34 | Whanganui - Bartley Group Holdings REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Merger to benefit Whanganui T from page 32 The Direct Connect Board 2021, from left, Andrew Locke (Centreport), Kieran Sweetman (Centreport), (the late) Robert Bartley (Ali Arc Logistics), and Brendon Bartley (Ali Arc Logistics). That same year Open Country opened a second tower at its facility and a third specially constructed warehouse was added by Ali Arc soon after to accommodate Open Country’s demand for storage space. In 2010 the Bartley Group reopened the railway line in Whanganui after it was dormant for more than 20 years. This created opportunity for Ali Arc as it increased the capacity of shipping containers available for packing. Ali Arc Logistics is one of the only MPI approved food safety Risk Management Plan sites in Whanganui and today attracts a variety of customers for importing and exporting. It also assists several smaller customers that require storage and regular forklift activity and labour. This has seen the total number of staff at Ali Arc increase to 12 full time and one part time employee. The Bartley Group is a true Whanganui success story. From small beginnings several decades ago when it was started by Brendon’s father Robert, the Group has continued to grow and diversify and today it employs over 100 people in and around the region across various businesses, which include manufacturing, distribution, logistics, real estate and financial services. Robert’s significant contribution to the local region was recognised in 2018 when he was the recipient of the Judith Timpany Award at the Whanganui Chamber of Commerce Business Awards. Brendon says the merger of Ali Arc with Direct Connect Container Services Limited heralds the beginning of a new chapter in the Bartley Group success story, reaffirming its commitment to the local community and cementing its position as one of the region’s largest employers. With his parents now taking a more backseat role, Brendon and his three siblings are carrying on the family tradition and continuing to take the Group forward building on the proud family legacy. “Continuity and long-term family ownership of the business, based in Whanganui, is extremely important to us. We are proud to call ourselves locals.” CentrePort CEO Derek Nind, right, says that working with Ali Arc Logistics, CentrePort is focused on providing an efficient, competitive logistics service for exporters and importers. 06 344 4746 027 237 1904 (Daryl) 027 253 1898 (Jeanette) jirehcontracting@xtra.co.nz We provide Engineering services for both commercial & individual clients. We have a proven track record of providing professional service to our clients who include well established companies & organisations. Jireh Contracting & Engineering (1998) Ltd
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