As budgets tighten, more pest managers are looking to source locally manufactured professional products.
It’s certainly an unsettling time for the pest industry at the moment; not only is the Iran war causing supply issues and increasing costs, but the changes in rodenticide regulations are causing pest businesses to re-evaluate their rodent management options. In uncertain and financially difficult times, businesses look for security in supply and value for money.
Here we talk to David Pearson, owner of PCT International, about the current market situation and why an increasing number of pest manager are buying PCT’s range of Australian-made products.
Following the recent significant changes to rodenticide regulations, how does the PCT rodenticide range help pest managers navigate the changing market?
“PCT are uniquely positioned to respond to changes in the rodenticide market, as our rodent bait product line-up includes a wide range of rodenticides – not just SGARs such as brodifacoum, bromadiolone and difenacoum – but the first-generation anticoagulant coumatetralyl, and the non-SGAR zinc phosphide. We have also just received registration for our cholecalciferol bait. Production begins shortly, which means pest managers can access a full range of quality Australian-produced rodent baits at a great price.
“There is uncertainty about the new regulations and the wording, and what it means exactly, but we are seeing a number of pest managers responding by using the SGARs for infestations and clean out, then moving to our non-SGAR baits for maintenance. With our range, pest managers have all the options covered, and with our local production, they know product will always be available. Of course, if there’s a mouse plague, that can have an impact.”
How is the Iran war impacting material costs, freight costs and delivery times?
“With the oil prices going up, everything that is based on oil raw materials is also increasing in price – solvents, surfactants and plastics – all major components of many pest control products.
“On top of that, freight is going up, due to increased fuel prices – and freight costs affect almost everything. And delivery times for certain products has increased, especially for materials that transit through or near the Middle East.
“However, with our local production, PCT can minimise some of these increased costs.”
How are PCT positioned to deal with these supply issues?
“Firstly, as a business, we have always held extra stock, both of raw materials and finished products. Probably more than we should. But this has always been part of our strategy, to be able to cater for the market when the need arises.
“Secondly, we manufacture our products in Australia (Brisbane) and have invested heavily in a new manufacturing plant, which has now been operational for 12 months. This means we are largely insulated from the supply issues faced by other companies, who need to import their products from overseas.”
How has your new Brisbane manufacturing facility benefited the pest industry?
“The new facility is significantly larger than our old one. We have installed a new extrusion plant and wax vats, which has significantly boosted our rodent bait production. We’ve just built a new mezzanine floor with new mixers, and we’re looking at buying a new state-of-the-art filling line. This is all necessary to meet the increasing demand for our rodenticides and other products. This local production means pest managers can be assured of supply.”
What new products do PCT have in the pipeline?
“Obviously we can’t spill the beans on future launches, but at any one time we have around 20 projects in development. Our focus is on rodenticides and termiticides. Over the last 12 months, in addition to our new cholecalciferol rodent bait, we have added fire ant label extensions to our Terminade and Surefire Fipronil Granular labels.”
What does the future look like for PCT?
“The immediate focus is to continue to upgrade our manufacturing and focus on rodenticide supply in what is a very dynamic market. We’ve already dramatically increased production of our Couma Blocks, running extra shifts to meet customer demand.
“But our position in the market remains the same; we are Australian-owned and manufacture here in Australia. We’ve been around for a long time, and our products have stood the test of time. Pest managers can trust our products and rely on our supply. With our comprehensive range, pest managers can access quality products at a fair price for all their pest control needs.”
