A.I.S. Feature

W E N

O

E N W

S R

ADVERTISING FEATURE FEBRUARY 2018

P I H

2

Farming

www.guardianonline.co.nz

A.I.S. FEATURE

All the changes through the ages Sue Newman

SENIOR REPORTER

Ashburton Implement Services (A.I.S.) today is a very different company to the one founded in 1951.

Its birth came on the back of the International Harvester Company developing a network of independent dealers across New Zelaand.

Bob Burnett, (Burnetts Motors Ltd) was a customer of International Harvester, purchasing trucks and construction equipment, and was offered the franchise and together with three other businesss leaders Bob Woodham, Maurie Wall and Cyril Bonnington formed the company, Ashburton Farm Services.

The business consortium applied for the International Harvester franchise for Mid Canterbury and while this application was successful, the name, Ashburton Farm Services was turned down by the Companies’ Office. Instead they decided to register their new business as Ashburton Implement Services (A.I.S.).

In its early years, the business moved several times from Burnett Street, to the corner of South and East Streets and then in 1953 the East Street garage owned by Drummond and Etheridge, the site were Repco now trades from, came on the market and was purchased

by A.I.S..

The company operated from this site until 1997 when the new purpose. Built workshops in the Riverside Industrial

Park were opened. During the years on East Street.

The company grew and purchased the properties fronting East St from Grey St. Up to Walnut Ave. A showroom to sell cars, was built and Peugeot, Renault, Rambler and Jeep vehicles were sold, followed by Suzuki motorcycles.

From the outset A.I.S. proved to be a strong business.

The company’s annual report in 1957 indicated the company had a very successful year’s trading selling 30 hay balers, 34 mowers, 3 combine harvesters, 17 side rakes and 22 tractors.

Expansion continued and as the size of the machinery increased, so too did the need for greater floor space.

In 1996 plans were developed for a new building on the current site and this was completed in 1997.

IDL - Your local experts in transport

iDL

Independent Distributors Ltd

15 JB Cullen Drive Ashburton 03 307 1447 admin@idltransport.co.nz

IDL IS PROUD TO SUPPORT AND BE CLOSELY ASSOCIATED WITH A.I.S.

www.guardianonline.co.nz

At that time the company was servicing trucks, tractors and harvesters. At that time the company prided itself on having the most modern oil dispensing and greasing facilities in town.

The business continued to grow and as well as a sales point for the International Harvester franchise it also became a fuel depot for several years.

A.I.S. FEATURE

Expansion plans also included a relocation, to land the company bought on the corner of Walnut Avenue and East Street. This never eventuated and the site was leased.

Skateranch, (now Ashburton Toyota) was built on what was the old Europa Oil depot site.

When the company celebrated its 50th birthday, manager Geoff Wall (son of founding owner Maurie Wall)

said the company took huge pride in its motto “we service what we sell�.

The company had built its reputation on quality service and quality staff, he said.

Maurie Wall managed the company until 1986 when Geoff Wall took over as manager.

In 2005, John Woodham purchased the shares in A.I.S. and Andy Ruck was appointed manager.

In later years A.I.S. expanded its reach and established branches in Gore, Invercargill and Nelson.

These were progressively sold during the years the company was owned

by John Woodham and the business continued to trade under management until sold to Dan Rushton in December, starting another page in its history, one that sees it move back into the hands of an owner-operator.

Partners s s e r g o r P In Contact us for all your contracting needs:

0800 QUIGLEY office@quigleycontracting.co.nz www.quigleycontracting.co.nz Sales | Baling | Cultivation & Drilling Forage & Beet Harvesting | Effluent

3

Farming

4

www.guardianonline.co.nz

A.I.S. FEATURE

Local business back in family hands Life for local business Ashburton Implement Services (A.I.S.) has just gone a full circle.

It was founded in 1951 as a family business by the late Maurie Wall and a group of investors and later run by his son Geoff; 66 years later it has once again become a family owned business.

When Dan Rushton took over the owner’s reins in December, he realised a dream he’d been nurturing since he walked into a workshop as an apprentice mechanic in 2002.

