| 93 Three decades for Renwick Transport Sue Russell It’s been about a year since Rural South had the opportunity to catch up with Jen Hall and Jax Smith from Renwick Transport / Renwick Spreading, a business they’re proud to have taken over from their parents and make their own. “We took over 5 years ago and were determined to see the company continue to thrive. It’s very hard work in the sectors we operate in, but equally just as satisfying to see the business’s legacy evolve, with our imprint as directors,” says Jen, who concentrates the bulk of her time on the fertiliser spreading division, leaving Jax to oversee the general freight & HR management of the company. To say they’re proud is an understatement, given just what’s involved in keeping the business ticking along positively. Jax joined the company back in 2005, followed by sister Jen three years later. In 2009, Renwick Transport purchased BTL General Transport to add more scale to the business. Based in Renwick, Marlborough, the company has been going about its business for 31 years and counting. Last year, blowing out 30 candles on the cake was celebrated in fine style, with a party at Giesen Sports Centre, an event enjoyed by staff, clients and suppliers alike. Compared to some major players in the sector in the region Jax says, the company’s current size and scale suits their situation well, especially given the tough economic realities impacting it’s bottom-line. “It’s been a really tough and challenging time and there’s an increase of empty running out there. With the cost of living and interest rates, money just isn’t moving around the sectors we service so much at the moment. Given this, I’m pleased with our place in the market and the quality of the service we offer our clients.” Relationships, both agree, are really vital. Both in the freight and fertiliser divisions Jen and Jax have RURAL SERVICES » Renwick Transport Ltd ensured they’ve developed strong relationships. “We’ve also enjoyed a good season in servicing the vineyards in our region. They have spent a little more on fertiliser than expected. We do have our quieter times, but its encouraging to see this sector making the necessary investments to keep their businesses in good shape.” Asked about the team working with them, both Jen and Jax agree, their drivers lie at the heart of the company’s ongoing success. “We’re very fortunate to have some long-standing drivers who are extremely skilled. They generally stay in their own gear, working to their strengths and we have a wide range of operators. We value them very much as we know that skilled drivers these days are hard to find,” says Jax. Last year, fertiliser truck operator Hayley Allen received commendations from within the industry in the form of the Ravensdown Young Achiever Award, something both Jen and Jax says was thoroughly deserved. “Hayley operates our big spreader and really enjoys going to some wonderful remote places most people don’t have the opportunity to ever see. She’s continuing to blossom and has so much passion for her work,” says Jen. A fleet manager looks after the ongoing maintenance of the truck fleet, while the majority of linehaul equipment is under warranty and servicing is outsourced In all 19 staff, 17 on the tools, work in the company and both Jen and Jax agree they love the size of the business as it currently is. “We know we’re a bit of a thorn in the side of some of the bigger players in our game. Our team have a real passion and determination for what it takes to succeed.” Jen and Jax both agree there’s no intention to get any bigger. They know their staff and their clients really well and consider the company is operating at the right economy of scale to remain competitive and resilient. Proudly supporting Renwick Transport Ltd 0800 222 203 www.mainfert.co.nz Mainfert, suppliers of sustainable and organic nutrients to the viticulture sector Pelletised fertiliser delivers nutrients precisely while reducing waste. From Vineyards to the High Country, the little guys can be tailored to your farm’s needs. cplimesolutions.net.nz Renwick Transport Ltd A trusted pellet partner Tiny Powerhouses The company’s current size and scale suits their situation well.
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