70 | CONTRACTING Active Tank Cleaning T T Sue Russell Cleaning and pumping is critical work The work Active Tank Cleaning undertakes is critical and crucial to many businesses. What began as a conversation between mates enjoying a catch-up at a local pub, all sharing the desire to be self-employed, resulted in the birth of Palmerston North business Active Tank Cleaning, today owned and operated by former mechanic Mark Hadfield and his wife Amanda. “One of the guys around the table had done work for a septic tank cleaning company, so Mark and I approached his current boss and asked if we could use the workshop after hours to get this business up and running. We bought a sucker truck and built a tank,” Amanda says. Initially, three people were involved; however, over time this changed to just Mark and Amanda owning and operating it. “Actually, in a strange complete-circle way, the guy who put up the money initially, is now working for us. In those early days, Mark was ‘Johnny on the sport’, working 24/7 just taking care of the emergency work. It was this availability and his can-do attitude that really got us off to a solid start.” That super-reliability and capability to problem solve meant word spread, along with the number of business customers. Located at the back of the racecourse next to the water treatment plant, Active Tank Cleaning has its own dewatering plant, which Amanda describes as a huge asset. A Hiab truck is also part of the fleet, useful for lifting anything from trees and equipment, to small structures. The work Active Tank Cleaning undertakes is critical and crucial to many businesses. “A lot of waste we collect from businesses has to be dewatered before it can be dumped. People think we just go along and remove, then dump that waste somewhere, but there are strict rules governing what goes into waste facilities, and the removal of water is one of these requirements,” Amanda explains. The company also pumps out sumps and interceptors. With the recent review of environmental standards governing how waste is managed, often the content has to be 100% dry before it can go into landfill. Mark’s day-to-day activity tends to focus on the hydro-vac technology the company operates. “We also have four other guys, who primarily do management of septic tanks, emptying of grease traps and interceptors. We also have a contract to do on-call work for council.” While there are other businesses in operation, Amanda says they pride themselves on being the longest locally operated company in and around Palmerston North. “Being 100% locally owned means we’re very much a part of this community. We’re not part of a larger corporate model.” One of the strengths of the business, Amanda says, is Mark’s focus on maintaining all the gear in top condition. With a background as a mechanic in the army, Mark has a very disciplined approach to these responsibilities. Looking after health and safety is one of many behind-the-scenes responsibilities Amanda carries. As one can imagine, there are a huge number of compliances that govern how these are met on a day-to-day level. All systems are externally assessed regularly in order to meet the standards required by the Manawatu District Council and Palmerston North City Council. businesscentral Each edition priority delivered to your door. . Stay informed; we work with business owners and decision-makers across all economic sectors, pro iling their success. i ; i i i i - ll i , ili i . www.waterfordpress.co.nz/subscriptions . . . i i 03 983 5525 03 Your Business, Your Industry, Your News. Volume 6 | Issue 2 | April 2021 www.waterfordpress.co.nz ‘Excellence in Energy’ Taranaki’s Todd Energy will have a key role to play as New Zealand moves toward a low emissions economy. Page 8 Waikato farmers Dean & Ang Finnerty have expanded their dairy cow operation into a successful goat milking enterprise as well PAGE 10 Turning challenge into opportunity AUTUMN 2022 www.waterfordpress.co.nz Volume 6 | Issue 3 | July 2021 www.waterfordpress.co.nz Making waves Back on track New Zealand hydrofoil maker Armstrong is generating interest around the world with its high performance products. Work on the ambitious NZCIS facility in Upper Hutt is progressing well after Covid disruptions. PAGE 70 PAGE 10 Healthy delivery A new elective surgery facility in Hastings will provide a big boost to the region’s operating capacity. PAGE 52 Volume 6 | Issue 5 | December 2021 www.waterfordpress.co.nz Cheers Boys! YoungWellington irm3Māori Boys is creating a buzz with it’s ground-breakingWai Manuka natural beverage. PAGE 45 Passion and pride New Plymouth’s Energyworks has forged a strong reputation in 50 years of business. PAGE 64 Seaview upgrade CentrePort’s SeaviewWharf facility is set for a major upgrade to bring it up to international standards. PAGE 14 MOBILE STEAM CLEANERS LTD Locally-Owned Family Business Since 1966 • Hot or ColdWater Blasting & Steam Cleaning • Kitchen Hoods & Filter Cleaning and Supply • Commercial Buildings, Workshops andWarehouses • Drives, Houses and Fences Garry Rough 027-2413586 rough@inspire.net.nz www.mobilesteamcleaners.net.nz Proud to be associated with Active Tank Cleaning Call for a free consultation phone: 06 329 2522 | email: office@ohagancontracting.co.nz | www.ohagancontracting.co.nz Keep your part of the world green Proud to support Active Tank Cleaning Building in the Country? 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