And like the business’ founder, Dan is a family man with a young son he hopes will one day become his successor.

Between the Wall family and Rushton family ownership, the business was run under management, but new owner Dan says he’ll be a hands-on owner, happy to slip out from behind his desk, don his overalls and pick up the tools whenever and whereever he’s needed.

Along with a small group of investors, Dan became owner of the business on December 21. He admits that with a young baby on board, and a holiday planned (one that had to be cancelled) the timing wasn’t perfect to take on a business that will require most of his waking hours, but when you’re offered an opportunity that is one you’ve been hoping for, for years, you don’t say no.

“I got tapped on the shoulder by one of the investors. He said here’s an opportunity, do you want in. I knew I had to grab it.”

Ashburton Drycleaning & Laundry Service

The new generation of A.I.S. From left - Ashleigh, Max and Dan Rushton.

PHOTO RUSHTON MARKETING

The other investors were involved in the rural sector and had been looking at building a workshop to service their vehicle fleets.

A.I.S. came onto their radar, Dan came

Export quality seed processing When only the best will do

For a Complete Seed Processing Service

Congratulations to Dan and his team.

We are proud to support A.I.S.

to mind as a mechanic who had proven experience with large vehicles and the deal was done.

“For me this was such a great opportunity, getting my own business

Including: Weighbridge, moisture testing, drying, storage, precision processing, registered MAF officers, packaging, container loading and cartage.

Specialising in export quality processing of: • Vegetable Seed • Grass Seed • Cereals • Clover • Brassicas • Pulses

“

Healthy seed is the basis for healthy crops.

“

“We wish Dan and his team all the best with their new venture”

For all your industrial and commercial cleaning.

Servicing Ashburton for 33 years.

3/668 East Street, Ashburton Phone 308 7638

Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm

Smallbone drive Ashburton Phone 307 8383 Fax 308 1497 Email office@siseed.co.nz

Locally owned Locally owned and operated

Proudly supporting A.I.S.

and operated

T

R

A

N

S

P

O

R

T

L T

D

Phone 308 4079

Visit our website www.ruraltransport.co.nz

We wish Dan and the team the very best for the future.

Proud to service farming and industry in Mid Canterbury

www.guardianonline.co.nz

A.I.S. FEATURE

“

had always been on the cards and I was just waiting for the right thing to come up and this is it.”

Becoming owner-operator of a heavy vehicle servicing business means he has

the best of both worlds – running his own business in an industry he loves.

He brings a wealth of experience to the business, ranging from an apprenticeship in Christchurch with

And when it comes to ensuring the business will maintain a high profile in the community, Dan won’t have to look any further than Ashleigh who runs her own marketing company.

Landpower, a company he worked with from 2002 to 2008, before signing off and heading to Australia to work in the mining industry followed by several years with a prominent local rural business. During his time in Australia, Dan’s base was McKay but his workplace ranged across vast areas of northern Queensland.

“I worked on all sorts of gear over there. I’d get a call and go round heaps of different mine sites.

“I remember one day driving for 12 hours into the bush to work for 10 minutes before driving 12 hours back,” he said.

Regardless of distance, farmers simply wanted their gear fixed.

Working days in the mining industry were long – 80 and 90 hour weeks – but eventually they took their toll and Dan decided to head back to New Zealand.

At that point working in Ashburton was not on the radar.

“When I got back I gave my old boss a call. He said he could have something in Ashburton. I didn’t really think Ashburton would be the town for me, but I took the job and I look at it now and I’m glad I did.

I never thought within 10 years I’d be married with a child and own my own business.”

Dan knows he has a lot on his plate over the coming years as he builds his heavy truck servicing and repairs business up to the standard he wants, and he knows the hours will be long, but he also knows that he’ll always be making time for his wife Ashleigh and 10 month old son Max. They’re number one.

And when it comes to ensuring the business will maintain a high profile in the community, Dan won’t have to look any further than Ashleigh who runs her own marketing company.

For all your hydraulic requirements you can trust Hydraulink Mid Canterbury 24hr, 7 days a week

The Hydraulink team wish Dan and the team at A.I.S. all the best in their new venture.

