26 | REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT PPS Industries Ltd - 50th Anniversary T T Karen Phelps PPS - 50 years and growing strong The business has grown from humble beginnings in a Mangere garage to become a nationwide operation. T T to page 28 “Everyone is open to opinions, views and ideas, from the reps to the management. It’s a collective effort to grow the business.” Both staff and suppliers are credited as being the key reason that distributor of industrial supplies and specialist chemicals, PPS Industries, is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2024. “The strong foundations laid by the founders of PPS Industries, the dedication of its long-serving staff and the quality of its supplier relationships have all played an important part in our business,” says Chris Blagden, one of the current directors. The business has grown from humble beginnings in a Mangere garage to become a nationwide operation, and its story reads like a classic tale of Kiwi ingenuity and friendship. In 1974, Mike Evans and Denis Blagden met while working for another company and decided to combine their expertise to establish Professional Plating Services. Mike, a technical sale chemist armed with local industry knowledge, and Denis, a formulation chemist from Britain, began mixing chemicals for the electroplating and polishing industry from Mike’s’ parents’ garage. The company’s growth trajectory was steady and strategic. From its initial focus on electroplating chemistry, it expanded into metal polishing, cutting, grinding, and metal-finishing industries. By 1977, the operation had outgrown its garage beginnings and established larger premises in Onehunga, building a reputation for high-quality products at competitive prices. Today, operating from a purpose-built facility in Penrose, Auckland, with branches in Hamilton and Christchurch, PPS Industries has evolved into a comprehensive supplier for New Zealand’s manufacturing and engineering sectors. “It’s humbling to grow up seeing my father run the company and then to move up the ranks from sweeping the floors to finally reaching management myself,” says Rob Evans, managing director and son of co-founder Mike Evans, who started working for PPS Industries in 2000 straight out of school. “I’m a big believer in family-run business. It’s a great milestone to reach 50 years and I’m proud that we can still offer the personal touch and react fast to our customers’ needs,” says Rob. The second generation is now firmly at the helm, with Chris, technical director and son of co-founder Denis, joining the business in 2021 after running a successful electroplating chemicals business in the UK automotive sector. “Everyone is open to opinions, views and ideas, from the reps to the management. It’s a collective effort to grow the business,” explains Chris, highlighting the collaborative culture that has become a hallmark of PPS Industries’ success. “Keeping our family-run ethos has been important, including caring about our customers and staff.” With 50 employees nationwide, including 15 full-time representatives on the road, PPS Industries maintains its commitment to faceto-face customer service despite the digital age. “We believe to solve customers’ problems we need to be there in person, build relationships face to face and work out their needs,” says Rob. This personal approach has resulted in strong customer loyalty. “A lot of people say that loyalty’s gone. But the customers and staff PPS Industries has, and the loyalty they’ve given us over 50 years, is unheard of. It’s a big family,” explains Rob. The company’s product portfolio has grown significantly over the decades. It now represents many of the world’s leading brands in cutting and polishing, including Pferd, VSM, 3M and Quaker-Houghton. “Having the best agencies in the world and the quality of products has helped generate this loyalty,” adds Chris. “Also, we are repeatedly told by customers that our service is second to none. That makes PPS Industries the number-one choice in the market.” While maintaining its traditional strengths, PPS Industries has embraced modern business practices, operating both a nationwide sales team and an e-commerce platform. This blend of old and new approaches has helped it stay relevant in a rapidly changing market, say Rob and Chris. AUCKLAND - WHANGAREI - HAMILTON - TAURANGA - HASTINGS - PALMERSTON NORTH - TAUPO - CHRISTCHURCH - DUNEDIN 0800 657 894 www.ppsindustries.co.nz ABRASIVES-POLISHING-PLATING-ENGINEERING SUPPLIES
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