Business Rural Winter 2021

104 | Family business Sue Russell D erek Hyslop is proud of the long history of fourth generation contracting company, Hyslop Rural Transport, which he runs with daughter Nadine and her partner John Broekhoff. The business, based now exclusively in Outram, 25km inland from Dunedin, first opened its doors 75 years ago this year, a record of family owner- ship that sets the company apart from many in the district. The company was founded by Derek’s late grandfather Charlie and father, the late Jack, in 1946. In 1948 Wayne’s father, the late Les and brother Fred and Eric Hyslop joined the company, which was then named C.H. Hyslop & Sons. After further expansion and changes,it evolved into Hyslop-Blair Transport. Derek says he joined the family business back in 1980, then in 1994 he formed Hyslop Rural Trans- port with his cousin, Wayne Hyslop, and together ran the new business for 25 years, until Nadine and John joined forces with Derek in 2019. While at its peak, Hyslop’s had up to 40 trucks moving logs, bulk materials, fertilisers, fresh vegetables, even carting milk. Today, Hyslop Rural Transport have consolidated to nine trucks including three fertiliser spreaders with Tracmap GPS, which provides the exact location of fertiliser spread and estimated quantity as specified by their clients. The company transports an array of rural cart- age, livestock, fertiliser and bulk goods, along with seasonal milk, grapes and wool. During COVID, Hyslop Rural Transport worked hard to carry on with business as usual with ad- RURAL SERVICES » Amuri Transport / Hyslop Transport Business as usual but with wider range of services • from page 103 About 60% of the company’s work is handled by seven stock units, with two and four deck configu- rations to maximise loadings. With highly trained drivers, stock are handled competently, ensuring best condition and reduced stress at all times. The combined livestock transport operations of Swain’s and Amuri Transport now experience some collaboration. “We are privy to a lot of back loads, coming from mid and south Canterbury and going up north to Blenheim. Now we’re able to get trucks positioned in the right places for back loads, and more Amuri trucks are coming back loaded than ever before.” Since Eddie took over Amuri Transport on Febru- ary 1st, “there has been a 20% increase in loaded kilometres which has led to a lot more efficiency and a lot more productivity.” Eddie ensures that it is business as usual with the new ownership. “I’d like to think we will only improve the service going forward, and I’ll be getting around to meet as many clients personally as possible.” In Dunsandel, E.D. Swain Ltd offers rural contract- ing, grass silage and hay baling services, and livestock and general cartage. Amuri Transport operates six Spreadmark certified spreading trucks equipped with mapping capabilities. The company spreads both lime and fertiliser and during the winter months, also spreads road grit for the Hurunui District Council. Bulk truck and trailers cart stock feed, lime, fertiliser, gravel, hay, baleage, and any other bulk products on offer. Amuri Transport runs a five-days-a-week general freight run from Culverden to Christchurch and back, with a same day service into the Culverden area and next day into the Waiau and Rotherham areas. A Hiab truck and trailer is also on offer to handle those awkward consignments. Our transactional advisory services team proudly lead the sale of shares and the introduction of Eddie Swain into Amuri Transport Limited. Simon Carey E: Simon@Qalibre.co.nz M 027 665 7088 | Transport sector specialist www.Qalibre.co.nz On-going advisors to Amuri Transport with regular performance monitoring support. On the Farm Mobile Service for all your Rural Needs. No job too BIG or SMALL. 0800 484 725 ditional barriers, as it was their busiest time of the year in the livestock sector. Derek is also very proud of his team, and their track-record of longevity working for the company. “Three of our drivers have now been here for 15 years or more, which is incredible because not only do they know our business and the area inside out, but they have also become such valued and crucialmembers of the team.” And though Derek is the first to admit he’s get- ting on in age, most days, he is still out behind the wheel and enjoying it. While there’s a strong rhythm and flow to their work, Derek says the quietest time begins late Junew, hich gives the drivers a chance to take some annual leave, or for necessary maintenance of the fleet to take place. The business has been loyal to the Mercedes brand for years and today, these trucks make up the bulk of the fleet, with a few Scania vehicles as well. “These modern trucks are expensive, sophis- ticated machines and we place a great deal of importance on maintaining them at peak to perform reliably.” Asked what he puts the success of the company down to, in what Derek describes as a very com- petitive environment, he says that establishing and maintaining long-term relationships strikes at the core of the company’s longevity. “Just like us, we’re working with generational farming families. If you provide a good honest service, these families remain loyal to you, it’s as simple as that. We wouldn’t be here today without the loyalty of our local farmers.” “Just like us, we’re working with generational farming families. If you provide a good honest service, these families remain loyal to you, it’s as simple as that. We wouldn’t be here today without the loyalty of our local farmers.” MILBURN LIME LTD For best results and value see...... Milburn Lime Everytime Tel: 03 417 8228 Email: milburnlime@outlook.com Rep: Gordon Sim Tel: 027 471 5614 Proud to support Hyslop Rural Transport BARRY O’DONNELL IS PROUD TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH Hyslop Rural Transport Moore Markhams Otago 2 Clark Street, PO Box 919, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand T +64 (0)3 477 0032 | www.markhams.co.nz Moore Markhams is a network of independent firms that are each members of Moore Global Network Limited. Member firms in principal cities throughout the world.