39 Robinson Street, Ashburton Phone 308 8848 | Mobile 027 223 0105 Email: dan@hydraulinkmc.co.nz | www.hydraulink.com

ENGINEERING ASHBURTON LIMITED • General engineering and repairs • Aluminium welding and fabrication • All farm machinery repairs • Design and build to your requirements • Certified welding for your truck and trailer repairs • Sheet metal cutting and folding up to 4mm capacity • From one-off repairs to full overhauls on your fleet

For quality service phone Zane Rich on 027 460 4084 Proud to support the team at A.I.S.

26A Robinson Street, Riverside Industrial Park, Ashburton

5

Rushton Marketing

PROUDLY PROVIDING A.I.S. WITH MARKETING SUPPORT (till death do us part!)

While I can‘t get hitched to you, I can help your business grow through creative, innovative marketing.

Contact me, Ashleigh, to find out how www.rushtonmarketing.nz 03 307 7274

6

Farming

www.guardianonline.co.nz

A.I.S. FEATURE

A.I.S. in action When it comes to keeping the wheels of the district’s trucks rolling, the team of experts at A.I.S. have the skills in their tool kits to ensure whatever needs fixing under the bonnet or under the chassis is fixed – and stays fixed. As truck and trailer experts in spares and repairs they go the extra mile to ensure clients’ vehicles are back on the road in record time. And if that means working long hours and odd hours the A.I.S. team will do it, they understand that having a truck off the road is counted in income lost for their clients.

Above - Rini diagnosing an engine fault.

Above - Tom teaching Daf about a brake system.

Above - Putting the pieces back together.

Above - Working on a booster.

Helmack – your truck accessories specialists Proudy supporting A.I.S.

Call Paul on 308 4867 today for more information 92 Dobson Street, Ashburton Phone 308 4867 Mon-Fri 7am-5pm; Sat 8am-12pm

Mainland Coachwork

are manufacturers of custom built Horsecoaches and Floats

We are pleased to support A.I.S. and wish them well for the future

19 JB Cullen Drive, Ashburton Phone (03) 307 8353 - info@mainlandcoachwork.co.nz

IS PROUD TO PROVIDE

LUSK ENGINEERING LTD Proud to be associated with Dan and the team at A.I.S.

A.I.S. WITH...

• Alarm Monitoring • Alarm Servicing • Fire Extinguisher Servicing • Patrols & Alarm Response Services

Phone 03-308 2410

Cal l to d ay f o r a f re e qu o t e 0 8 0 0 3 0 8 8 5 4 w w w .mgf i re s e cu ri ty.c o . n z

www.guardianonline.co.nz

A.I.S. FEATURE

What A.I.S. clients have to say

“

I’ve dealt with Dan in his previous employment and he was great to deal with. We had a naughty baler and he always pulled a trick out of his hat and got it repaired for us.

A.I.S. always looked after our two trucks and B-Trains and the service was bloody good.

“

I’ve found Dan very obliging and he goes the extra mile to get trucks repaired, even after hours, when we’re really busy.

He just makes it work and he understands that’s what we need when we’re really busy.

It’s great, prompt service.

You call them and they say bring it in straight away, they provide such good service. They always get the job done, and Tom in the workshop, he’s great to deal with, nothing is ever a problem.

“He recognises that time is critical for us and he knows we can’t have trucks off the road for long. Nothing is a problem for him and his staff are fantastic. I’d thoroughly recommend A.I.S. to any one.

Rodger Smith, Rodger Smith Contracting

Jarrod Ross, Ross Brothers Transport

Happy to support Dan and the A.I.S. team in their new venture.

For all new and used truck enquiries please contact us

“

A.I.S. has been very reliable, as well as very quick and efficient, every time we have dealt with them.

The team goes out of its way and provides a service second to none.

Our company would be lost without them. We are very happy with them and highly recommend them.

Butch, Wallace Group

Roger: 03 307 6401 027 223 0406 Or Bailey Smith 027 824 9968

DRILLABILITY…..

You can COUNT ON!

