Business North September 2020

62 | Volume 19 | Issue 3 businessnorth TRANSPORT » Bulk Lines • to page 64 Growing firm keeps local connections The Bulk Lines premises in Otorohanga. The company was formed in 1963 as Otorohanga Transport. Karen Phelps Diesel workshop meets the needs of local operators HTSL Diesel Mechanical (HTSL) originally started out as Hobbs Transport Services in December 2003, the business was started as the owners saw an opening for a diesel mechanical workshop in the Otorohanga area to service local transport companies including Bulk Lines Ltd. Like many local businesses, such as Bulk Lines, HTSL is family owned and operated supporting the community by employing and contributing to the local economy. Previously all mechanical services for the transport industry were completed outside of our local community. Bulk Lines and other transport companies have been fundamental in the growth of HTSL which enabled us to see the demand in our eld and we successfully opened our independent Certi cate of Fitness (COF) service to compliment what we already offer. “Operating in a small town, we know our customers and their driver’s by name, we have a sound understanding of what our customers do and of their business so we know their requirements,” says Ryan Marra, company director at HTSL. HTSL are an authorised Cummins agent, who also have diagnostic equipment on site to be able to connect to a large range of vehicles including ABS and Trailer EBS braking systems. With Bulk Lines having a base in Te Awamutu along with new customers using our COF service in Otorohanga, HTSL saw the opportunity to open a new branch in Te Awamutu in early 2021 to complement the services that Otorohanga offer which will include a COF lane and full workshop with a 24/7 call out service. Ryan said also the team are skilled mechanics supported by ef cient of ce personal, everyone at HTSL are hardworking, honest and take a real pride in what they do. N ew Zealand owned company Bulk Lines is one of the largest bulk transport companies in the country but has still managed to retain a personal approach. “The rural sector likes to deal with someone down the road rather than a call centre in a big city,” says national transport manager Charlie Telfer. “It’s about having local people on the ground and maintaining a local connection but with the backing of a large organisation.” Bulk Lines has branches in Mt Maunganui, Auck- land, Otorohanga, Feilding, Stratford, Nelson and Christchurch meaning drivers and teams are ready to assist customers locally. The company also extends this local connection to sponsoring schools, groups and sports teams. “It’s good to be able to give back to the people that support our business at a grass roots level,” explains Charlie. Bulk Lines has a long history. It was formed in 1963 as Otorohanga Transport, cutting its teeth on stock and general cartage. Through natural growth and acquisition the fam- ily owned company has developed and diversified over the years to provide a range of logistic solu- tions for a varied customer base across the country, while still holding tight to its rural roots. Bulk Lines services include bulk, container, tanker and blower transport. With around 100 units based across the country Bulk Lines has the capacity to meet customer demand, says Charlie. Our list of mechanical services in Otorohanga includes: • DIESEL ENGINE REBUILDS • GEARBOX SERVICES AND REBUILDS • DIAGNOSTIC FAULT FINDING • WHEEL BEARINGS • ELECTRICAL REPAIRS & UPGRADES • BRAKE SERVICING & REPAIRS • GENERAL SERVICE • PVA & COF CHECKS