52 | TRANSPORT Emmetts Truck Services Whanganui T T Sue Russell Diesel mechanic shortage a challenge Emmetts Trucks Services offer comprehensive heavy truck repair and maintenance services as well as a parts division. Wayne Wright and Andrew Cripps are joint owners of Emmetts Truck Services Whanganui. The Whanganui business was established in 1987 and Wayne started working for the business in 1997 as Service Manager, then Branch Manager before purchasing the business in December last year. He’s very proud of the business’s reputation and its loyal customer base, however says the sector they work in generally is facing challenges in terms of attracting qualified and experienced diesel mechanics to join. “There’s definitely demand out there. Even the apprentices move on and it can feel a bit like a revolving door at times, but we can only do the best work possible for our customers,” Wayne says. To help with the short supply of experienced mechanics Wayne says they are looking overseas and also he engages with schools to attract younger ones toward considering the trade as a career. “If they have the right attitude we will take them on and invest the time and effort into training them and putting them through their apprenticeship.” It’s an industry where the basics principles of deisel engines learnt years ago are still applicable. However increase demands to have clean burning diesel engines reducing emmisions has changed that. Modern diesel engines are now packed with electronics, after-treatment systems and highly developed fuel systems. The aim is to achieve complete combustion to provide the most clean and efficient diesel engines possible. “The amount of electronics in a modern truck these days is mind blowing. This is due to highly developed saftey systems, advanced engines and driver comfort. These trucks are packed with cool features, so we are constantly learning and adapting to the demanding evolution of the trucking world.” There is a definite era on the horizon, with hydrogen enriched trucks, Ev Trucks, and bio fuel diesels now avaliable. “Where the changes have increased in the workshop are the use of computers for diagnostic work and interpetation of data, applying it to the job are skills heavily in demand.” Phone: 03 983 5500 waterfordpress.co.nz Your Business, Your Industry, Your News. DO OUR READERS KNOW YOU EXIST? Emmetts Trucks Services offer comprehensive heavy truck repair and maintenance services as well as a parts division. It also provides a 24-hour breakdown service. Wayne says their customer base is very solid with some trucking companies having loyally brought their trucks in for repair or service for over 30 years. And with a history that extends back that far, Emmetts Truck Services have remained in their locality, moving to new purpose-built workshops next to the original site in 2011. “We love our local community and have great relationships with other local buisness, which we look forwards to growing with. We are franchise dealers for a number of truck brands as well. The industry provides its own support with good networking.” As Branch Manager at Whanganui Wayne says no two days are the same. With the shortage of staff he can be found in the workshop on the tools, helping support staff and liaising with the parts department. “We are lucky though as we have very good managers and staff in the business’’ Offering solid remuneration packages to qualified staff is one way Emmetts Truck Services endeavour to retain their team. Building a good team environment is a constant priority. Certainly conditions now for diesel mechanics are better than they used to be but there is no getting away from the fact that it is hard and dirty work and you can be called out in the middle of the night. “Andrew and I are committed to providing our team with opportunities to upskill and gain additional qualifications and advance in the industry. Particularly when it comes to using the latest technologies, its really important that we constantly invest in our people.” For parts and accessories Emmetts Truck Services are agents for DAF, Volvo, Nissan Diesel, IVECO, Hino & Isuzu (in Whanganui). Palmerston North | New Plymouth | Waiouru | Taihape • Towing, Salvage and Winch Work • Quick, Hassle-Free Response Proudly supporting Emmetts Truck Services 027 249 6212 1 Liffiton Street, Wanganui www.heavytowing.co.nz info@heavytowing.co.nz • Heavy Haulage • Machinery Transporter
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