8 Waterloo Road, Sockburn, Christchurch Ph 03 349 0044 (24 hrs) www.cvc.co.nz

LEVELER CULTI DRILL

MID CANTERBURY’S HYDRAULIC SPECIALISTS

6M JOHN DEERE 750A DIRECT DRILL

Parts you can trust with a service to keep you going Quality on-call service available Locally owned and operated Wishing Dan and his team at A.I.S. all the best for the new venture.

Spool valves from valve oil leading supplier of Walvoil hydraulic products and components.

Call Justin Bennett 027 5301 272 Nigel Wright 027 530 1275 Shop 24/7 03 308 9778 104 Moore Street, Ashburton justin@martinbennett.co.nz

6M VADERSTAD TOPDOWN - PLUS ROLLER DRILL OPTION

Proud to support Dan and his team at A.I.S.

7

8

Farming

www.guardianonline.co.nz

A.I.S. FEATURE

Staff profiles Dan Rushton

Thomas Wilson

Dan took over ownership of A.I.S along with two other directors in December 2017. Having spent the last 15 years as a mechanic, starting as an Apprentice Mechanic and moving through to being Regional Service Manager for a wellknown agricultural company, the challenge of business ownership and the prospect of creating a legacy for his family saw him take up this opportunity.

When he’s not at work Dan enjoys spending time with his wife and son and tinkering in the garage.

Tom is our amazing workshop manager.

He’s been fixing trucks and trailers here for almost three years. He tells us that he loves everything A.I.S but if he had to pick a favourite job it would be Diagnostics.

Tom is really passionate about high quality work being executed and makes sure that every job performed in the shop gets his seal of approval.

When Tom isn’t at work he can be found doing sporting activities like mountain biking, skiing and having a game of rugby with the boys!

Jeff Rapsey

Barbara Cook

Born and bred Ashburtonian, Jeff, is our resident genius when it comes to all things parts and he loves everything truck and trailer.

He took the time to tell us that he loves being part of a good team that know how to work together.

When Jeff isn’t hard at work you can find him catching all the big fish, playing tennis exploring the hiking tracks or getting stuck in the vegetable garden.

Barbara is our amazing office lady and has been with us for 18 months. Barb is passionate about the motor industry and helping our customers find what they are looking for when they come in.

Barb loves the atmosphere that comes with working at A.I.S and says all the guys are really great to work with.

When Barb isn’t hard at work in the office you can find her at the speedway soaking up the action, in the garden or sitting on the deck with a glass of vino!

WORKSHOP MANAGER

MANAGING DIRECTOR

PARTS SPECIALIST

RECEPTION ADMINISTRATOR

Paveco.

Your concrete specialists.

A.I.S. services all our Paveco trucks and provides great service. Congratulations Dan on your new business.

Call Paveco for all your Residential, Commercial & Rural concreting needs.

13 Robinson Street, Riverside Industrial Estate, Ashburton Phone 03 307 6466 – www.paveco.co.nz

Ashburton Powder Coating & Sandblasting are proud to support Dan and his team at A.I.S. 26 Robinson Street, Ashburton Ph: 03 308 9888 A/H 03 308 8097 E: Max19@xtra.co.nz

Proudly supporting A.I.S.

www.guardianonline.co.nz

Cameron McCormick

Daf Philp

Cam has been a mechanic 14 years and is another one of our talented heavy diesel mechanics.

Cam loves getting amongst the trucks here at A.I.S and is a real motor enthusiast.

He‘s all about everything truck and trailer related and thinks the other fellas here at the shop are a pretty good bunch.

When Cam has time off you can find him playing rugby or cricket, having some family time or doing a bit of fishing.

Daf loves the banter that goes on here at A.I.S and tells us that the rest of the guys are a really good group of lads to work with.

He loves the challenge of working here and working on all the different trucks that come in.

When Daf isn’t getting stuck in to work he can be found on the rugby field scoring tries and having some beers with the lads after winning the game.

Rene Garcia

John Schofield

Rene is one of our passionate heavy diesel mechanics.

He loves working in the workshop and keeping busy.

He enjoys fixing all types of machinery and can’t get enough of the action in the workshop!

