TWL: News & Features:

For the Great Outdoors

1 June 04

With a passion to build motorhomes that had that extra special something, Grant and Lynette Wakerley founded Wakerley Motorhomes.

Sharing their vision were Grant’s brothers, Todd and Brett, who joined the company so together they could design and build a range of motorhomes which matched the needs of individual clients, while fulfilling the demands of New Zealand’s great outdoors.

“We really love working in this business and delivering beyond expectation to this unique customer base” says Grant Wakerley, general manager of this thriving Tauranga business.

Grant has identified that the key ingredient to success has been the ability to clearly understand customers unique needs and wants.

“It has always been important for us to understand that our customers are purchasing a home away from home, and as everyone knows, the purchase of a home is one the most major decisions people make.”

“We have learnt a great deal from our customers. Along the way we have stretched our imaginations, and expanded our horizons to ensure each Wakerley Motorhome exceeds the expectations of its owner, be it beds lifting into the ceiling, double slideouts, or a fifth wheel.”

“We don’t build specific models. We find out what you want, then drawing from our series of motorhomes define a unique set of specifications to get you where you want to go.”

The team at Wakerley Motorhomes has spent six years developing a construction system designed around New Zealand conditions. Along the way they have developed a number of motorhome series which share a common overall look, but are packed with features meeting the owner’s individual needs, including the right length to get them where they want to go.

“During construction you’ll see a number of materials not commonly used when making motorhomes in New Zealand. But these materials mean we meet the new seatbelt rules while incorporating other design and safety features” adds Grant.

“Our frames are built from welded aluminium box section then clad in a laminated fibreglass sheet and fibreglass mouldings. Insulation is inserted in the walls, ceiling plus the floor to make your motorhome cool in summer and warm in winter, with the added benefit of a quieter ride. Fibreglass cladding is chosen both for its stunning look plus its ease of repair”.

In recent years motorhome interiors have taken a quantum leap and Wakerley Motorhomes have been at the forefront of innovations in this area.

“We always strive to source the best materials and by using solid timbers such as Teak and Rimu, along with fashionable Melteca, we’re achieving modern apartment-style kitchens and interiors. Of course we’re always open to new ideas and let clients develop their own interior colour scheme”.

“With new products becoming available, exciting developments are still on the horizon, so keep in touch” says Grant.

Wakerley Motorhomes are also the Australasian agents for HWH Corporation – the largest manufacturer of Hydraulic slideouts and leveling systems in the world.

“By combining HWH’s expertise with our enthusiasm we’ve become leaders in creating extra space, without adding length. The Monarch, for example, spreads its wings when both sides extend out for a breathtaking transformation from sleek motorhome to a comfortable level apartment, all within a minute. And it couldn’t be easier with all leveling systems and slideouts simply operated from inside the motorhome.

The reasons for Wakerley Motorhomes success is something that Grant is adamant about.

“Alongside listening to our customers, a team approach has been absolutely crucial” says Grant. “Products are only as good as the people putting them together. And that is the key to our success. With nine fulltime staff – split into an engineering team, and a finishing team– we have an impressive range of skills which enables us to continuously build top-of-the-line motorhomes.

As a qualified panel beater, Grant started the company because building motorhomes 'couldn’t be too hard' – little did he, or his wife Lynette and their children Hannah and Kay, know what they were getting into. Today Grant is relishing the challenge to follow their original vision while continuously growing the company and their product lines.

There is no doubt that Wakerley Motor Homes is very much a family business.

Grant’s brothers Todd and Brett play all important roles as production manager and sales manager, respectively.

As Mr Fixit in the family, Todd could always be found pulling things apart and then getting them back together again, working better than ever before. As a qualified fitter/turner with exceptional knowledge of all things electrical and mechanical, Todd was the obvious choice for production manager.

Brett joined his brothers with 15 years in sales experience after being somewhat astounded by the innovative motorhomes his brothers were making.

“I could only jump at the chance to sell their creations. Packed with so many features unavailable to our competitors. I see an exciting future with demand continuing to outstrip production for many years to come” says Brett.

Rounding out the team is the engineering team led by Kelvin, and a finishing team under Andrew.

TWL’ Tauranga territory representative, John Dempsey has built a strong relationship with the Wakerley team on the back of a wide selection of products utilized in the production process. This includes; fifth wheels, king-pins, suspensions, hubs & stubs, Hella lighting and back-up cameras.

If you’re ever in the neighbourhood, then call in to their construction facility at 6 Tangmere Place, Greerton, Tauranga. They’d be more than happy to show you just how they do things. Just call Brett Wakerley on 07 543 4331 to make an appointment.

Hard Work & Detrmination

1 May 04

A ‘know how, can do’ & highly innovative attitude has seen Metalcraft Engineering revolutionise glass transportation in New Zealand, and now - Australia.

Today, most of the vehicles specifically kitted out to handle glass cartage on New Zealand roads originated from Metalcraft’s Christchurch workshop. The company is now widely regarded within the industry as Australasia’s premier specialists in glass transportation technology and export sales to Australia are underway.

