132 | Dodson Group T T Kelly Deeks Getting more power to the wheels Dodson Motorsport – now the Dodson Group – has transformed into an industry powerhouse, producing its cutting-edge Dodson-branded dual-clutch transmission components for high-performance vehicles. AUTOMOTIVE On Auckland’s North Shore, a small automotive garage has evolved into a world-leading precision manufacturer, proving that Kiwi ingenuity and high-tech engineering can compete on a global scale. Once a modest workshop, Dodson Motorsport – now the Dodson Group – has transformed into an industry powerhouse, producing its cutting-edge Dodson-branded dual-clutch transmission components for high-performance vehicles. “We started as Dodson Motorsport, a garage working on cars,” says CEO and managing director Dave Sweas. “We still do that, but we were 17 people in a small shed in Wairau Valley. Now, we have 75 employees across three plants in Auckland.” In the past five years, Dodson has acquired two of its largest suppliers and expanded its manufacturing capabilities. WGD specialises in precision CNC metal parts, while AH Gears focuses on gear manufacturing and industrial gearbox refurbishment. Both companies serve not only Dodson, but other New Zealand manufacturers and exporters as well. “The Dodson brand still accounts for the largest proportion of our sales,” Dave says. “We are the world leader in aftermarket dual-clutch transmission upgrades, with 98% of Dodson-branded component sales going overseas.” Dodson’s precision-engineered components cater to a niche market of high-performance sports cars, including Lamborghinis, Audis, Porsches, and BMWs. Factory-built vehicles that once had 500 to 600 horsepower are modified with Dodson components to exceed 2000 or even 3000 horsepower. “Our slogan is ‘Harness Your Horsepower’,” Dave says. “We ensure the power gets to the wheels without destroying the transmission.” From Lamborghinis launching down the drag strip to Porsches performing wheel stands, Dodson’s high-performance upgrades are at the core of these extreme and record-breaking feats. Dodson’s success has caught the attention of Sky TV’s Kiwis – Born to Fly 2, a documentary produced by motorsport veteran David Turner. The film highlights New Zealand’s prowess in motorsport engineering, featuring companies like Link Engine Management, Kelford Cams, and Racetech Seats. Dodson was filmed for the documentary at the prestigious Performance Racing Industry trade show in Indianapolis, a global event showcasing elite automotive technology. Dave, an automotive engineer and business graduate, has led the team through Dodson’s expansion, joining as CEO in 2019. After moving to New Zealand from the US with his Kiwi wife, he was recruited by Dodson’s largest shareholder Booster KiwiSaver, board chairman Henri Eliot, and founder Harry Dodson to accelerate the company’s growth. “We’re 100% New Zealand-owned, and I’m proud to be a New Zealand citizen.” Despite the perception that manufacturing in New Zealand is difficult, Dave believes in our country’s competitive edge. “Kiwis are intuitive engineers, which goes back to the No. 8 wire approach,” Dave says. “We have highly tooled CNC plant that includes fully automated, top-of-the-line equipment. The old advantage of low-cost labour in developing countries is disappearing because we are using the same, highly productive machinery as the rest of the world.” With advanced technology, a highly skilled workforce, and a commitment to innovation, Dodson is proving that high-tech manufacturing can thrive in New Zealand. The company sees future opportunities in acquisitions and expanding into new product categories, with a focus on servicing global markets. “We’re seeing a renaissance in manufacturing,” Dave says. “People are bringing production back from low-cost labour countries. They want better quality, faster turnaround, and to protect their intellectual property. That’s where we excel.” Proudly powering DODSON MOTORSPORT with smart tool vending. Less Downtime. Maximum Efficiency. 0800 808 477 | sales@iscar.co.nz | www.iscar.co.nz MATRIX by Iscar Plus Simpson Western_Business North magazine ad_March 2025_outlined print ready.indd 1 3/03/25 10:26 AM
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