When Rene isn’t at work he can be found at home in his own workshop tinkering on projects, relaxing with friends and having a good old fashioned after work beer.

John is our Jack of all trades here at A.I.S and has been with us for roughly 10 years. He’s a wealth of knowledge in all things A.I.S and tells us that he enjoys the job itself because there is always something interesting to be done plus he tells us the rest of the crew aren’t bad and the clients are pretty great too!

When John isn’t in the workshop he can be found tramping, mountain biking or spending time with the apple of his eye the grandies.

HEAVY DIESEL MECHANIC

(APPRENTICE) HEAVY DIESEL MECHANIC

HEAVY DIESEL MECHANIC

Insurance work Insurance Work Insurance Work

9

A.I.S. FEATURE

GENERAL HAND

IT’S THE TIME

OF THE YEAR

to work on your vehicle maintenance

Your local VTNZ is just around the corner

VTNZ ASHBURTON

393 West Street, Ashburton, Canterbury 7700 | Ph 03 307 8510 Mon to Fri 8am–5pm | Sat 8am–12pm | Sun CLOSED

SPECIALISTS IN Panel beating and spray painting, horse trucks, farm machinery, certified seat belt installer, light engineering repairs, refurbishing and maintenance of trucks, buses, motor homes, caravans, trailers, jet boats, fibre glass repairs, rust repairs and panel work.

SERVICES INCLUDE: CoFB · All Entry Certification · WoF (Saturdays only)

DRIVE IN TODAY

For all your bus, truck and maintenance needs, call us today.

No bookings needed

We are proud to support A.I.S. Phone: 307 0378 | Mobile: 0274 274 007 17 Range Street, Ashburton | Email: busandtruckbodywork@xtra.co.nz

vtnz.co.nz | 0800 88 88 69

Irrigation Pump Sheds/Storage These sheds are made to be easy to install with the middle piece of roof iron having been left off for easy Hiab onto your concrete pad. A 50mm overhang has been allowed to fit over your concrete pad so that you have no leaks.

There is hex bird netting over the ventilation gap across the front. Made from quality H3 90x45 framing timber and finished with either zincalume or your choice of colorsteel.

Sheds can be made standard or to your individual requirements.

All sheds are made to order and individually priced - large & small we make them all!

Adams Sawmilling Co Ltd ISPM 15 accredited for Export Pallets

Malcolm McDowell Drive, Ashburton Ph (03) 308 3595 Fax (03) 308 5649

10

Farming

www.guardianonline.co.nz

A.I.S. FEATURE

Building a business Looking to the future, Dan Rushton knows the key to

Dan sorting out a breakdown.

PHOTOS ASHBURTON GUARDIAN

As new owner of A.I.S. Dan believes that the business has been marking time, rather than growing, over the past few years, but he believes as hands-on owner-operator there is every reason for that to change.

“We’re already seeing quite a lot of returning customers as we get out and start talking to people. The fact that the business has dipped a bit gives us an opportunity to build it back up to where it should be,” he said.

The focus of Dan and his team will be on ensuring every vehicle leaving the workshop leaves with all work completed to the highest standard.

“I’m absolutely passionate about making sure gear is turned out properly, making sure when people come into our workshop their gear is fixed 100 per cent. I’d rather do six trucks a day 110 per cent rather than 10 at 90 per cent,” he said.

Across the heavy truck servicing industry nationally, Dan believes there is not enough focus on quality; repairs have become more about quantity than quality, he said.

A.I.S. has a service agency for both Nissan and Iveco vehicles but will

service trucks of all makes, models and sizes.

“Whatever we service, it will be about providing top notch service.”

And that service involves opening on Saturday mornings and working outside ‘normal’ hours if that’s what a client needs.

All service staff have their own company vehicles and that means they’re much more available to clients than they would be if they were using pool vehicles, Dan said.

“We’re on call 24/7. It pays off.

We did a job for a new customer out of hours. He was delighted and two more of his vehicles have come in.”

His goal is for A.I.S. to become a one-stop servicing and repairs shop for heavy truck owners, individuals and businesses with a large fleet.

