Rotorua-based Patchell Industries has grown from a specialist fabricator into a multi-site manufacturing group serving New Zealand’s heavy haulage sector. With a milestone 50th celebrated in 2023 and a strengthened sales presence in the North Island, the company is doubling down on customer-led design and long-term relationships.

Established in 1972, Patchell Industries’ early focus was manufacturing attachments – bulldozer blades, rippers and bush canopies – and carrying out structural repairs to heavy equipment. In the 2000s, the company moved into the design and manufacture of on- and off-highway logging trailers and truck equipment, as well as producing forest tracked log loaders and attachments for heavy earthmoving equipment.

Today, the Patchell Group is among Rotorua’s largest employers. The head office is in Rotorua, with manufacturing facilities spread across eleven nearby sites.

Celebrating 50 years in business in 2023 underscored Patchell’s longevity. Founder Ian Patchell was awarded Life Membership of the New Zealand Truck-Trailer Manufacturers Federation that same year, and he was inducted into the Road Transport Hall of Fame in 2022.

The company specialises in the design and manufacture of trailers for the wider transport industry, with custom builds to meet specific client requirements.

Its portfolio spans a range of transport products, including log transport equipment for forestry operations, both on-and-off highway; container handling solutions, including the Swinglift brand of container side loaders; and a range covering all skeletal trailer options and wharf-side trailer equipment. Patchell Stainless is a leading manufacturer of stainless tankers for all liquid and food-grade products. Patchell also offers its customers a full repairs and maintenance division to serve all of its products.

Strengthening the front line

Patchell has appointed Mitch James as its new sales manager for the North Island. He supports national sales and marketing manager Glenn Heybourn, who joined the team in 2019. Mitch brings a decade of road transport experience to the role.

“I started out driving trucks, then moved into sales – initially with Isuzu. After that, I spent a few years at Penske selling heavy trucks, and I’ve most recently been the retail sales manager for Isuzu Trucks,” Mitch says.

He says Patchell’s reputation in the transport sector drew him to the role. “I’ve always had a passion for heavy transport. Coming from the industry, I knew how strong the Patchell product is, and I wanted to align with that. An opportunity came up and I grabbed it with both hands.”

Mitch is about to enter his third month with Patchell, so while he’s still learning the ropes and getting up to speed, he says he’s excited to get around the North Island, meet some Patchell customers, and create some new relationships.

“With Glenn’s home base being Nelson, it’s a big job to cover both islands. My focus is looking after existing clients, canvassing for new business, seeing as many people as I can, and flying the flag in the North Island.”

Mitch says establishing and maintaining strong relationships with customers is central to how Patchell designs and manufactures equipment.

“We deliver customer-focused solutions. Patchell puts a big emphasis on long standing relationships and service – that’s what we’re known for. We work closely with customers to deliver the product that best suits their business and requirements.”

For more information, contact Mitch James on 021 328 619, MitchJames@ patchell.co.nz or Glenn Heybourn on 021 301 274, GlennHeybourn@patchell.co.nz