68 | RURAL SERVICES » Sinclair Transport Good team, good clients and good gear The company offers comprehensive services including fertiliser spreading, stock transportation and bulk and general cartage covering baleage, fertiliser, stock feed and store-to-store transfers. Karen Phelps Good team, good clients and good gear add up to 20 years of successful business for Sinclair Transport. 2025 marks the 20th anniversary of the company that was started in 2005. From humble beginnings with just one fertiliser spreader, the Southland-based transport company has grown into a significant regional operation with a fleet of 21 trucks including livestock vehicles, bulk transporters and fertiliser spreaders. In 2020 the business moved into a purpose built yard and workshop. “Head down, tail up, doing the work and delivering service has meant growth,” says Kelvin Sinclair. Kelvin’s father Lyall was an integral part of the operation over the 20 years until his recent passing. “It’s business as usual but it’s left a gap. He had 35 years’ experience and knew every paddock and customer. He’s left some big shoes to fill and is going to be missed by the customers,” says Kelvin reflecting on his father’s legacy. The company’s ownership structure has evolved over the years, with brothers Kelvin and Glenn along with Lyall having initial ownership before restructuring in 2015 and long-term employee Murray Sinclair (no relation to Kelvin) buying into the business. The firm is now owned by Kelvin, Murray and company administrator Janine Boniface. All owners bring valuable agricultural backgrounds to the business. Kelvin grew up on a local sheep and deer farm, while Murray was raised on farms in the region and maintains his own sheep and beef operation. Murray’s experience as a former owner-driver and livestock company proprietor adds further depth to the management team. Janine likewise grew up on a farm and brings over two decades of transport industry experience. “Over the years we have had to adapt to what the customer wants,” says Janine. “Farming has changed a lot but having that knowledge of how it all works certainly helps.” The company continues to invest in its capabilities recently adding two new bulk units and a stock truck to its fleet, which is now seven dedicated full time stock units. Another significant acquisition is a John Deere tractor with an Amazone fertiliser bin bringing the spreading fleet up to six. “This allows us to sow longer in the fringes of the season when it’s wetter, as the tractor stays on top of the ground better than trucks and leaves a smaller footprint,” explains Murray. YOUR ONE STOP SHOP FOR ALL ENGINEERING PROJECTS WHETHER BIG OR SMALL Heavy Equipment Forestry / Agriculture TicketedWelding Transport 14 Lindsay Street, Winton 9720, New Zealand Ph: 03 236 0132, Mob: 027 444 1351 or 027 742 1557 www.bulleidengineering.co.nz Boost Pasture Performance with BIOFISHTM NPKS $695 per ton. Call for a free consult: 021 779 919 • to page 70 Technology has transformed the business over two decades. Its fertiliser spreading operations now run on Tabula software and are Spreadmark certified, offering variable rates and widths. “This allows for precision saving farmers money and is better for the environment,” explains Murray. When asked about the secret to two decades of success, the owners quickly emphasise service and relationships.
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