McFall Fuel

FROM FUEL SUPPLIER TO ENERGY PARTNER

M U LT I D I M E N S I O N T R A N S F O R M AT I O N Richard Small, Chief Operating Officer, talks us through the transformation of McFall Fuel into a broader energy partner Writer: Jack Salter | Project Manager: Eddie Clinton

The past year has been one of the most significant in our history. Our goal has been to evolve from being seen as just a fuel supplier to being recognised as a broader energy partner.”

The transformation of McFall Fuel (McFall), one of the leading fuel distribution companies in New Zealand (NZ) with operations stretching across the North Island, comes against the backdrop of rapidly shifting expectations in the fuelling industry.

Whilst there is ongoing traditional demand from farming, forestry,

marine, aviation, and commercial operators – sectors that are the backbone of the economy and depend on reliability of supply to thrive – there is more focus than ever on sustainability, efficiency, and the future of energy.

Businesses are therefore looking at alternative fuels, biofuels, electrification, and smarter delivery systems.

“The industry is under pressure to deliver for the needs of today and evolve to meet the energy needs of tomorrow,” continues Richard Small, Chief Operating Officer at McFall.

MCFALL FUEL OIL & GAS

AL N

APAC Outlook Issue 76 | 3

MCFALL FUEL OIL & GAS

“That’s what makes it so exciting.

We’re no longer just in the business of supply – we’re in the business of resilience and transition. Our role is to help shape how energy needs are managed, ensuring both rural and urban communities remain connected and supported as the sector evolves.”

Community connection has been central to the McFall story from the very beginning and will continue to shape its future.

The company remains steeped in family values, having started out as a family-owned operation built around meeting the needs of its community.

WHAT DREW YOU TO THE FUELLING INDUSTRY AND ATTRACTED YOU TO MCFALL? Richard Small, Chief Operating Officer: “I’ve always been drawn to industries where people and operational excellence come together.

“My career began in healthcare, where I trained as a physiotherapist and spent more than 25 years developing into senior leadership and management roles.

Making a lasting difference in communities and people’s lives has always been a priority for me.

“Over time, I had the opportunity to work across most of the healthcare sector, gaining perspective in a variety of roles, from frontline delivery to national leadership. My last position was as General Manager of Surgical Services, leading a team of more than 1,600 staff.

“During the COVID-19 pandemic response, I was involved in rapid system redesign and was later asked to lead the development of a new national service for cancer patients, working with the Ministry of Health, Pharmac, hospitals, and clinical teams. We took it from concept to delivery in just five weeks.

“I’ve always enjoyed working in complex systems, where there are multiple stakeholders with different needs and perspectives, and the challenge is to bring those together into a clear and effective solution.

That’s what attracted me to McFall.

“The energy sector has a similar complexity. It’s critical to our nation’s infrastructure, impacts every community, and is undergoing significant transformation to meet future needs in both demand and sustainability.

“Joining McFall has given me the chance to combine strategy with delivery in a sector that keeps NZ moving and be part of a company that is ambitious about its future whilst remaining deeply people-focused.”

4 | APAC Outlook Issue 76

“That legacy of care, quality, and high standards continues to shape who we are today. Over the years, we’ve grown and adapted with our customers, which reflects our agility and ability to meet ever-changing needs,” Small elaborates.

“From supporting local initiatives to ensuring reliable supply to remote regions, McFall plays a critical role in keeping NZ moving.”

TRANSFORMATION DIMENSIONS McFall’s transformation has several dimensions, including the strengthening of its executive leadership team to ensure the company has the capability to lead through change and growth.

The executive team has been expanded with a mix of deep sector expertise and fresh perspectives, a deliberate blend designed to balance operational excellence with innovation and adaptability.

“Our leadership team brings experience from multiple sectors, and together we’re focused on aligning people strategy, operational strength, and long-term opportunities,” outlines Small.

“The aim is to enable McFall to deliver against our strategic goals, meet customer needs more effectively, and stand out in what is a very competitive environment. At the heart of that is our commitment to safety, care, and customer focus – those values guide us every day.”

Alongside its executive team expansion, the company’s transformation has involved significant investment in technology and digital solutions to enhance both the customer and employee experience.

This includes a robust customer relationship management (CRM) platform, new website, and improved internal communication systems such as intranet, which provides a central repository of crucial information.

Incentives and rewards that fit in your wallet.

Physical, digital and virtual card options

Add Prezzy to your digital wallet

CONTACT For any queries regarding corporate accounts, you can reach out to our team by emailing: corporateprezzy@epayworldwide.co.nz prezzycard.co.nz

MCFALL FUEL OIL & GAS

“The transformation is about preparing for the future. We want to be more agile, at the forefront of NZ’s fuel and energy infrastructure development, ready to introduce new and alternative fuels, and positioned to deliver long-term sustainability,” Small sets out.

“It’s about setting McFall up to meet the future energy needs of NZ businesses.”

As well as investing in digital tools, the company has built a modern, high-spec fleet of trucks, tankers, and vehicles to deliver bulk fuel, lubricants, and oils.

