| 69 Workwear supplier streamlines operations T T from page 66 “Our medium-term objective is to strengthen our position as a leading provider across the South Island.” CONTRACTING Road Materials Workgear Consolidating the operation into one site creates efficiencies, especially with logistics, and enhances the team environment across the business, plus there has been an unexpected benefit, Calum says. “Even customers we’ve dealt with for a long time, I don’t think really understood the scale and capability that we have. Bringing a few of them through has allowed them to see firsthand the range and complexity of the services we offer.” This fact is clearly reinforced by Road Materials Workgear’s website, which offers many thousands of stock items across workwear, hivis, corporate, headwear, footwear, site safety and accessories from around 120 suppliers. This is in stark contrast to the hugely limited choice available a few decades ago when safety and PPE gear was purely functional. “Now there’s a real crossover into fashion, with many big brands rolling out comprehensive workwear ranges. Customers will regularly come in to buy gear for the worksite, the boardroom, and the after-match function. For example, there’s hundreds and hundreds of options of polo shirts and pants. tThere’s just so much choice.” While having such a comprehensive range is a considerable asset, the management recognises the company’s success hinges strongly on the quality of their people. “Our retail team’s and account managers’ product knowledge, along with their ability to engage well with people and provide a quality service will continue to be fundamental to our offering,” says Calum. Road Materials Workgear opened its new, purpose-built site for Central Otago in late 2019, and this part of the business is also going from strength to strength, with the region “very much in a bubble” economically. While the pre-Covid timing of this opening was not ideal, the subsequent bounce-back created a lot of growth and helped consolidate its position in the region. Through its four territory account managers and many supply contracts, Road Materials Workgear has a presence throughout New Zealand, which Calum and Alison credit to Roger and Anne’s business acumen and relationship building over many years. In terms of future possibilities, a next “natural” step for the business would be expanding into Christchurch. “This is something we’ve considered for a long time,” says Calum. “Our medium-term objective is to strengthen our position as a leading provider across the South Island. With established operations in Dunedin and Central Otago, expanding into Christchurch would significantly enhance our regional coverage and capability. “Watch this space – as Road Materials Workgear continues to move forward with exciting new developments.” #*' . ! լ +-*0 .0++'$ -. *! '*/#$)" /* * / -$ '.լ 0) $) ) -*(2 ''ի 222ի2#*' . ! ի *ի)5 www.wholesafe.co.nz TRIED. TESTED. PROVEN. johnbull.co.nz BUILDING THE FUTURE. blundstone.co.nz
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