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Pearson Milking Technology celebrates 75 years of innovation

Pearson Milking Technology marks a milestone this year as it celebrates 75 years since the company was founded and started selling bucket units and pipeline machines. Here, we look at the history and evolution of the company that has been pioneering dairy-farm milking equipment and technology since 1948

The company’s origin story is a testament to the power of vision and determination.

Florence, driven by her entrepreneurial spirit and Eric, a visionary engineer joined forces in 1948 to establish Pearson Milking Technology. Their collaborative goal was to revolutionise milking practices, setting the stage for what would become an industry-changing legacy.
Eric’s forward-thinking mindset emerged as a pivotal moment in the late 1940s. While working for another milking equipment manufacturer, he conceived the concept for the master pulsator. Although met with skepticism at the time, Eric’s belief in the potential of his innovation spurred him to travel to England with his groundbreaking idea.

Pearson Milking Technology stand at a 1980s National Ploughing Championships.

Undeterred

While many dismissed his vision as premature, Eric’s determination to prove them wrong was unwavering. Upon returning to Ireland, he was undeterred by rejection and chose to forge his own path, thus laying the foundation for Pearson Milking Technology.
The company initially focused on supplying bucket-milking plants to Irish dairy farmers. As dairy herds expanded, Pearson Milking Technology unveiled Ireland’s first herringbone parlours with master pulsation – a significant advancement that reshaped milking techniques and efficiency in the country.
“With an impressive legacy spanning 75 years and an enduring passion for progress, we embark on the future with a resolute determination to influence the dairy industry for generations to come,” says Lloyd Pearson, co-managing director of Pearson Milking Technology.

Dedicated to tech

Known for manufacturing superior milking machines and dairy equipment, Pearson Milking Technology says it remains dedicated to integrating technology into their offerings, recognising it as the linchpin for future advancements. This dedication has seen Pearson’s products purchased by dairy farms across the globe. A pinnacle achievement came in the form of Pearson Milking Technology’s triumph at last year’s Enterprise Ireland Innovation Awards at the National Ploughing Championships. The recognition was bestowed upon the company for their groundbreaking product, Bullseye, an automated body-condition assessment tool driven by vision technology and artificial intelligence.
“From dairy farms with herds as small as five cows to those with over 5,000 cows, our range of milking equipment and technology adheres to the highest industry standards,” Lloyd adds.
David Pearson, co-managing Director, says: “Our journey has always been defined by our deep understanding of the dairy industry and our unwavering commitment to meeting the evolving needs of farmers. The trust our customers place in us is the cornerstone of our pride.”

Celebration

As Pearson Milking Technology celebrates this significant 75th anniversary, it also honours the dedication, hard work, and passion of its exceptional team. The occasion marks not only historical Milestonesbut also signifies the company’s unwavering dedication to shaping the future of the dairy industry.
The celebratory event will commence at the Pearson stand during this year’s National Ploughing Championships, where Anna May McHugh will inaugurate the event with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting and a specially crafted commemorative cake. In addition, the 75th anniversary celebration ushers in the launch of an exciting prize draw giving dairy farmers the chance to win equipment worth €17,500. The competition will span the three days of the Ploughing Championships at the Pearson stand. The lucky winner’s name will be drawn randomly from a raffle drum by Anna May McHugh. The live-streamed announcement will take place on social media a week later, adding an element of excitement to this special occasion.