Business Rural Autumn 2023

| 109 WE Perrin is entering a new era Karen Phelps RURAL SERVICES » WE Perrin Ltd Owaka based Perrins Transport is entering a new era but is also carrying on the legacy it has established over many decades. Company co-owner Alistair Perrin has recently retired after nearly 60 years with the company leaving Gary Wynyard to take over full ownership. Gary says it will be “business as usual” for its many long-term and loyal clients with the company name remaining as Perrins. The connection with the Perrin family remains with Alistair’s brother Bill taking on the manager role. Perrins Transport has successfully been meeting the transport needs of farmers in the South Otago region for decades. Because Gary also owns Wynyard Transport in Milton, the two companies work in together to deliver a great service to both their clientele. Covering mainly the South Otago region, the association with Wynyards can give stock transportation reach into the North Island when required. Perrins transports livestock, lime, metal, fertiliser, wool etc. The company has a fleet of stock trucks, bulk units and spreaders offering a full service. It also has small trucks, so no job is too big or too small. Gary says constant investment in the fleet is important to ensure the timely and reliable service customers have come to expect over the past 50 plus years. Blair Mason with Alistair, Bill and Blake Perrin. A Kenworth K200 stock unit. The fleet is backed up by a team of ten including experienced drivers such as Bill’s son Blake and nephew Blair, who are drivers on the stock and bulk units. Bill acknowledges the company’s staff as a big factor in the company’s success over the years: “Our drivers and office staff are our front line, along with the stock agents Perrins has dealt with over the years. They are loyal and we have formed lifelong friendships.” Bill says Perrins also recognises the role the community that supports it plays. That’s why Perrins is proud to donate to and support many local groups and clubs. “They support us and we support them back. That’s what happens in small communities,” he says. Bill acknowledges Alistair’s contribution to the company over the years and says he will be sorely missed although Alistair will still keep his hand in doing a bit of driving. Alistair started in Perrins Transport at the age of 18 in 1970 as a driver. Early on, Alistair started to take on the management of the company moving to a full time management role as the company grew. Bill says Alistair’s dedication has enabled Perrins to be where it is today, still strongly focusing on its customers’ needs. “Loyalty and building relationships, that’s what it’s all about,” says Bill. “We really value our customers. They’ve been good to us and we’ve been good to them. We rely on them and they rely on us. It’s a win-win.” Monday-Friday: 7.30am to 5.30pm Saturday: 9am to 12noon 24/7 call out service 1 Clyde Street, Balclutha 03 418 3100 Proud to support WE Perrin

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