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The new JLG Industries branch in Mount Wellington, Auckland was officially opened on March 31 with an event well attended by JLG customers and media who were more than impressed with the new facilities.
“We have a great team here in New Zealand, and that’s been the driving force behind implementing many new initiatives so successfully,” says Andrew Satterley, JLG Industries vice president – sales, marketing and customer support Asia Pacific. “Opening the new branch solidifies our commitment of increasing our service levels to JLG customers in New Zealand. Being able to provide the support customers need to keep their businesses running was the primary reason for the expansion,” he adds. Branch Manager Graeme Hicks oversaw the move, which is a continuation of JLG’s growth that began with the opening of its branch in Otahuhu five years ago. “Relocating to the new premises greatly increases our service capabilities,” says Graeme. “A complete computerised upgrade of spare parts arrangements and stock holdings will expedite deliveries and further minimise machine downtime for customers.” From dark to daylight
JLG Industries began producing its locally designed lighting towers, the 6308AN and the 4108AN, at a development facility in Port Macquarie Australia in 2002. As the demand for these towers has increased, the range has expanded and JLG’s line-up of high-efficiency lighting towers provides the ideal illumination solution. The recently added 6308AN-6 and 9308AN models feature six lights instead of the traditional four, creating a much wider dispersion of light. JLG lighting towers are recognised for their robust construction, ease of set-up and features such as an articulating mast and minimum maintenance. Whenever possible, JLG source components and materials from local suppliers. Mining and hire companies are among the more frequent purchasers of the easily towable units that are assembled on a rugged steel chassis. Their versatility in application has also seen JLG light towers used on road construction sites and many outdoor events. The majority of lighting towers manufactured by JLG are 6000 and 4000 watt models, although a limited number of custom-built models have also been produced over the years. These include an 8000-watt model and a unit equipped with hydraulic outriggers. With the addition of the new six light 9000 watt 9308AN models, JLG now provides a complete range to suit all customer requirements.
Optional equipment includes an additional noise suppression package, a spark arresting muffler, 240 volt AC outlet for power tools and a user selectable shutdown timer. On selected models an automatic start/stop timer control with user programmable start/stop duty cycles is incorporated. An ‘engine distress management system’ detects high engine temperature, low coolant level, low oil pressure and in event of failure will shut down the engine to prevent damage. The move is the latest in a series of major upgrades across Australia and New Zealand which is part of the access equipment leader’s increased focus on customer service and support across all facets of the company. “We are lifting our response to the needs of JLG equipment users all over New Zealand,” Graeme says. “We’ll achieve this not just by relocating to larger, more modern premises, but by also creating a warehouse facility able to increase its service response wherever JLG access equipment users are located.” The relocation coincides with a rapidly growing customer base and strong surge in local demand for the company’s products from end users, civil and commercial construction companies and the hire industry.
“Being on a major arterial makes site access easier for larger vehicles and trucks to enter and exit, alleviating congestion and making the site safer for visitors and staff,” says Graeme. “The workshop houses a three tonne plus a ten tonne overhead gantry crane. These will enable our technicians to complete major inspections as well as scheduled and unscheduled service repairs and machine rebuilds much more efficiently and safely.” When it came to deciding on a new site Graeme says, “It had to cater for an increased contingent of machinery, enable us to stock and display a wide range of aerial work platforms, and incorporate a larger spare parts storage area, showroom and sales office. “We’re confident that from the new branch, the expertise we provide, commitment to client service and proximity to our customers, we will continue to experience tremendous growth throughout New Zealand.”
Contractor Vol.34 No.4 May 2010 |
The opening of the new facility is a quantum leap forward for JLG Industries in New Zealand.
Ensuring the onsite safety of night crews remains the highest priority in the civil and commercial construction sector and other industries, which has led to mobile lighting towers from JLG Industries becoming a preferred choice among managers and workers.
Each light fixture allows individual tilt and rotational adjustment of the light head, together with hydraulic tilt of the complete light bar assembly. For power saving flexibility the lights are separately switched.
At over two and a half times the size of the previous branch, the 399 square metre office includes the parts office and showroom. This is complemented by a 1350 square metre workshop as well as a container storage area.