54 | Rangitikei Timber T T Richard Loader Primary customers are farmers Rangitikei Timber has become a thriving operation with a reputation for great service and excellent value. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Employing seven staff across two sites, and operating four delivery trucks, Rangitikei Timber has become a thriving operation with a reputation for great service and excellent value that continues to grow. Based in Marton, Rangitikei Timber has been owned and operated by Travis Quin since 2013. A qualified builder by trade, Travis saw an opportunity to grow and develop the small timber merchant business originally established by his father a few years earlier. Taking the reins of the business also enabled Travis to set his own direction and work directly with a niche customer base. Recognising that the local market wasn’t big enough to enable the business to grow by competing with the region’s mainstream timber merchants, Travis focused on a different target market and a different product line. “Our primary customers are the farming community and DIYers throughout New Zealand,” says Travis. “We have established a very loyal following of customers over the last eleven years. From a rural perspective we sell roundwoods, rails and other generic products used by farmers. “For our DIY customer base, we sell framing and outdoor products like decking and residential fencing materials, ply wood and panelling products. We also sell directly to builders, but they tend to be landscapers.” Alongside the high-grade SG8 products, Rangitikei Timber retails a lot of downgrade products which provide a cheaper alternative, and that makes it more feasible to send product around the country, saving their clients money. “Downgrade products haven’t met the regular grade but DIYers can utilise it to do their projects when structural timbers are not necessarily required. “A lot of projects don’t require the best grade products. Some DIY renovation projects are substantial and may require high grade structural timbers, and that is why we stock that range as well.” Now carrying a broad range and high volume of timber products, Rangitikei Timber has established a second storage depot in Bulls, enabling quick access to materials as clients require them. “We send product all over the country — we have delivered timber to Northland and even Invercargill. While we have four delivery trucks constantly on the road, mainly delivering throughout the North Island, we also use Mainfreight for deliveries further afield. Most of our team have upgraded to truck licenses to cover the delivery demand.” “Our timber products are supplied to us by almost every major sawmill from as far as Northland, Nelson and even Canterbury. We are often offered deals and rates not offered to the bigger retailers and that means we can pass those rates directly on to our clients. Our nationwide delivery service is also a key benefit.” Rangitikei Timber’s nationwide delivery service now accounts for a good proportion of the company’s sales, but Travis says many clients still like to call into the Marton yard, talk about their project requirements and get friendly advice. “Being an ex-builder, I can assist a lot of people, especially DIYers, work out what timber materials they need for their projects. We are very open that we look after our DIY customer base. “Often people come to us knowing they want to build a deck, but don’t necessarily know what is required to achieve it, so we can help there. I think that we are a comfortable and safe place for clients to come to for their timber requirements, and not feel intimidated.” Reflecting on the success of the business, Travis says that being a genuine independent timber merchant affords Rangitikei Timber the unique ability to make its own decisions and create its own personal relationships with suppliers. “Our timber products are supplied to us by almost every major sawmill from as far as Northland, Nelson and even Canterbury. “We are often offered deals and rates not offered to the bigger retailers and that means we can pass those rates directly on to our clients. Our nationwide delivery service is also a key benefit.” A strong supporter of the local community, Travis says Rangitikei Timber’s sponsorships includes schools, local athletes, a drama group and often gets behind one-off fundraisers. Endless possibilities. 0800 224 759 / sales@bbi.net.nz www.bbi.net.nz Plywood + Decking Solutions – bbi supply quality plywood and hardwood decking solutions to the New Zealand market including: bbi PlyBrace™ / RedLine® BlondeLine® / QuikDeck®
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