| 23 Industry Growth Partners T T Nick Walker Growing with purpose The group includes Morrinsville-based BLM Engineering which specialises in structural steel fabrication, heavy transport engineering and the manufacture of Pinto Trailers. REGIONAL Industry Growth Partners has expanded rapidly in recent years, but for directors Shara and Ryan Marra, how they’ve grown has always been just as important as the decisions behind that growth. What began as a business management platform and advisory service has evolved into a group of four businesses supporting New Zealand’s transport and engineering sectors. The group includes Central Diesel Services (CDS), with branches in Te Awamutu, Mt Maunganui, Rotorua and Hinuera, providing mechanical servicing and authorised parts and service support for Mercedes-Benz, Fuso, Freightliner, Detroit and Cummins trucks. Road Transport Compliance (RTC) delivers Certificate of Fitness inspections and vehicle assessments, while Morrinsville-based BLM Engineering specialises in structural steel fabrication, heavy transport engineering and the manufacture of Pinto Trailers. The business is deeply personal for Shara. Her parents owned Hobbs Transport Services, which later became CDS, and she grew up knowing the reality of running a family business. “That was a huge part of our family dynamic, and I want to make sure we keep that family feel. It’s become a bit of a buzzword, but I feel it to my core,” she says. ‘Now, every decision we make is about creating a place where people genuinely want to be, both our staff and our customers. That part of our culture is non-negotiable.” When Shara and Ryan purchased a shareholding in the business in 2012, it employed eight people. They took full ownership in 2022. Today, the group employs around 90 people across seven Waikato and Bay of Plenty locations. “The growth has been significant, but I don’t ever want it to feel too big,” Shara says. “We want to look after our people, grow alongside them and welcome more great people into our family.” That growth has been driven by a vision to ultimately build a nationwide network of businesses that work together to provide customers with seamless service across the transport and engineering industries. “We’re both big goal setters, which has been critical to growing strategically while staying true to what we want the business to be,” Shara says. The journey has also coincided with raising three young children. It’s been a demanding few years, both personally and professionally, but Shara says seeing the impact of the business makes the hard work worthwhile. “I get a real thrill when I see trucks leave the yard carrying structural steel we’ve fabricated that will stand for decades, or when I drive past a vehicle we’ve recently serviced and know it’s helping someone else build their business.” One of the greatest rewards, she says, is watching apprentices become qualified tradespeople. “Seeing young people develop their skills and build successful careers is incredibly satisfying. It’s easy to overlook those moments, but ultimately that’s what we’re here to achieve. “We’re grateful we’ve been able to grow the business our way, while staying true to our values and all the people who have supported us along the way.” • Heavy Vehicle Certification (LT400) & Design • 50MAX Proforma & HPMV Permit Applications • Work Platform & Access Systems • Forestry Equipment & Protective Structures • Hydropower Services • Lifting & Crane Equipment • Expert Witness & Failure Analysis • Mechanical Engineers & CPEng (07) 282 7828 admin@promech.co.nz www.promech.co.nz Promech Consultants are proud to support CDS Ltd BUILDING COMMUNITIES FROM THE GROUND UP SCHICK.CO.NZ | 0800 4 SCHICK PROUD PARTNER Working together with Te Nehenehenui Trust to build stronger communities. EXPERIENCED TEAM Skilled people, modern plant and proven expertise delivering results. SAFETY FIRST Commited to the health, safety and wellbeing of our people and community. QUALITY DELIVERY Building better infrastructure for a better future.
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