86 | Williams Salvage T T Sue Russell Tow drivers need to be calm, steady The majority of the work comes from engagement with the NZ Police, where often the team is responding to a serious incident. CONTRACTING For just about as long as Waikato vehicles have needed rescuing and towing, Hamilton-based Williams Salvage has been up to the task, offering customers 24/7 service. Owned and operated by Dion and Natalie Ward-Allen, the business works from its depot in Duke Street, Frankton. The couple enthusiastically took over the company from its original owners in 2018, and this year marks a milestone, with the business having been in operation for 61 years and counting. “The owners were looking to retire, and both Dion and I have been involved in the industry for over 30 years,” Natalie says. “We knew this was a business which had grown a strong reputation for high-quality service, reliable responsiveness and attention to detail.” And since getting behind the wheel of the company, Dion and Natalie have doubled its scale, the result of marking their own stamp on the business and slowly building their fleet and their team of experienced drivers. “Our equipment is capable of towing everything from motorbikes or mobility scooters to some of the biggest trucks seen on the roads today. We specialise in salvaging pretty much anything, and if we can’t do it ourselves we have a wonderful network of people who can,” Natalie explains. While the bulk of work is centred in the greater Hamilton city area, Williams Salvage Ltd is equipped to reach much further afield when the call comes in. Natalie takes care of the office and financials, while Dion is very much hands-on and maintaining the fleet of trucks and equipment. “We’re fortunate to have some amazing staff, who have been with us for some time. One has worked in the business for over 40 years,” says Natalie. Referring to the skills and attributes that go into making a salvage expert, Natalie stresses that first and foremost, drivers need to be able to think outside the box. “Being calm and steady-going is a great tool to have in their toolbox, as being in high- pressure situations is not for everyone.” Things can change at a moment’s notice, so being easy-going while being able to work under pressure does pay off, she says. The majority of the work comes from engagement with the NZ Police, where often the team is responding to a serious incident. “This means our staff can be witness to some pretty devastating scenarios. We recently tendered for the NZ Police Waikato-wide forensics towing contract and won this, along with the crash and associated towing tender for the Police in the Hamilton area.” Working in closely with FENZ, NZ Police and most emergency services is par for the course – responsibilities Dion and the team of operators take seriously. Natalie says each day” presents as it does”. Some days the team are run off their feet while others are much quieter. While the sector generally hasn’t changed Real advice, relentless support We always act in the best interest of our clients. It's simple but critical. We are a balanced team of qualified insurance people. We actively encourage collaboration because we understand the benefits it brings to what we do. We support and mentor each other and we work as a team to present the best result. Real advice We work hard to understand your needs and deliver qualified, unconflicted advice. Relentless Support We are honest and we are determined. We commit to deliver on clear expecatations. Real People We are passionate and we make it personal because we care. Ph: +64 7 899 8052 E: waikato@a liated.nz www.a liated.nz 0800 266 628 CALISUZU.CO.NZ YOU CAN COUNT ON US TO KEEP YOU MOVING CAL>ISUZU SUPPORTING WILLIAMS SALVAGE WITH DEPENDABLE ISUZU TRUCKS. WILLIAMS SALVAGE ISUZU TRUCKS radically over the years, the technology employed certainly has. “At the end of the day, though, it always comes down to providing good old-fashioned family-owned-and-operated service,” she says. “We don’t try to compete with cheap towing operators, and we never cut corners, as ultimately this is where others fall short. We’re very proud of our business and the high standards we operate to.”
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=