Business South February 2026

| 31 T T Russell Fredric Equipment maker committed to local Rex Industrial Equipment supplies 1500 product lines covering wheels and castors, handling trolleys, industrial access and storage products, forklift and crane attachments, racking, storage, and conveyor systems to name a few. Rex Industrial Equipment REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT A New Zealand manufacturer with more than 70 years history, Rex Industrial Equipment remains one of the country’s leading suppliers of materials handling solutions. Remaining proudly 100% family-owned, the business has grown to include the third generation, Alex and Nick, working under the leadership of their father Peter as chief executive. The Blackett family has guided the company since 1986, when Alex’s grandfather Bruce took ownership and set its long-term focus on Kiwi manufacturing. Rex Industrial Equipment supplies 1500 product lines covering wheels and castors, handling trolleys, industrial access and storage products, forklift and crane attachments, racking, storage, and conveyor systems to name a few. “Materials handling touches almost every industry. Whether it’s a warehouse, a workshop, a retail store or a small local business, almost everyone needs reliable equipment,” Alex says. Setting Rex apart is its commitment to New Zealand manufacturing; around half of all products are made locally, and the company has deliberately rejected offshore production. “We manufacture all our hand trucks, most of our steel trolleys, platform ladders and conveyors in-house. We also manufacture around 70 castor types still made in New Zealand. We’re constantly innovating new designs to meet the changing needs of our customers.” This customer focus is deeply embedded in Rex’s operations. In addition to standard product lines, its team frequently adapts designs or develops bespoke solutions to meet specific requirements. “Quality and service have always been the foundation of our success. Our customers know they can rely on us, and that loyalty is something we value enormously.” To strengthen its New Zealand-made offerings, Rex works alongside trusted, long-established suppliers known for reliable products, most recently adding the East West Engineering range. East West is recognised across Australasia for its exceptional quality, competitive pricing, and comprehensive selection of certified crane and forklift attachments, along with a wide range of material-handling equipment. “Quality and service have always been the foundation of our success. Our customers know they can rely on us, and that loyalty is something we value enormously.” Rex’s manufacturing operations are based in Auckland, where the company runs a fully-equipped facility featuring state-of-the-art CNC bending and machining, robotic welding, manual TIG and MIG welding. High-quality raw materials and rigorous quality control support a 12-month guarantee across the entire product range. This manufacturing hub is supported by branches in Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin, enabling strong nationwide service and customer support. Backing the workshop operation is an experienced in-house design team skilled in tackling complex challenges across many sectors. Whether it’s a single bespoke job or a complete materials-handling fit-out for an entire site, Rex applies the same commitment to practical, durable, New Zealand-made solutions that stand the test of time. “We have no intention of moving manufacturing offshore. There is absolutely a place for local manufacturing in New Zealand, especially in our industry. We want to support New Zealand businesses, just as they’ve supported us for decades.” Also at the heart of the business is its core people-first philosophy. “For us, it’s always been about our team and our customers. They’ve been loyal to us because we’ve always done our best to do right by them. That will always be at the forefront of who we are.” Industrial Wheels are proud to have been associated with Rex Industrial Equipment for over 20 years supplying all types of wheels, tyres and other associated products. For excellent design, manufacture, customer service and your nearest stockist contact us today. 07 849 4794 sales@industrialwheels.co.nz

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