Tyreline Distributors Limited is partnering with Shell after being named the New Zealand distributor for Shell Lubricants.

The distribution agreement is a major deal for the family-run business that started life in a Te Awamutu hay barn.

Grant and Barbara Rushbrooke founded Tyreline Distributors Limited in 1987 as an agricultural tyre distributor.

“When we began we were operating out of our hay barn in Te Awamutu and making deliveries in our farm ute,” says Tyreline managing director Grant Rushbrooke. “The business has gone from strength to strength and it‘s down to the relationships we have with our valued partners and customers.”

Today Tyreline is a full-service tyre importer and wholesaler headquartered in Hamilton, with warehouses in Hamilton, Auckland and Christchurch. Since signing the partnership with Shell, Tyreline has grown its Shell sales force to ensure customers are serviced nationwide.

Troy Chapman, executive director Shell South East Asia Oceania Lubricants, said there were several reasons Tyreline was chosen.

“We are very pleased to be partnering Tyreline, with its strong network of partners and its vast experience in the automotive industry. We look forward to working collaboratively to accelerate growth, increase Shell‘s lubricants market share in New Zealand and provide competitive solutions to our customers.”

Grant says his business was constantly evolving and the partnership with Shell was the perfect opportunity to grow the business and provide the best quality products to clients.

“Shell invests around US$1 billion per annum in to research and development – the highest in industry – so New Zealand consumers can have confidence that together Shell and Tyreline will offer both quality and value. Shell Lubricants is the choice of premium automotive manufacturers such as Ferrari and BMW.”

The company‘s commitment to the environment, and exploring second-generation biofuels, was also a drawcard, he said.

“As a company they understand that long-term success depends on their ability to anticipate the types of energy and fuels people will need in the future while remaining commercially competitive and environmentally relevant. We were heartened and inspired to hear that from a world-leading oil and gas company.”