He’s now structuring a system that will ensure his customers know when their truck needs to be serviced and he’s planning to develop a process for clients that will help them plan ahead to ensure every part needed will be in store when the truck hits the workshop.

“We have around 12,000 part lines in store.

For all your general engineering requirements you need Ashburton Engineering Ltd

Value and professional service A family tradition since 1934

Ashburton Engineering LTD is Ashburton’s premier engineering company for design, fabrication, machining, supply and service of a large range of high quality products.

Products and Services • Customising • Design • Fabrication • Structural Steelwork

• Repairs • Turning • Certified Welding

•

Auto electrical service and repair Air conditioning specialists Tait, Hytera and GME stockists Batteries for all vehicle types Powertool sales and repairs A range of LED lightbars and worklights Battery chargers and jump start packs

Proud to support Dan and his team at A.I.S.

Ashburton Engineering are happy to support Dan and the A.I.S. team in their new venture.

ASHBURTON ENGINEERING LTD

• • • • • •

Cnr Bryant & Laghmor Rd, Ashburton Phone: 03 308 9725 Mobile: 027 244 9009 Email: ash.engineering@xtra.co.nz

Rolleston 825 Jones Rd ph 03 347 3476

Ashburton 80 Kermode St ph 03 308 7234

Timaru Battery Service 45 North Street ph 03 688 6800

www.newlands.net.nz

www.guardianonline.co.nz

A.I.S. FEATURE

11

on outstanding service growing his business can be summed up in two words – GREAT SERVICE. “We will begin preparing in advance by ringing clients a week before their service is due so we can make sure they receive a good and cost effective service. An extra $10- here and $10 there all adds up for a customer.”

Currently he has a staff of seven, including four mechanics, but he’s keen to grow that number. Two new mechanics have come on board since he took over the business and if there are any out there looking for work, he’d like to hear from them. Finding good mechanics is a challenge, Dan said.

“Quality staff are everything. This place would be nothing without its people – that’s what our business is -

we sell labour and we sell parts.

We’ll build our reputation on people and on service.”

He has one apprentice and over the coming months is keen to add another.

“We’re always actively hunting for staff.” While truck servicing and repairs will be A.I.S. main focus, Dan is already looking at ‘bolt-on’ services he can add to the business such as carrying out Certificate of Fitness checks in-house. He’s also keen to look at working with companies with large numbers of trucks to bring these onto a servicing rotation plan.

“We plan to be pretty proactive,” he said.

Dan didn’t waste any time making changes. On day one he called in the tech team and changed the computer system. A major undertaking.

“My team has been amazing at getting this new system up and running and the technical people worked really hard, even over the Christmas break. They went above and beyond, but it’s critical for us that we have a good system in place.”

The new system meant details of about 10,000 customers had to be moved over along with 7000 email addresses.

Dan knows the hours will be long over the coming months. He’s at the

workshop from 6am until 6pm most days, but said his number one focus will be hitting the road and drumming up new business and new customers, one truck or a fleet of dozens.

He knows the future will be packed with hard work and long hours, but he also knows that future is packed with opportunities and possibilities.

As an owner who is also the man behind the desk and often the man on the workshop floor, Dan believes that knowing the boss is approachable and easy to find is a big plus.

“You don’t have to go through a manager to talk to me. I’m right here.”

The talented A.I.S. team. From left - Dan Rushton, Barbara Cook, Jeff Rapsey, Thomas Wilson, Daf Philp, John Schofield and Rene Garcia.

(Absent) Cam McCormick - off at a breakdown, because trucks don’t stop for photoshoots.

Neumanns Tyres – Commercial tyre specialists NEUMANNS T YRES ARE COMMITTED TO PROVIDING THE VERY BEST T YRE PRODUCTS AND SERVICES TO ALL THEIR CUSTOMERS BEING URBAN, AGRICULTURAL OR COMMERCIAL.

PROUDLY SUPPORTING A.I.S. AND WISHING DAN AND THE TEAM THE BEST FOR THE FUTURE.

197 Wills St, Ashburton Ph 308 6737 www.neumannstyres.co.nz

• Prompt and efficient service • Very experienced technicians • Competitive price • 24 hour service (After hours callout applies)