| 61 Supporting the ag sector in Rotorua Kelly Deeks RURAL SERVICES » Truck and Tractor Services Rotorua Truck and Tractor Services Rotorua is playing a steady and increasingly important role in supporting the agricultural sector in Rotorua, with a renewed focus on growth under the next generation of ownership. Established in 2004, the business has spent more than 20 years servicing and supplying tractors and farm machinery to local farmers and contractors. Now, with Kelvin Acutt and his wife Amber stepping into ownership alongside Kelvin’s parents and founders Doug and Jacqui, the company is entering a new phase while maintaining its strong family foundation. Kelvin says the transition has been a natural progression, shaped by years of hands on experience within the business. “I used to sweep the floors here when I was about 10 years old,” Kelvin says. “I did my apprenticeship here, went away and gained experience in other local businesses, then came back when we bought into the business last year.” That outside experience included a role as service manager at a local Hyundai and Isuzu dealership, which Kelvin says helped reshape his understanding of business operations and customer expectations. Truck and Tractor Services Rotorua has made a strong start under the new ownership, with early sales reflecting improved confidence in the dairy sector. Kelvin says there is a clear intention to further strengthen the company’s position within the agricultural sector, particularly by building stronger relationships with contractors. “We’ve always done trucks, tractors, and everything in between, but agriculture is our niche. We want to grow that side of the business and work more closely with contractors.” He says the contractor market is competitive, but emerging machinery options are creating new opportunities. “There are some exciting developments coming through from Deutz in the next 18 months to two years, with more modern machines, better comfort, more cab layout options, and higher horsepower.” Kelvin says today’s younger farmers and contractors are also changing how purchasing decisions are made. “They’ve already done their research online before they even walk in the door. That works in our favour because they’re making informed decisions, rather than just relying on what a salesperson tells them.” Truck and Tractor Services Rotorua supplies and services brands including Deutz, Kioti, and JCB, and operates as an independent dealer for Power Farming New Zealand. The business services all makes and models, supported by a team Kelvin describes as highly skilled and committed to ongoing learning. “Technology is moving quickly. I’m only 31, but there is technology coming in now that makes me feel like I’ve got to keep up,” Kelvin says. “Our team is really engaged with that. They are mechanics through and through and they’re always learning and figuring things out.” Despite the focus on growth, Kelvin says maintaining the family values the business was built on remains central. “This business has always been about relationships. A lot of our customers have been with us for years, and now I’m supplying machinery to farmers I used to milk for when I was young.” Chartered Accountants and Advisors of Choice Proud supporters of Truck and Tractor Services www.bwtl.co.nz 1168 Amohia Street, Rotorua, New Zealand Ph 07 347 0579 | Fax 07 347 0576 Carrying on the family name is something Kelvin takes seriously. “It’s a legacy. Dad always told me I represented our family every time I walked out the front door, and that carries through to the business. We go above and beyond for our customers because that’s what we stand for.” Mike Moa; one of Truck and Tractor Services Rotorua’s main customers. AD AGRICULTURE LTD Round Baleage, Hay & Conventional Bales Reliable agricultural contracting for local farms and landowners. Proud to support Truck & Tractor Services Rotorua Alistair Dinniss 027 229 8325 al.dinniss@gmail.com
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