36 | Products and solutions Waikato Bearings are authorised SKF distributors, world leaders in rolling bearings technologies, power transmission and lubrication solutions. Waikato Bearings Limited T T Sue Russell REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Ben Bamfield is the first to say his bearing and engineering equipment business in Hamilton is driven by the values that underpin working as a team and being just like a family. Waikato Bearings are authorised SKF distributors, world leaders in rolling bearings technologies, power transmission and lubrication solutions. Since 2020, when Ben and wife Renee bought the company from its founders Jocelyn Marston and the late Jeff Hensen they’ve worked hard to add value and seize opportunities to grow to the scale it is today, with a team of seven ‘problem-solvers’ currently. “We have a strong engineering bent to our company. We’re much more than a supplier of existing technologies and pride ourselves on offering solutions to our customers to assist them with their tooling, engineering and machining and production needs.” Ben says it’s this ability to understand what customers need for their specific situation and to deliver products in a timely efficient way, maintaining close communication throughout that makes the difference. “We’re very much about establishing longterm relationships with our customers, not just supplying an existing product for their one-off needs. It’s about understanding value-add and being there to supply a range of engineered solutions and products, that sets us apart.” The company supplies all manner of bearings along with power transmission (v-belts, timing belts, pulleys, chain, sprockets and couplings), mechatronics technologies, seals, condition monitoring products, lubrication and custom designed solutions. Ben says it was when customers sought help to solve engineering problems that the business really began to diversify. “It was at this stage that another sales person joined and I stepped more into the technical work, so when Renee and I bought the business there were lots of strings to our bow.” While essentially a bearing company, Ben points out that the reality of what crosses his desk is much wider than that. “It’s mechanical engineering. We also consult and offer guidance on new designs and builds to OEM’s (original equipment manufacturers), helping make their machines work. We also cater for a lot of fixed plant and supply lubrication systems from hand-held to fully automated.” Key customers have been a major contributor to the company’s growth and success. Ben cites machining business ‘TurnTech’ who got in touch when they were setting up their own company. Derek is a fantastic machinist. Absolutely brilliant. His attention to detail is second-to-none and he understands it’s our name on the products he makes for us. Whenever we give him something to make or modify his turnaround time is amazing. His workshop really delivers for us each and every time.” Another valued relationship exists with Tridon NZ Ltd, part of the Tridon Australia group of companies, focussing on supplying tools and technologies to the automotive, industrial and hardware sectors. “Tridon specialise in a lot of bearing tools – anything to do with installing or removing bearings. They also supply Toledo tools which are top quality and priced very competitively. We’ve increased our range of Toledo products given demand from our customers.” Waikato Bearings has been a licensed SKF distributor for 20 years, though SKF’s journey stretches back over a century. “The majority of what we sell carries the SKF brand. It’s one of the best brands worldwide and they’re great at supplying services and technical back-up.” And really sound business support has come from Future Focus, a small accounting and business advisory firm who, Ben says, have been absolutely fantastic. “If we’ve got any issues around contracts or just want some solid advice to strengthen the company, Future Focus are there with great advice in an excellent timeframe. We’re not waiting around and can get on and implement their words of wisdom quickly, which is something we really appreciate at a business level.” Dedicated Bearing & Power Transmission Specialists Supplying All Types of Industry P: 07 850 6155 E: sales@waikatobearings.co.nz Get In Touch waikatobearings.co.nz 11 Northway Street, Te Rapa, Hamilton ]Y'BO)S )SYO) ]YBO CNC Machining, CAD Design & Prototyping Commitment to Excellence, from start to finish At Turntech NZ we provide high-quality, accurate components machined to customer specification from prototype to continuous production runs. We specialise in machining small to medium sized components of varying complexity from a range of materials, such as engineering plastics, special steels, aluminium, stainless steel and more. turntech.nz enquiries@turntech.nz +64 7 849 0249
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