DTS, New Zealand’s only nationwide stainless‑steel engineering and refrigeration provider, has announced the sale of its refrigeration division to Terravest, bringing together leading dairy‑sector capabilities under one future‑focused ownership structure.
The divestment includes the full refrigeration operation, all staff, and all existing customer agreements.
The decision forms part of a broader strategic alignment across the Terravest group to deliver a comprehensive, integrated on‑farm offering that supports milk quality, efficiency, and transparency, from the moment milk leaves the cow to the moment it leaves the farm.
Terravest was founded by Managing Director Kip Bodle, who brings more than 20 years of experience in the New Zealand dairy industry. The group’s portfolio also includes Deosan, a leader in dairy hygiene, and Agora, a telemetry and data platform.
Together with DTS Refrigeration, these businesses create a fully connected on‑farm ecosystem designed to protect, enhance, and verify milk quality from the dairy shed onwards.
Kip Bodle said the integration of Deosan, DTS Refrigeration, and Agora represents a major milestone for the sector.
“By combining Deosan’s dairy hygiene expertise, DTS’s nationwide refrigeration capability, and Agora’s digital telemetry and data platforms, we are creating an integrated on‑farm offering that protects, enhances, and verifies milk quality before it leaves the dairy shed.”
Luke Walker, General Manager of the newly formed DTS Refrigeration, says the acquisition is fantastic news for New Zealand's dairy industry.
“This is a transformational moment for the refrigeration business. Terravest brings the scale, focus, and ambition needed to take this team into its next chapter," he said.
"They understand the dairy sector, they understand the importance of refrigeration on farm, and they are deeply committed to investing in the capability needed for the future. We’ll be setting a new benchmark for milk quality, farm performance and reliability.”
Gavin Thwaites, CEO of DTS Engineering, added that the divestment also represented a significant opportunity for the stainless‑steel engineering division.
“The engineering business has grown significantly in recent years, and this change allows each division the depth and resources to grow. Each customer group will benefit from even greater sector‑specific innovation, support, and long‑term value.”
Walker confirmed that refrigeration customers will experience continuity throughout the transition.
“Our technicians, customer experience team, and service processes remain in place. Customers can expect the same reliable support. What changes is the scale of opportunity, for our people, our customers, and the wider industry.”
The transition to Terravest ownership will be completed in March 2026.
More dairy news here
