66 | PGC Constructors & The Tool Shed REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT T T Virginia Wright 45 Years of Kiwi-owned family business Colin Giles with the Bedford Van. Giles Industries in Frankton, Hamilton. This year marks 45 years since builder Graeme Giles joined his father Colin in a new venture called Giles Industries – the business that would eventually become The ToolShed. What began in a room at the back of the garage has developed into a nationwide network of 31 stores serving trade, professional and serious DIY customers across New Zealand. The business was established after Colin was made redundant by an engineering supplies company. Together Graeme and Colin saw an opportunity to build something of their own, starting with a practical focus on tools and supplies that customers needed to get the job done. Graeme’s brother Wayne joined the company a year later after completing his building apprenticeship. In the early days sales were made door-to-door from an iconic green Bedford van. As the company developed Graeme stepped away from building to focus on the business with Wayne. The brothers later bought Colin out when he retired. For a time, the company traded as part of the Powertool Centre group but as its range broadened well beyond power tools the time was right for a new identity. “We decided to go our own way and thought The ToolShed sounded like a good Kiwi name,” Graeme says. The ToolShed brand was established in 1998 beginning the next chapter for the business and creating the name customers across New Zealand know today. The ToolShed offers a full range of power tools, hand tools, garden equipment, workshop machinery and accessories from DIYers to experienced tradespeople. The company remains Kiwi-owned and operated with teams across the country providing product knowledge, practical advice and support when customers need help choosing the right tool for the job! Many of The ToolShed’s senior management team, including Giles family members working within the business, are builders and electricians by trade bringing first-hand experience and an understanding of the tools customers rely on. That connection to the trades continues with the next generation as Colin’s great-grandchildren are now undertaking trade apprenticeships of their own. Product quality remains central to the way The ToolShed chooses its range. Graeme and Wayne frequently visited factories in China, sourcing quality tools designed for the New Zealand market. YOUR COMMERCIAL PAINTING SOLUTION PROVIDERS Delivering commercial coating projects across the mid to lower North Island. From education and public sector builds to multi-site programmes — full preparation, application, and compliance on schedule. CONTACT US antony@solprocoatings.co.nz 0800 775 776 www.solprocoatingslimited.com COMMERCIAL · INDUSTRIAL · EDUCATION · PUBLIC SECTOR PROUDLY SUPPORTING PGC CONSTRUCTORS & THE TOOL SHED
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