84 | Diversity drives towing company’s growth While towing remains at the core of PARKS’ operations, the company has evolved into a comprehensive and diverse services provider. AUTOMOTIVE PARKS Towing T T Karen Phelps As PARKS Towing approaches its centenary, the Christchurch-based company shows no signs of slowing down. Founded in 1925, PARKS has grown to become New Zealand’s towing industry leader, offering a diverse range of services. The company has expanded to a staff of over 100 and more than 75 trucks, plus a large number of support vehicles. Stuart Gerring, PARKS general manager, alongside his brother David Gerring, operations manager, whose parents Rob and Ruth own the company, says that PARKS made a significant move by acquiring an existing business in Wellington last year, marking its first major expansion outside of the South Island. This strategic decision not only broadened the company’s geographical reach, but also enhanced its nationwide linehaul capabilities. “We now manage local pick-up and drop-off in Wellington in-house rather than using a supplier. Our customers now have one company, one provider in Wellington,” Stuart explains. While towing remains at the core of PARKS’ operations, the company has evolved into a comprehensive and diverse services provider. Its 24-hour towing and vehicle- recovery service is complemented by a state-of-the-art automotive centre in Hornby, Christchurch. This facility caters to both commercial and private vehicles, offering everything from routine maintenance to complex repairs. One area of rapid growth has been the company’s engineering department. “Our engineering department grew from hiring one engineer post-Covid and now has five engineers. “This allows us to take care of our own engineering requirements, but also offer an array of services to customers in-house including certified welding, fabrication, and custom work. “We can bring our experience of being transport operators and understanding downtime is costly. When designing and building new equipment we come from that operator perspective so we bring that to the table as a value add for our customers.” The company’s diversification strategy has proven crucial in stabilising workflow and adapting to changing market conditions, says Stuart. “With the towing division of the business we start the day with next to no work booked in. So by diversifying into other related and key areas this has helped to stabilise our workflow.” PARKS’ service portfolio now includes heavy recovery and towing, breakdown roadside assistance, commercial fleet servicing, machinery transport, linehaul services, and even short-term and long-term vehicle storage. This comprehensive offering positions PARKS as a one-stop-shop for automotive needs, saving clients time, effort, and money, says Stuart. The company’s growth is not just about expanding services but also about enhancing efficiency and customer experience. PARKS has invested in cutting-edge technology, including a custom-designed software system and live GPS tracking, to ensure seamless and efficient operations. As PARKS approaches its 100-year milestone in 2025, it stands as a testament to the power of adaptation and innovation in business. Stuart says the company remains true to its founding spirit of innovation and service, ready to “take the problem away” for customers across New Zealand. He emphasises the company’s commitment to professional service has been a key differentiator and big factor in its longevity and success: “Our dedication to excellence, combined with a century of experience, positions PARKS well for continued success in the future.” “We can bring our experience of being transport operators and understanding downtime is costly. When designing and building new equipment we come from that operator perspective so we bring that to the table as a value add for our customers.” World Moving and Storage Christchurch Trust us with your next move. We make moving easy. Local, National, International. 0800 496 753 Worldmoving.co.nz Vicki@worldmoving.co.nz
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