50 | TRANSPORT Deakin Trucks T T Sue Russell Loyal customer base in Hawke’s Bay Deakin Trucks is a family owned business that has been based at the Twyord end of Chatham Rd for around 50 years. Russell Deakin is the current Managing Director, carrying on from his father Ned who set up business in Clive as a truck dismantler 60 yeras ago. With a bit of digging, family roots in the transport industry could be found going back even further. Today, dismantling is a small part of the overall operation, with the main business activity selling new and used trucks, supplying truck parts, transport engineering and servicing all manner of trucks from light commercial through to the heavy-weights. Deakin Trucks are the authourised suppliers of Isuzu trucks in the Hawke’s Bay and east Coast regions and run a team of factory trained Isuzu technicians. “We make sure our workshop staff keep up to date on the latest truck technologies, including diagnostic tools, computers and electronics,” says General Manager Scott MacLean. Scott says that truck diagnostics has evolved into a discipline of its own and anyone with those skills in the industry is in great demand. “Twenty years ago motors were simpler and a good mechanical brain was all that was called for to fix them, but today with all the electronics on board, ‘smart young guns’, with good diagnostics have a vital place in the sector.” Growth in the sale of new parts is also very strong and relates to the demand for Isuzu trucks where the brand held Number 1 sales position NZ wide for 21 years. Experience is key, allowing Deakin Trucks to provide expert advice to customers to help them determine exactly what type of truck their business needs. “Matching customers to the right model and then offering customising services if required means they come away with exactly the truck that will serve their purpose best.” When Business Central spoke with Scott the business had four apprentices in the engineering workshop, with two about to complete their training, a further two in the truck service workshop and a truck parts apprentice also just about out to qualify. “Twenty years ago motors were simpler and a good mechanical brain was all that was called for to fix them, but today with all the electronics on board, ‘smart young guns’, with good diagnostics have a vital place in the sector.” twigghb@twigghb.co.nz 068799232 or 021967517 • Your heavy transport and aftermarket parts specialists • Hawkes’ Bay BPW& JOST Agents • Specialising in sourcing unique parts, so you can save time and get on with your work • Everyone that walks through our door receives a discount!
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