation for delivering high-quality mechanical and electrical solutions across residential, commercial, industrial, healthcare and, more recently, agricultural sectors, with projects ranging from hospitals to large-scale farming operations.

Staxson is increasingly collaborating with agricultural clients, including top fruit growers and arable farmers, to deliver bespoke solutions that improve efficiency and sustainability.

A major player in this expansion is James Tumber, who joined the team in 2023. His expertise has enabled the company to address the unique challenges of modern farming, providing innovative solutions tailored to the needs of growers and farmers across the region.

When it comes to electrical, mechanical, refrigeration and controlled atmosphere technologies, few people are as well known or as experienced as James, who served his apprenticeship with J T Herbert between 1990 and 1995 and has since worked in a variety of roles in the industry.

His arrival at Staxson has turbocharged the company’s agricultural offering and given farmers the opportunity to improve their efficiency, cut their costs and boost their bottom line.

James has recently installed a comprehensive remote energy monitoring system for fruit grower Tom Hulme, of ACH Farming Ltd. It means the grower now has daily reports on energy usage based on a custom software package written by Staxson and which are helping to give him impressive cost savings, showcasing the tangible benefits of tailored energy management solutions.

“Running controlled atmosphere stores takes a lot of energy and it is crucial to be able to use that energy efficiently,” James explained. “To achieve efficiency, you need to understand your energy usage and adapt to changing demands. This requires a sophisticated control system that delivers regular updates and allows for remote access. That’s exactly what we’ve developed for ACH Farming”.

“During the summer the integrated control system was running so efficiently that Tom was able to export surplus electricity from his solar PV panels to the grid, while still operating his cold stores during what is typically the most energy demanding period of the year.”

Staxson also maintains the electrical systems for ACH Farming at 19 controlled atmosphere stores at Hoaden Court Farm, Ash, facilities originally installed by James during his tenure at J D Cooling Ltd.

Solar PV-based systems are meanwhile unlocking new possibilities for farms operating entirely off-grid, providing cost-effective and sustainable solutions.

“We have been asked to design a solar installation that will power all the necessary equipment in a grain store literally ‘in the middle of nowhere’,” James explained. “Our scheme, using low-energy LED lights and highly efficient fans, can all be powered by solar panels and would cost roughly half the capital outlay needed to install mains power on the site, let alone the ongoing cost of the energy.”

In addition, Staxson is preparing to carry out the electrical fit-out for a wine store in Kent. “This project is particularly exciting,” James said, “as it will operate entirely on solar PV panels and battery storage, showcasing the potential for renewable energy to power even the most isolated operations.”

Steve Ingram brought years of experience from a large mechanical and electrical contracting firm when he decided to establish his own business in 2018. He soon picked up a number of contracts, including a direct contract with the NHS to conduct electrical testing at Medway Maritime Hospital.

When Covid-19 impacted operations, the hospital approached Steve for additional maintenance support. Recognising the opportunity to assist, he promptly provided the required workforce, establishing a strong partnership with the hospital that has continued to thrive.

Since then, Staxson has undertaken a wide range of projects at the hospital, including infrastructure upgrades, electrical maintenance and installing new equipment, all aimed at keeping essential systems running smoothly.

“We responded quickly to the needs of the hospital management during a challenging period and have since built on that foundation by demonstrating a flexible, customer-focused response to their ongoing requirements,” Steve explained. “That’s also the kind of long-term relationship we are developing with farmers across the South East as we expand our offer.”

Staxson’s success is rooted in its skilled team, many of whom have progressed within the company since its inception. Day-to-day operations for large-scale contracts are managed by experienced supervisors, supported by a knowledgeable management team that ensures high standards of quality and service are maintained across all projects.

As the company continues to grow, it remains focused on building strong relationships with its clients, particularly in the agricultural sector. Recent contracts include ongoing maintenance of controlled atmosphere systems and new installations for ripening rooms, offering farmers integrated solutions to manage costs and improve profitability.

“Our collective experience in the industry has enabled us to hand-pick the team we can trust and rely on to deliver the high-quality workmanship our clients expect,” said Steve. “With skilled supervisors leading a talented workforce, we have complete confidence in the quality of every project we undertake.”

After learning the ropes with J T Herbert, James spent six years working with the well-respected John Haffenden at Marden-based Farm Refrigeration, where, among other things, he gained experience of the then up-and-coming controlled atmosphere technology.

After a break from the industry, he gained more valuable hands-on experience as head of maintenance for top fruit grower Gaskains Ltd and then as a service manager with ripening rooms specialists MTX. He then set up his own company, Tudor Multi Services, which later amalgamated with JD Cooling.

With such a wealth of experience and knowledge of the agricultural industry at his fingertips, James was an obvious choice when Steve was looking for someone to help Staxson’s continued growth and its diversification into providing integrated solutions for farm businesses.

Staxson oversees mechanical and electrical services for several ripening rooms previously managed by James, and supports operations for The Avocado Company in Paddock Wood.

The company has also recently secured a contract to deliver the full installation of six state-of-the-art Softripe ripening rooms at an undisclosed location. This cutting-edge system uses the latest AI technology to optimise the ripening process, reducing waste and improving efficiency, further solidifying Staxson’s position as a leader in the fresh produce sector.

James is particularly excited about helping farmers reduce costs and improve profit margins through integrated systems that can be remotely monitored and controlled.

“With advanced technology, farmers can better understand and manage their energy usage,” he explained. “Cooling and storing fruit or drying grain are just two examples where our systems can make a significant difference.

“At ACH Farming we are able to provide a daily report on energy use that can show detailed information on all the equipment in use, right down to an individual CO2 scrubber. Once you can monitor it, you can make sure your cost base is as low as possible and make any necessary changes.”

Staxson offers a comprehensive range of services including design, installation, servicing and maintenance of mechanical and electrical systems for all kinds of end-users, delivering customised solutions to meet diverse needs.

“We can handle everything from control systems and grain store ventilation to refrigeration, controlled atmosphere technology and packhouse machinery,” said James. “Once installed, we ensure these systems operate efficiently, delivering the best possible results at the lowest cost.

“Through our expertise and dedication, we continue to help agricultural businesses across the region achieve their goals with innovative, cost-effective and sustainable solutions.”

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