50 | Upgrade brings efficiency The development includes a two-lane inspections facility operating on a booking-only system. TRANSPORT Eastern Truck & Marine T T Kelly Deeks “A lot of vehicles coming in for inspection need to be washed, and you can’t inspect a truck that isn’t clean.” Eastern Truck Parts and Service has reinforced its position as a technical leader in Hawke’s Bay’s heavy transport sector, following a major investment in its expanded one-stop facility in Napier. Open for 18 months, the purpose-rebuilt site is delivering greater efficiency for operators across the region and supporting the company’s long-term strategy to grow capability on a single, future-ready site. Board chair Graham Leech says the upgrade was a deliberate move to increase resilience, reduce operating costs for customers, and consolidate services that previously required multiple visits. “Before this facility, customers’ vehicles needing a COF had to make an extra stop at VTNZ, then come back to us for repairs,” Graham says. “Now it’s all done in one place. It’s a much more efficient operation for our customers and for us, and it allows us to keep costs down for our customers.” The development includes a two-lane inspections facility operating on a booking-only system, purpose-built to handle high volumes while maintaining accuracy and consistency. It has already required the company to expand its team, with three additional staff appointed – two inspectors and one administration role – and several workshop trainees are now progressing towards inspector qualifications. Graham says the new facility has also allowed Eastern Truck to introduce one of the region’s most advanced truck-wash systems, including an under-body wash with full environmental compliance. “A lot of vehicles coming in for inspection need to be washed, and you can’t inspect a truck that isn’t clean,” he says. “Our wash bay is fully compliant with council requirements, runs primarily on collected rainwater, and uses advanced separation technology. It’s a significant investment, but it’s the right thing to do.” Workshop manager Kieran Murphy says the new site has transformed workflow and stability in the workshop team, traditionally one of the most mobile trades in the transport industry. “Diesel mechanics can work anywhere, so it’s not common to have a really stable workforce,” Kieran says. “What we’ve built here is a workshop with real resilience. We’ve got career pathways, including training people up as vehicle inspectors, and that’s created a team that’s committed and settled.” Kieran says training has become a defining strength of the business, with fortnightly technical development sessions for all staff from apprentices through to senior technicians. “The amount of training we do far exceeds the average diesel workshop,” he says. “We’re known for it locally. Transport companies send their apprentices to us because they know the standard we set.” General manager finance and systems Kathryn Mason says the new facility has also enabled significant sustainability gains, including a new solar installation completed in October, and water-saving systems in the wash bay. “We work in an industry built around diesel vehicles, so reducing our environmental impact is important to us,” Kathryn says. “The solar system will supply a significant proportion of the building’s power. It’s better for the environment and it reduces long-term costs.” Eastern Truck has been part of Hawke’s Bay’s transport industry for more than 40 years. Graham says the upgraded facility marks a new phase for the company as it continues to support operators through a challenging period of post-cyclone recovery. “We’re proud of the technical leadership we’ve built here,” he says. “Our people have done the hard work, and this site gives them the tools to keep delivering the best-value service for our customers.” POWERING ON HIGHWAY Proudly supporting Eastern Truck Parts & service, Cummins Hawkes Bay region Dealership for over 30 years. 0800Cummins Ph 0800 286 646 cummins.com/engines A F WORORLD AT L HWA AT Y’S SON • TRUCK SERVICING • BREAKDOWN SERVICE • GENUINE PARTS • COF INSPECTIONS • ENVIRONMENTAL TRUCK WASH KEEPING HAWKE’S BAY TRUCKS MOVING FOR OVER 40 YEARS WITH TRUSTED, RELIABLE SERVICE easterntruck.co.nz
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