|
|
In late 2008, David Lee purchased Nationwide Equipment and Power Plant Supplies in a management buy out from the New Zealand Rental Group. The company had been looking to separate its rental business from its retail business and David, who was employed as the general manager of the retail division, realised it was the opportunity he had been looking for and stepped up to the plate. “Having been in the industry for 20 years and in managing the brands for three years, I knew how great an opportunity this was so I couldn’t resist going to the board and suggesting they sell the businesses to me,” he says. “For them it was an ideal solution and they were very supportive of me and my ambition.” In April this year, David created the NZ Equipment Group, an umbrella company for Nationwide Equipment (NEL), Power Plant Supplies (PPS) and a new business, NZ Compact Machinery (NZCM). Each of these companies are separate trading entities with specialist teams to provide sales and service. Nationwide Equipment is the New Zealand distributor for Takeuchi, one of the first brands of mini excavator introduced to the Kiwi market. The range of Takeuchi equipment also includes skid steer loaders and hydraulic breakers. For the past 20 years, Power Plant Supplies has distributed, installed and maintained power generating equipment throughout New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. Its products include Selwood Pumps, arguably the best in the world; Cummins generators, another world leader; and Himoinsa generators, which are number one in Europe. Recently PPS was appointed the New Zealand distribution for Weir electric submersible and mining pumps and the Power Safe brand of portable electrical distribution boards and cables.
With the acquisition of the Wacker Neuson distributorship and the establishment of the NZ Equipment Group, a branch was opened in Christchurch to sell and service the complete range of products. “We now have a complete range of compact machinery products to have a viable and sustainable business in the South Island,” says David. “Our brands really are world class,” he says. “Takeuchi is now arguably New Zealand’s leading mini excavator, Wacker Neuson has been developing and continuously improving its equipment for 150 years, Selwood Pumps and Cummins are a global leaders and Himoinsa is well respected internationally. “Together, Nationwide Equipment and Power Plant Supplies along with NZ Compact Machinery offer a range of quality equipment for the construction, contracting, utilities and equipment rental industries throughout the country,” says David. Purchasing a business in the heart of a global recession may be viewed as a risky move by some, but to David it was a golden opportunity.
“I’ve always maintained that the company is just the name above the door and it’s the people that make the business. I’m very proud of my team, and the fact we’re a Kiwi business. “We are now in growth mode, as shown by the acquisition of the Wacker Neuson distributorship and establishment of the South Island office and warehouse, and I believe there are strong growth prospects for all our brands.”
Contractor Vol.34 No.8 September 2010 |
Proud to be Kiwi-owned businesses, 
NZ Compact Machinery opened its doors after being appointed the exclusive distributor for the Wacker Neuson brand. Wacker NZ was closing and wanted to leave its products in the hands of a proven Kiwi equipment distributor. David’s years of experience and the strength of NEL and PPS were an ideal fit. Wacker Neuson products include compactors, rammers, breakers screeds, vibrators, drills, hammers, saws, pumps, lights and heaters.
“Other than wanting to be master of my own destiny, the brands really are global leaders,” he says. “That, combined with the experience and expertise of the NEL, PPS and NZCM staff, made me realise that it was an ideal time to consolidate and set up a firm business base.