20 | Nelson Independent Testing Station T T Kelly Deeks Keeping transport operators up to the mark The site features three inspection lanes and an inspection pit, providing capacity for both inspections and compliance work. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Combining technical expertise and strong customer service, Nelson Independent Testing Station is providing vehicle compliance and inspection services that keep the region’s transport operators coming back for more. Established in September 2022 by Gary and Joanne Mullen, the Richmond-based business has quickly become a trusted name for Certificate of Fitness inspections, vehicle compliance work, and regulatory certification across the wider Nelson/ Tasman region. “Basically, if it moves, we can inspect it or comply it,” Joanne says. The business specialises in truck inspections and an ever-increasing number of car and motorcycle inspections. Joanne says demand for compliance services has increased in recent months as reduced import taxes see more imported vehicles arrive in New Zealand. “We’re starting to see some really interesting vehicles coming through, including performance cars and utes.” The journey to business ownership began after Gary’s extensive career in the vehicle inspection industry. A qualified heavy diesel mechanic, he worked in the sector for many years in the UK, and since moving to New Zealand in 2015, he has built many strong relationships throughout the transport industry. After he suffered a workplace accident, the couple used his recovery period to plan their own venture. “Planning started in 2021 while Gary was recovering, and we opened in September 2022,” Joanne says. The move represented a new chapter for the couple, who had emigrated after attending a recruitment convention seeking skilled diesel mechanics for New Zealand following the Christchurch earthquakes. Today, the family business also includes their son, Joshua, who holds a Class 5 licence and contracts to other companies as a driver, as well as assisting with vehicle movements at Nelson Independent Testing Station. “This really is a family business with family values,” Joanne says. “Our clients are our ‘why’, and the reason we come to work every day.” Nelson Independent Testing Station operates from leased premises in Richmond, after plans for a purpose-built facility were considered too costly during the start-up phase. The site features three inspection lanes and an inspection pit, providing capacity for both inspections and compliance work. A key challenge facing the business is finding qualified inspectors. “You need to be a heavy diesel mechanic before you can be trained as an inspector,” Joanne says. “You have to understand how these vehicles work before you can inspect them properly. That’s why heavy diesel mechanics make the best inspectors. They are able to identify problems and understand the systems they are looking at.” Despite operating in a highly regulated industry, Joanne believes customer service remains one of the company’s greatest strengths. Unlike many inspection providers, Nelson Independent Testing Station does not require appointments, allowing customers to arrive when it suits them. “We have a large yard where people can drop their truck off and carry on with their day. We call them when it’s finished,” Joanne says. The flexibility reduces downtime for transport businesses, while helping operators maintain compliance without lengthy scheduling delays. Many of their customers followed Gary when the company opened, valuing both his technical knowledge and practical advice. Rather than simply issuing a pass or fail result, the team provides customers with guidance on future maintenance requirements. “If a vehicle doesn’t pass, we’ll give them a plan. And if it does pass, we’ll give them a plan for what they should be looking at before their next inspection in six months.” Joanne says customers appreciate knowing what work may be required ahead of time, helping them avoid unexpected issues at future inspections. As Nelson Independent Testing Station approaches its fourth year in business, the focus remains on delivering dependable compliance services, while maintaining the personal approach that has fuelled its growth. For Gary, Joanne, and Joshua, success is measured, not only by the number of vehicles passing through the workshop, but by the trust they have built with customers across the region. To contact us, Phone 03 544 8360 or Email info@sdtrans.co.nz 24 Venice Place, Stoke, Nelson 7011 dispatch@liftnshift.co.nz (03) 547 0670 - 24/7 www.liftnshift.co.nz We’re There When You Need Us Your goals, our focus. Proud business partners of the Nelson Independent Testing Station 03 543 7045 www.rrca.nz
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