66 | Egmont Diesel Services Ltd ENGINEERING First class service T T Kelly Deeks As the heavy transport industry eyes a sustainable future with constant innovation bringing more efficiency and lower emissions, Egmont Diesel Services remains committed to first class service and support for all heavy transport needs and prepared to continue to support the industry, however it may look in the future. Egmont Diesel Services parts manager Craig Hooper, in his opinion, says no matter what may be more efficient and user-friendly later on, we still can’t beat a diesel vehicle right now. “The fastest way to get anywhere is still a truck,” he says. “There is lots of innovation coming out as the industry looks at things it can do better. We are seeing more multi-use vehicles which help operators to mitigate the effects of external forces. Look at logging trucks at the moment while that industry has slowed down, and if your truck is only capable of shifting logs its not going to be utilised to its full potential. There is also a lot of innovation around different fuel types and it looks like hydrogen powered vehicles might eventually be the way to go. It may happen in my lifetime or it may not so for now, you can’t beat diesel.” With its focus, experience, and vast ranging technical knowledge around the heavy transport industry and the oil and gas industry, Egmont Diesel Services is planning to deal with whatever comes next for those industries. Craig after all has been in the industry for 40 years and has seen it change markedly over that time. “A large engine back then was anything more than 400hp, now we’ve got trucks that are 700hp and even 800hp. The technological innovation over the past 40 years means today, the first thing a technician does is to plug their laptop into the truck and run a diagnostic programme for that particular vehicle.” To keep apace with technological developments and the ever-increasing requirement for IT capability, Egmont Diesel Services’ diesel technicians are constantly and consistently upskilled in many Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) suppliers from around the world, Bringing their expertise back to Taranaki, they offer their dedicated services to New Zealand industries. Craig says diesel services is a very interesting industry to be involved in and offers a range of different sectors for new entrants to get involved in. “We work not only on trucks, but also on industrial engines in the oil and gas industry. Rather than being underneath something with wheels, our technicians are in front of an engine that’s mounted to a skid.” As well as mechanical knowledge, today’s apprentices need to be IT and electronically savvy with the ability to use an array of different diagnostic programmes. “When you’re a multi-franchise outfit like we are, you’ve got to know your way around the diagnostic programmes for every brand that you’re a service agent for.” Egmont Diesel Services now has a new owner, Phil Hood , who bought the business earlier this year. Phil and Craig have a long-standing relationship dating back four decades working in the heavy transport industry. Today Phil, Craig, and the Egmont Diesel Services team are offering all the same technical knowledge, the same staff members, and the same first class service and support their customers have enjoyed since 2009. • Truck Parts • Trailer Parts • European & Japanese • American Parts • Jaltest Diagnostic Equipment Contact us on 0800 404 100 for your parts requirements. Proudly supporting Egmont Diesel Services Whether you need a new set of tyres or related repairs and maintenance, we are your one-stop shop! 06 758 6100 or 027 452 6729 www.corsontyres.co.nz Proudly supporting Egmont Diesel Services Ltd Ashhurst Engineering and Construction Co Huge $90 million hydro power station project AEC was tasked with the full scope of work — from fabrication and transport to installation. T T Anne Boswell Ashhurst Engineering and Construction Co Ltd (AEC), a leader in heavy fabrication, has played a pivotal role in the ongoing $90 million upgrade at Mercury Energy’s Karapiro Hydro Power Station on the Waikato River. Mercury’s three-year project aims to modernise the infrastructure at this critical site with a focus on safety, reliability, and environmental sustainability. The week of July 15 marked a major milestone in this partnership as AEC successfully installed the second of three replacement water intake gates at the top of the dam. These gates are essential components of the station’s operation, engineered to exacting standards to ensure the safety of the new generator, and replacing units that have served for over 75 years. AEC was tasked with the full scope of work — from fabrication and transport to installation and commissioning. Each gate took a team of six skilled workers nearly a year to complete. Measuring 8m wide, 6m high and 0.75m deep, these colossal gates weigh over 40 tonnes each. The construction tolerance for the gates was measured in millimetres, demonstrating the precision required for their fabrication. “I am immensely proud of AEC’s ongoing achievements in partnership with Mercury Energy on the Karapiro Hydro Power Station project,” Ashhurst Engineering and Construction Chairman Nick Thomas said. “The successful fabrication and installation of the 40+ tonne water intake gate is a testament to the precision, teamwork, and expertise that defines our team. This milestone not only highlights AEC’s engineering capabilities but also demonstrates the strength of our sister companies, Contract Mechanical Services and Structural Coatings Services.” Transporting such large structures posed its own set of challenges. A heavy-haulage steerable axle trailer, equipped with a custom-designed support cradle, was used to transport the gate from AEC’s fabrication facility to the dam. Once at the site, the gate was carefully lifted into its guide rails using a hydraulic system. This critical installation brings two of the three upgraded water intake gates online; AEC is now working on the third gate, and the entire upgrade is due to be completed by August 2025. The road across the top of the Karapiro dam has remained closed throughout the upgrade process to allow for careful planning and installation. As Mercury continues its work on evaluating the best methods for replacing and installing these essential units, AEC remains focused on completing the third and final gate to meet the project’s anticipated deadline. “Our continued collaboration with Mercury exemplifies our mutual commitment to excellence — in safety, quality, and sustainability — ensuring we achieve outstanding outcomes together, from environmental stewardship to advancing renewable energy for New Zealand,” Nick said. “As we progress with the installation of the remaining gates, I look forward to celebrating further successes on this impactful project.” Founded in 1875, Ashhurst Engineering and Construction is a New Zealand-owned company that specialises in heavy fabrication services, particularly for the electricity generation and distribution sectors. With three branches located in Manawatu, Christchurch, and Taupo, the company has earned a reputation for delivering large-scale, complex projects across the country. In addition to their work in New Zealand, AEC also offers fabrication services to clients in the telecommunications and infrastructure industries overseas.
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