Keith Andrews congratulates Adam Glasgow on Groundspread NZ Innovation Award Win

Keith Andrews is proud to congratulate Adam Glasgow of Glasgow Engineering Limited (GEL) on winning the 2025 Groundspread NZ Innovation Award, recognising his outstanding contribution to the groundspreading sector through practical, technology-driven solutions. 

Proud sponsor of the award, Keith Andrews supports innovation that delivers real-world benefits. This year’s judging panel described Glasgow as “a natural innovator”, praising his commitment to smarter business operations, thoughtful design and collaborative leadership. 

Over the past three years, Glasgow has led initiatives that have improved efficiency and accuracy across his business, including CAD survey tool integration, automated customer communications, and streamlined application workflows – each delivering measurable operational gains.

A deserving recipient 

Presenting the award at the Groundspread NZ annual gala event, held this year in Blenheim on 1 July, Keith Andrews Product Planning Manager, Matt Gillatt, described Glasgow as “a natural innovator” and said: “His company stands out for its high standards of workmanship and a culture that fosters continuous product improvement.” 

Glasgow received the highest overall score from the judging panel, earning top marks across all eight evaluation criteria: 

• Commitment to the groundspreading industry. 

• Positive contribution to the NZ Groundspread Association. 

• Innovation and problem solving. 

• Health and safety. 

• Professionalism and leadership. 

• Technical skills and knowledge. 

• Presentation and communication. 

• Supporting evidence. 

Judges highlighted Glasgow’s ability to apply technology in ways that improve both service delivery and internal operations. 

“It’s not innovation for the sake of it – these solutions solve genuine problems,” one judge remarked. 

Leadership rooted in collaboration 

Glasgow’s leadership approach was a standout feature of his submission, having built a solutions-focused culture at GEL that encourages experimentation, teamwork and open communication. 

“Adam empowers others and builds the kind of trust that fuels long-term innovation,” the judges commented. 

They noted how his collaborative mindset – sharing knowledge across the industry, even with competitors – has contributed to stronger sector-wide connections and a shared commitment to progress. 

Judges said Glasgow demonstrated a clear vision for the future, with plans to refine precision application technologies, develop internal training platforms and support workforce upskilling. 

Commenting on Keith Andrews’ sponsorship of the Innovation Award since 2021, Keith Andrews General Manager Sales and Marketing Torben Freer said: “This spirit of practical problem-solving aligns perfectly with how we operate as a business – working with our customers to deliver solutions that add value to their day-to-day operations and to their bottom lines. 

“Daimler Truck is a global leader in transport innovation – and we are proud to support the agricultural sector with an exceptional vehicle range through our NZ-wide dealer network.” 

 A shared commitment to innovation and community 

At this year’s conference, Keith Andrews’ support of the sector extended beyond the Innovation Award. The company donated a fully electric FUSO eCanter to the charity auction – raising $45,500 for Meet the Need, a rural initiative working to end food insecurity by connecting protein grown by New Zealand farming communities with those in need. 

“Donations like this are absolutely vital to the work we do at Meet the Need,” said General Manager Zellara Holden. “Every dollar raised helps us get nutritious meat and milk to families who are doing it tough right now. Thanks to the generosity shown at the Groundspread Conference, we’ll be able to deliver thousands more meals to those who need them most – no stigma, just practical support from the farming community to the wider community.” 

The winning bid was placed by Taranaki-based fertiliser manufacturer Osflow. Director Dave Geraghty said the business was delighted to support Meet the Need. 

“Partnering with Meet the Need is a great way for us to show our ongoing commitment to local clubs and charities,” he said. “We're all about helping build stronger, more connected places to live and work, and this partnership fits right in with that. It ties in closely with our values – putting people first and supporting wellbeing in real, practical ways.” 

Geraghty added that the eCanter, which is replacing a diesel truck, will help Osflo support its Toitū carbon reduction plan goals. 

“The eCanter offered the right balance of performance, emissions reduction, and long-term value, making it the ideal next step in our journey toward a lower-emissions fleet,” he said.  

“Being able to partner with Meet the Need through this purchase made the decision even more rewarding.” 

As the groundspreading sector continues to evolve, the Keith Andrews Innovation Award is a reminder of what’s possible when practical thinking meets bold ideas. Adam Glasgow’s win reflects not only technical innovation, but also leadership that lifts others and drives lasting change.