The milking machine that became the foundation of modern dairy farming, the DeLaval Milker, is turning 100 years old. The machine was patented by New Zealander Norman John Daysh in 1917 and has been used as model and inspiration for all vacuum-operated milking machines ever since.
Daysh, a young man from New Zealand, traveled to the United States in 1913 to find a company interested in the milking machine he had designed. DeLaval, today a world leader in the dairy farming industry, recognized his potential and innovative spirit. Together they further developed the concept that was patented in 1917. The vacuum-operated milking machine, the first machine with pulsating vacuum, revolutionized the industry and has been used by dairy farmers all over the world.
A passion for innovation has always been central for DeLaval, starting with the company’s founder, Gustav de Laval, and his invention of the cream separator in 1878.
“We never rest to pursue our vision of making sustainable food production possible by inventing solutions that help dairy farmers around the world do more with less. This vision cannot be achieved without embracing innovative ideas,” says Lars Johansson, Senior Vice President for Corporate Communications and Sustainability at DeLaval.
Today, DeLaval holds more than 1,500 patent covering more than 300 inventions around the world.
About DeLaval
DeLaval is a worldwide leader in milking equipment and solutions for dairy farmers, which make sustainable food production possible, warranting milk quality and animal health. Our solutions are used by millions of dairy farmers around the globe every day.
DeLaval was founded more than 130 years ago in Sweden, when the visionary Gustaf de Laval patented the cream separator. Today, DeLaval has 4,500 employees and operates in more than 100 markets. DeLaval, alongside Tetra Pak and Sidel, is part of the Tetra Laval Group. See more at www.delavalcorporate.com.
