Christchurch-based towing and heavy recovery specialist Parks Garage is strengthening its transport operations through the recent purchase of Southern Salvage.
The acquisition will see Parks grow its range of services including nationwide linehaul for cars, trucks, machinery and agricultural equipment.
It includes a qualified team of operators for both low loaders and car carriers.
Parks general manager Stuart Gerring says there is a “natural synergy” between the two businesses which has aligned with Parks’ growth plans and opened up new markets.
“One of the main drivers behind the acquisition was it gives Parks the ability to service our customers New Zealand-wide.
“We now have a strong network throughout the country to continue to grow our business. It’s been really enjoyable to get out and meet some of Southern’s customers and suppliers and as we work through the country we plan to meet as many as we can,” Gerring says.
The deal also added more truck and trailer units to Parks’ fleet with Southern Salvage bringing six trucks and seven trailers consisting of car carriers, low loaders and slide deck trucks. It takes the Parks fleet to a total of 70 trucks, trailers and specialist recovery units including support vehicles.
“Parks now has further ability to transport larger machinery and agricultural equipment nationwide. Not even a month ago did we put our first brand new five-car carrier unit on the road and now the Southern Salvage fleet brings with it two all but brand new six car carriers with an additional three-car semi unit,” Gerring says.
Southern Salvage is a family-owned company based in Christchurch which has operated for more than 20 years under the leadership of Phillip Arundel.
Southern’s former transport manager Aron Arundel is staying on following the acquisition as Parks’ linehaul co-ordinator.
“Aron has come across to join the Parks team as he brings a lot of industry knowledge and experience. It’s also great his brother Shane has come across and has joined our metro towing team.
“Both brothers have grown up in the industry very similar to my brother and I,” Gerring adds.
