38 | Central Hawke’s Bay: Stevenson & Taylor ‘Big business for a small community’ T T Karen Phelps Stevenson & Taylor’s showroom in Waipukarau caters for a varied customer base. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Proudly supporting Stevenson & Taylor At Easysteel we pride ourselves on the strength of long-standing relationships we have and delivering a range of world-class brands, products and services, to customers like Stevenson & Taylor. 0800 EASYSTEEL (0800 327 978) or visit easysteel.co.nz ESY22-810835942 Easysteel Support Advert - B&C - Feb - Stevenson & Taylor_260x60.indd 1 24/02/22 10:28 AM Proud to support Stevenson & Taylor · Full Hydraulic and Auto Electrical Services · Hydro Excavator Specialists admin@planbhydraulics.co.nz • 06 879 7327 Waipukurau based company Stevenson & Taylor’s mission is to be the number one place to call to get anything done in the region, says company general manager Robby Smith. Diversity has been the key to the company’s success since it was founded in 1951. “Due to our geographical location, in order to serve our community, we need to do it all,” says Robby. “We’re 40 minutes from Hastings and 90 minutes from Palmerston North. When our customers need us, we need to be there to help them.” A quick look at the company’s services reveal how truly diverse its offering is: sales of tractors, farm gear and heavy machinery, lawnmowers, outdoor power equipment and fireplaces, engineering services, equipment hire and a parts showroom. This is all backed by a strong service and repair department and a 24/7 emergency breakdown service. The customer base is equally varied: dairy, sheep and beef, cropping and horticulture farmers, contractors and lifestylers. Originally founded by Bill Stevenson, Peter Taylor and John Ferguson the company has always had a strong local and family focus. In fact Bill’s grandson Brett is a major shareholder as well as being one of the company’s service technicians. Robby, head sales consultant Duncan Harding and local farmer Pete Swinburn make up the rest of the shareholders giving good breadth of experience. “Being locally owned and operated, with three of the four directors working in the business on a daily basis plus Pete’s farming knowledge, is important. This all keeps us in touch with our customers’ needs. They, and our staff, can deal directly with us if they need to. It’s a very personal approach to business.” Robby has worked in the company since he left school and made his way up through the ranks and says the company culture is a key to success. “I started sweeping the floors and have worked my way up to running the business. There is a lot of respect no matter what job you do. It’s about loyalty and having fun. It’s a lifestyle; people really enjoy coming to work,” he says. From the outset the vision has been to be at the forefront of the industry so it’s no surprise that Stevenson & Taylor is one of largest operators in a agricultural equipment and more in the Hawke’s Bay today as well as one of the region’s most significant employers. The team totals around 43 and Robby defines it as “a big business for a small community” and “proudly local”. “At Stevenson & Taylor we believe our people are our greatest assets. To offer a growing range of brands and services like diesel/tractor, engineering, outdoor equipment, sales, parts and servicing you need the experts to back it up. On-going training compliments both our experienced long-term people and the up-and-coming crew of apprentices. Our staff is genuinely focused on giving our customers the attention they deserve.” There is a lot of support for people to grow in the business and progress their career. Stevenson & Taylor utilises the Central Hawkes Bay District Council’s Apprentice Workshop scheme to enable its apprentices – which currently number around eight – to move through their training as quickly as possible. “It’s about offering young people opportunities to stay living and working right here rather than having to move away.” Keeping abreast of the latest technology is another key focus and Robby says recent Case IH tractors, equipped with modems so diagnosis can be made from the Stevenson & Taylor office by connecting with the tractor while it’s on the farm, and electric farm bikes are popular with their respective target markets. Robby says business is busy for Stevenson & Taylor. The local economy is doing well and Stevenson & Taylor is proud to play a part in assisting that growth. “We aim to continue to be the number one employer and go-to business for our community. We definitely have future growth plans.” 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 25 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
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