| 69 AUTOMOTIVE Bell Mechanical T T Nick Walker Young firm enjoying steady growth “I’ve got an awesome team in the workshop. They take a lot of pride in what they do, and I wouldn’t have been able to grow the business to where it is today without them.” Six years ago, with the full backing of his wife Rebekah, Hayden Bell started Bell Mechanical with little more than a loan against the family mortgage, a second-hand ute and a handful of tools. Today, Bell Mechanical is about to move into its own purpose-built heavy diesel workshop in Matamata. Hayden employs five staff and works throughout the North Island. He says it’s proof that hard work, strong relationships and a reputation for doing the job properly count for plenty. “I always wanted to have my own thing. The worst-case scenario was that it didn’t work out, but I think I’m too stubborn to let it fail.” Navigating the early years of the business through Covid wasn’t part of the plan, but, if anything, it created an unexpected opportunity. As a heavy diesel mechanic servicing the transport industry and essential services, Hayden could continue operating while other businesses slowed down. “We kept quite busy, and actually picked up clients through that period.” From the beginning, much of Bell Mechanical’s growth has come through word of mouth. “You do great work for someone, they tell the next person, and it grows from there,” Hayden says. “Hinuera Rugby Club has been great too. A lot of the older heads gave the young fulla a chance and said, ‘Come and look after my digger or my tractor.’” Those relationships opened doors across the transport, earthmoving, agricultural and marine sectors. A long-standing partnership managing Super Air’s fleet of around 40 loader trucks has also played a major role by providing consistent work and supporting the company’s growth. The next chapter is taking shape near Matamata, where the new workshop is under construction. Hayden hopes the team will move in within the next few months. The building has been designed specifically around the company’s workflow. At 24 by 18 metres, it’s around four times larger than Bell Mechanical’s current premises. “It’s nice being able to design and build something exactly how we want it,” Hayden says. “Efficiency is everything. When the workflow and tools are set up properly, it saves a huge amount of time and significantly increases what we can achieve. It’s going to be awesome.” The move has been reinforced by the acquisition of NZ Heavy Diesel Services’ client base, which has provided additional work to support the company’s next stage of growth. “We were going well, but we just needed that little bit more. It wasn’t exactly ideal timing, but I couldn’t say no. In the end, it validated the decision to go ahead with the new workshop.” Hayden is also quick to acknowledge the team behind Bell Mechanical’s success. “I’ve got an awesome team in the workshop. They take a lot of pride in what they do, and I wouldn’t have been able to grow the business to where it is today without them.” Looking ahead, Hayden says the larger workshop and continued growth won’t change the straightforward formula behind Bell Mechanical’s success: “Be good buggers, do good work, and everything else follows.” Bell Mechanical is about to move into its own purpose-built heavy diesel workshop in Matamata. 027 840 2211 office@bellmechanical.co.nz Our Services: Heavy Diesel Servicing & Maintenance • Workshop-based and onsite support for trucks and machinery. Auto Electrical Repairs • Qualified auto electricians for all electrical and wiring needs. Air Conditioning Services • Expert installation, servicing, and repairs for all systems.
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