76 | CONTRACTING MaxTarr PLC and Control Panels Power Factor Correction Electrical Components Design and Build Projects Prisma Designed Verified Systems Motor Control Centres Electrical/Mechanical Switchboards Distribution Boards Proudly working with and supporting Max Tarr on numerous projects, successfully designing and manufacturing the optimum solution for site specifications. Pertronic $GYDQFHG DXWRPDWLF ¿UH GHWHFWLRQ V\VWHPV Pertronic 3URXGO\ GHVLJQHG DQG PDGH LQ 1HZ =HDODQG Evolving to meet demand The company has been associated with significant work around the city and region over five decades. T T Sue Russell For nearly five decades, Palmerston North’s MaxTarr has been delivering the complex electrical and infrastructure projects that help keep the North Island running. As the group continues to grow, it is turning its attention to making that work more visible. It started simply enough. On the advice of his father, a linesman, who returned from the war and told his son that electricians really have it made, founder Maxwell Tarr set out as a sole operator. Gathering specialist knowledge over time in industrial electrical work, he saw the business grow into a multidisciplinary enterprise covering electrical, infrastructure, automation, civil, lighting, security and fire services. “You know the real strength of the company is its ability to keep evolving with customer needs, but through all this change and growth we’re still proudly local. However, the scale of our projects and the capability of our team now extend well beyond Palmerston North,” says group manager, Jodie Tarr. Significant to that growth has been the early partnership with Jonathan Hogg, manager of MaxTarr Industrial, a relationship that has been key to how well the business developed. “Jonathan is the friendly, down-to-earth face of the company, driving strong project execution while Max carried the strategic aspects, focusing on specialisation and vertical integration.” Jodie says. Today, MaxTarr has 75 staff across the trading companies, with Dean Berendt in the role of commercial manager. The company has been associated with significant work around the city and region, including light installation in The Square, runway lighting at the airport, Ohakea Airbase development, and at Massey University and Palmerston North Hospital. The latter included the replacement of a 48-metre switchboard in a live hospital environment over 12 months. MaxTarr has also had a long-term role delivering water and wastewater infrastructure for Palmerston North, Rotorua, and Tauranga city councils, along with New Plymouth District Council. “Commercial clients have included IRD/ Horizons Manawatū, Manukura School and Massey University’s new Science of Vet Buildings, along with the Palmerston North Library,” says Jodie. And as the business scaled up, the group outgrew its premises on Tremaine Avenue, recently moving into new facilities on Mihaere Drive, which provide more in-house workshop space. Jodie says it’s gratifying to realise the depth of the reputation MaxTarr has built through its decades in business, enjoying strong relationships with industry and councils. The group is now turning its attention to upgrading back-office systems and engaging AI to support efficiencies and better service delivery. “I think there’s also a place for us to be more visible within the community by getting some messages out there, getting involved with the city’s industry leaders, and integrating more with community events,” says Jodie. Though firmly a part of Palmerston North, where the office and core workshop capability is located, MaxTarr teams travel and deliver projects across the wider region. “A lot of our industrial, water, waster- water, infrastructure and lighting work takes us across the North Island.” A key strength is the crossover between the company’s six main specialist areas, exemplified in the design-build water and wasterwater projects. “We might have industrial electricians, automation specialists, project managers, fabricators and site teams all contributing, and I know that clients certainly benefit because they are not dealing with several disconnected contractors,” Jodie says. A big part of the group’s focus is building the systems, people and capability needed to meet the future well. In her role, Jodie works closely with the company managers, keeping communication clear, supporting decision-making and taking on all non-project operational work. “Max is still providing the strategic view where required. We take genuine pride in staff retention and long-term client relationships, which attribute directly to the company’s culture.”
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