| 69 Carving out a very distinctive niche Covered yards. Workshop (below). Karen Phelps RURAL SERVICES » PlaceMakers - Hawkes Bay PlaceMakers Hastings has carved out a distinctive niche by offering one of the most comprehensive rural supply operations within the wider PlaceMakers network. As one of three PlaceMakers stores serving the Hawke’s Bay region, the Hastings branch caters to farmers, fencing and civil contractors, lifestyle block owners and horticulture and viticulture businesses as well as trade and commercial builders and the general public. “Being in the middle of such a strong agricultural and horticultural region has shaped what we do,” says Alan Robson, PlaceMakers Hawkes Bay Rural Business Development Manager. The store carries extensive stock of fencing posts, timber, wire, netting, gates and associated hardware, ensuring customers can access essential materials quickly along with a large range of other products for the rural market. It also supports more complex rural infrastructure projects including sheep and cattle yards, retaining walls, culverts, orchard and vineyard developments. “We offer everything the rural customer might need,” says Alan. “It’s about being a one-stop shop.” A standout feature of the Hastings operation is its expertise in farm buildings. The store provides a full design-and-supply service for kitset pole sheds, hybrid pole sheds, consent-exempt rural buildings, habitable and non-habitable structures. The team can assist with covered sheep and cattle yards, wintering sheds, hay barns, storage sheds, stables, secure lockups, workshops and carports. “Our commitment to quality means we only use the finest materials sourced from our key suppliers. This ensures each farm shed will be built to last.” Customers can begin the process online by submitting their requirements, after which a specialist follows up to refine the brief. “The key is to have a conversation with the customer about what they want and bringing that vision to life,” says Alan. “We work closely with suppliers and can custom design solutions, whether it’s a hay barn, wintering shed or workshop.” Designs are then produced and costed, with support available for council consents where required. “We can advise on which structures may not need consent and involve structural engineers when necessary,” explains Alan. The store also connects customers with builders experienced in these types of builds who can carry out construction, ensuring projects move smoothly from concept to completion. While its rural capability is a defining strength, the business remains firmly grounded in its broader customer base. It continues to service trade builders, commercial construction firms, joinery and DIY customers. “If our customers’ projects are not successful then our business is not successful. We see it as a partnership,” says Alan. Underlying it all is a team with deep product knowledge and strong supplier relationships. This means if a product is not held in stock the store can often find exactly what a customer is looking for or offer alternative solutions. Efficiency and service are also central to its partnership with customers. Digital tools such as its ‘skip the counter’ app allow trade customers to process purchases quickly. All Wooden Poles, Posts and End Assemblies required for Kiwifruit development and Maintenance 0800 224 759 | sales@bbi.net.nz | www.bbi.net.nz Proudly supporting Placemakers - Hawkes Bay Plywood Timber “If the customers has a trade account and is set up for this service we can scan the customer, scan their product, push go and they are done. This means they don’t have to go to the counter to get their products processed,” explains Alan. An online trade portal enables job pricing and account management for builders. PlaceMakers has also partnered with Farmlands to offer customers great discounts when they shop.
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