| 55 “Our wood chip run means our admin side has taken off.” Major growth area has been woodchip Scott says his rural background from Taumarunui and Emily’s Hawke’s Bay farming experience helps the business understand clients’ needs. Kelly Deeks Palmerston North based Wheeler Contracting is continuing to expand its transport, excavation, and bulk material services, with strong local demand for woodchip, animal bedding, and rural cartage work seeing the business steadily scale its fleet and capability to meet growing volumes. A major growth area has been woodchip and byproducts, with Wheeler Contracting now taking over the full removal contract from Mitchpine Products to cart all of its residual materials. Wheeler Contracting owners Scott and Emily Wheeler say volumes have increased significantly and the company has invested in larger trucks and improved efficiency. Recent investment includes a Scania truck purchased in February with capacity up to 110 cubic metres, allowing fewer trips and lower operating costs compared with the smaller 60 cubic metre units. Alongside transport growth, Wheeler Contracting has added a larger excavator for farm maintenance, tree work, and general earthworks, supporting a growing rural client base. The company now operates eight trucks and two diggers, up from a single machine when Scott first began contracting after working as a diesel mechanic. Scott says his rural background from Taumarunui and Emily’s Hawke’s Bay farming experience helps the business understand clients’ needs. The couple now operate from a 15 acre home depot. Animal bedding and compost barn material supply has become a key part of the operation, with postpeelings and woodchip used in more than a dozen composting barns across the region. “These systems are growing quickly in this part of the country because farmers are dealing with wet conditions and looking to improve effluent management and reduce feed wastage,” Scott says. Wheeler Contracting also supplies forestry roads and roading projects with bulk postpeelings, offering higher volume cartage efficiency compared with traditional metal. Local supplier relationships remain central, with Scott highlighting support from Rural Tyres and Pirtek for rapid breakdown and maintenance support. “We like dealing with local companies where you can pick up the phone and deal with the owners,” Scott says. “They are great to deal with, they have a vested interest in our business, and are a huge part of the success of what we do.” Wheeler Contracting also maintains a strong relationship with Mitchpine Products as it manages ongoing wood byproduct logistics from its operations. Seasonal work includes silage cartage, grain harvesting support, and bulk freight, with a fleet of specialised trucks adapted for multiple roles throughout the year. Wheeler Contracting employs five staff full time and brings in a couple of seasonal workers during peak periods, with Emily now taking time off from driving and focusing on administration and yard RURAL SERVICES » Wheeler Contracting TIMBER POSTS & POLES Landscaping Supplies PROUDLY SUPPORTING WHEELER CONTRACTING We are proud to support the team at Wheeler Contracting Ltd 8 Proud to Work Along side the team at Wheeler Contracting For Their Hydraulic Needs. PH: 06 323 3740 operations since the arrival of their first child last August. “Our wood chip run means our admin side has taken off,” Scott says. “We have more customers and we also supply other contractors, so Emily is playing a big role keeping everything moving, including a bit of loading out of our yard.” Now firmly positioned as a versatile rural contractor across transport, excavation and agricultural support services, Wheeler Contracting continues to invest in its fleet and capability, with strong ongoing demand pointing to further growth across the Manawatu rural sector.
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