6 | Containers mark a change of direction from page 4 Normans TRANSPORT Adapting to growth - page 8 www.hanes.co.nz hanes.eng@xtra.co.nz 0800 8299753 For all your forklift servicing and maintenance requirements Charlie and Marie set up in Tahuna, establishing a depot and celebrating their first 10 years in business. In 1980, the Normans bought a Scania for $97,000 and for much of the next 10 years, it was used to transport livestock. In 1984 they bought their first new Volvo, and a few years later bought a curtain-sided semi-trailer and a LEES 20’ sideloader to cart containers. This marked a critical change of direction for the business. “Containers were first carried on behalf of the New Zealand Dairy Board from Tatua Dairy Co-op to the nearby rail siding, and the Morrinsville and Waitoa dairy factories soon followed,” Adam says. “Some days there were up to 40 containers at each site that had to be swapped with empties off the train wagons.” The 1980s was a decade of significant change for Normans, as it shifted from livestock to general cartage and containers, and set the scene for the growth that would follow. The 1990s were more of a settled time at Normans. The business moved from its rural location in Tahuna to a 10 acre greenfields site at Murray Road, Morrinsville in 1992, and had completely transitioned away from livestock into general freight. “This shift was driven by changes in farming,” Adam says. “Seasonal work that had previously run for eight months of each year fell to four months as more sheep and beef farms converted to dairying.” Work with the New Zealand Dairy Board continued to grow, and in 1993, Normans built its first dairy-board approved warehouse, covering 1100sqm. Within five years and with 15 trucks, Normans had outgrown its Murray Road site, and moved to Avenue Road where the company’s head office and depot have since been located since 2001. Today, Normans is marking 50 years in business with a fresh new look and a new, head-turning unit. Refreshed branding reflects Normans’ growth and changes with a simplified logo featuring a slanted N to represent the business moving forward and the efficiency the team brings to the job each and every day. It circular infinity logo reflects how Normans is continuously on the move and always improving its service to its customers. Normans has also added a special and unique unit to the fleet, finished in bold metallic gold to mark its 50th anniversary. Basing the flagship build off the top of the line Scania R650 tractor unit, packed with an imposing 650hp engine and all the modern creature comforts, this unit is destined to turn heads. Adam says Normans’ 50 years of successful operation is a credit to the positive relationships it has with its clients, some of which exceed 30 years, as well as trusted industry partners and suppliers, together with the team of fantastic employees who fly the company flag each day. With the second generation cemented in the business and a strong management team in place, Normans isn’t looking to slow progress any time soon. Normans has added a special Scania unit to the fleet, finished in bold metallic gold to mark its 50th anniversary.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=