“When you consider that glass is just a mixture of refined silica (sand), soda and lime cranked up to 1510 degrees celcius, it’s a miracle that it even exists in the first place. So, in the past it was no surprise that transport operators least wanted to see glass on their manifest” says Metalcraft managing director, Bryn Thompson.

“Back then it was a case of put it in the back and hope for the best for transport operators. Obviously this was a situation that was perilous at best, but there were no viable alternatives”.

Metalcraft identified the opportunity early on and set about offering solutions to the industry and thereby developing a niche market.

“It was very much a case of a ‘know how, can do’ attitude, and an ability to solve the problems presented to us by our clients. We don’t put anything in the too hard basket, nothing is impossible” says Bryn.

For Bryn the past 13 years have been both exciting and extremely satisfying.

“There have been many challenges over the last decade for Metalcraft and absolutely none that were insurmountable”.

Starting off, Bryn got his grounding with Southern Cross Engineering at the tender age of 15 where he received what he regards as ‘exceptional’ training. This was followed by time in the United Kingdom where he worked his way up to charge-hand at Johnson Engineering, a leading producer of road-sweepers. At its peak the company was producing up to 50 road sweepers per week.

Back in New Zealand, Bryn found few opportunities similar to those in the Uk, so as a 25 year old fitter / welder he decided he was ‘good enough to go it alone’.

In September 1991, Metacraft Engineering Co Ltd was founded by Bryn and his wife Samantha. Within the short space of a week Bryn had met his first client and the business was underway.

That first client was another young business, GlassTech, and since that time both companies have grown to become industry leaders. The relationship with GlassTech provided the catalyst for growth, with increasingly demanding challenges offered to Metalcraft.

“We progressed from building basic factory trolleys and racks, through to fitting out utes and vans with external glass framing racks” says Bryn. “As the vehicles got larger, the technology got more complicated. Eventually we were accepting cab and chassis trucks, with all body-building and fabricating moving completely in-house.”

In 2001/2002 this work culminated with the production of New Zealand’s first 12.6 metre rigid truck-mounted glass hauler (built on a test permit) and first dedicated semi-trailer.

“The truck based unit for GlassTech, an Isuzu CYJ340 8 x 4, is capable of carrying up to 14,500kg of glass and represents the leading edge in truck-based glass cartage” says Bryn. Since this date three more 12.6metre units have been manufactured and an additional unit is currently in production.

“Alternatively, the Pilkington Glass ‘semi’ represented a major departure from conventional thinking and created a huge amount of interest. This was on the cutting edge of what is possible - anywhere in the world.”

Because glass is a ‘tricky’ product to handle and safety is of ‘paramount importance’, Metalcraft have been very pro-active in consulting the users of their products. From the big name companies, such as GlassTech, Pilkington and Metropolitan Glass, to the drivers, loaders and floor staff – Metalcraft have placed great emphasis on ‘listening’ as the key ingredient for product development and company success.

“Because of this no two trucks are the same, each has an improvement over the previous model” says Bryn. “I’ve found it an exciting industry. Our clients demand quality, we work with companies that want the best, and we take steps to make our products better.”

This commitment to continuous improvement saw Metalcraft researching on a global scale. This led to a strong association with Supertrucks UK in 1997, one of Europe’s leading glass transportation manufacturers, which assisted in the initial design of the Metalcraft glass carriers. But as with the nature of New Zealand’s small size, Metalcraft have aimed at versatility. Relatively small domestic volumes also required vehicles capable of carrying everything.

Versatility has seen Metalcraft develop significant added-value to its business. This includes the development of warehouse storage systems for glass and an area of the business focused on such diverse items as catwalks, metal gardenware, and architectural metalwork such as stairways. These complimentary segments of the business have met much success but the core developmental focus remains on glass handling.

Metalcraft now employs 18 staff from its Christchurch premises and has built up close working relationships with North Island companies –Tradesman Motor Bodies of Glenfield, Auckland and Hale Manufacturing in Wellington. These companies will install van systems and undertake product maintenance in their respective regions as well as providing a point of call for North Islanders.

Metalcrafts strategic alliance with BGE in Australia has also provided excellent growth and huge scope for future development.

“We produce world-class glass handling equipment, and I see that the international markets will become more important as time goes by,” says Bryn.

Bryn has a strong philosophy to building strong relationships with clients as well as suppliers.

“Our view is that we want to provide a complete package to our customers, and alternatively we expect our suppliers to have that attitude as well. Much like links in a chain – we make each other stronger and can take New Zealand business forward”.

Metalcraft Engineering has been a valued customer of TWL for many years and more recently one of TWL territory representatives, Pat Maguires, key customers.

“Metalcraft is definitely an innovative company to work with” says Pat, “and we look forward to playing a role in Metalcrafts exciting future.”

Contact: www.metalcraft.co.nz

Prev 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9