The fleet is designed to meet the demands of both urban sites and remote locations, as well as the needs of its diverse client base, which ranges from large-scale forestry and transport operators to marine and aviation businesses as well as small family farms and contractors.

“This not only strengthens our service today but also ensures we’re ready for tomorrow’s demands,” Small tells us.

CORNERSTONE PARTNERSHIPS Alongside the fleet, McFall has established four regional hubs 6 | APAC Outlook Issue 76

– Central, North, South, and East – across NZ to create a strong alignment between its operational leadership, route planning, and drivers.

The result is a more responsive and reliable service, underpinned by very strong local knowledge, scaling the company’s capabilities whilst staying close to customers.

Another focus is reimagining how McFall delivers its lubricant services, with the company looking at

operating models that will enable it to be more efficient and cost-effective whilst still delivering high-quality products and support.

McFall is also exploring joint ventures, partnering with other businesses to combine strengths and provide better solutions.

“A good example is our upcoming work in the Ohakune area and our partnership with Fuel Storage,” Small highlights.

MCFALL FUEL OIL & GAS

Damar Industries, a proudly New Zealand-owned company since 1986, leads the way in manufacturing high-quality aerosols, coatings, and chemicals from its state-of-the-art Rotorua facility.

INDUSTRY LEADING

AEROSOL, CHEMICAL AND COATING MANUFACTURING

Renowned for compliance-driven innovation, Damar specialises in niche market solutions, offering contract manufacturing, product development, and warehousing services. With over 30 years of supplying various markets, including the forestry and timber processing industries, Damar’s commitment to quality and safety shines through.

T: 0800 33 44 75 | orders@damarindustries.co.nz www.damarindustries.co.nz

The SprayWell range, a cornerstone of Damar’s offerings, is trusted by New Zealand’s forestry and timber processing industries. Developed in 1992 to address worker safety, SprayWell aerosol markers deliver vibrant, durable, and fast-drying marks on logs, timber, and other surfaces, even in wet conditions. With excellent adhesion, high opacity, and low-odour formulas, SprayWell ensures costeffective, reliable performance, covering approximately 3m² per can, making it the go-to choice for professionals.

This is not just a partnership - it’s keeping New Zealand moving.

FUCHS Lubricants - Proud business partners of McFall Fuel

McFall Fuel has been powering growth and reliability across the North Island for decades. As their trusted lubricant partner, FUCHS is proud to play a part in that success - ensuring McFall Fuel can keep their customers moving every day.

Ph 0800 382 476

I

www.fuchs.co.nz

MOVING YOUR WORLD APAC Outlook Issue 76 | 7

Its partnership with BP, meanwhile, is a cornerstone of McFall’s business as it enables customers to be supplied with high-quality fuel backed by a globally trusted brand.

BP is also a shareholder, which underlines the strength of the collaboration.

“We work closely with BP across the retail, marine, and aviation sectors.

For customers, it means certainty of supply and the confidence that they are supported by both global expertise and local service,” Small informs.

McFall is also proud to partner with Fuchs, a global leader in highquality oils and lubricants, whose products complement the company’s fuel offering and allow it to provide customers with a full-service solution – from fuel to lubricants and consumables.

“It’s a partnership built on innovation and reliability, which are values that align closely with our own.

MCFALL FUEL OIL & GAS

“ BY T H E E N D O F 2 02 6 , O U R A M B I T I O N I S TO B E R E CO G N I S E D N OT J U ST AS A L E A D I N G FUEL SUPPLIER, BUT AS A TRUSTED ENERGY PA R T N E R AC R O S S N Z ” – R I C H A R D S M A L L , C H I E F O P E R AT I N G O F F I C E R , M C FA L L F U E L

For our customers, it means they can trust McFall to provide everything they need to keep machinery, vehicles, and equipment running at their best,” he states.

WORKPLACE WELL-BEING McFall’s transformation has also made workplace well-being a real priority for its 160+ employees by introducing flexible working options where possible, investing in well-being programmes, and implementing a leadership approach that ensures people feel valued and supported.

The company’s view is that safety

is not just physical – it includes mental and emotional well-being, too.

“We also provide internal training programmes and are committed to maintaining a safe and supportive workplace,” assures Small.

“We want our people to be able to succeed in their careers without sacrificing life outside of work – that balance is key to our culture and the strength of our business. We’re investing in them so they’re not only equipped for today but also ready for the skills and demands of the future.”

As well as building a workplace culture that its employees are proud

of, the company’s priorities are to strengthen customer relationships and continue to invest in infrastructure to support resilience and growth.

Despite navigating an economically challenging environment, McFall sees this as an opportunity to strengthen its systems, focus on efficiency, and set itself up for long-term success.

“We’re also working closely with our partners – both suppliers and customers – to find new ways of meeting evolving needs,” Small closes.

“By the end of 2026, our ambition is to be recognised not just as a leading fuel supplier, but as a trusted energy partner across NZ.”

Tel: 0800 623 255 info@mcfallfuel.co.nz

www.mcfallfuel.co.nz APAC Outlook Issue 76 | 9

Tel: 0800 623 255 info@mcfallfuel.co.nz www.mcfallfuel.co.nz

PRODUCED BY APAC OUTLOOK MAGAZINE