Roadrunner Manufacturing, known for its work in the transport industry, is marking it 50th anniversary this year.
Founded in late 1974 in Bulls, the company has come a long way from its humble beginnings.
Today, it has expanded its offerings from standard diesel tanks and aluminium toolboxes to a comprehensive range of products and services, including air tanks, hydraulic oil tanks, and highly specialised custom projects.
General manager Nick Webster credits the dedication of Roadrunner’s team of 25 staff (including welder fabricators, water jet technicians, and sales personnel) for the company’s sustained success.
“They have definitely helped us through all the peaks and troughs of the last wee while,” Webster says.
While the company prides itself on its historical achievements, it is also looking towards the future.
A testament to Roadrunner’s commitment to innovation is the recent acquisition of a robotic welding system and the establishment of Precision Machine Technology (PMT) – a sister company born from Roadrunner’s distributorship of OMAX abrasive water jet systems.
“They thought we would saturate the market with about eight to 12 water jet systems,” Webster says.
“But with New Zealand’s Number 8 wire tradition of ingenuity, we have just cracked over 100 machines that are now being operated by manufacturers, makers, designers, innovators, and thinkers across the country. It has been a massive success.”
The expansion signifies Roadrunner’s push towards technological advancement to meet the evolving needs of the market.
As it celebrates its 50th anniversary, Roadrunner acknowledges the significant contributions of its former owners, shareholders, and the strong community around them.
Webster says the company looks forward to continuing its legacy and ensuring it remains a symbol of quality and reliability in New Zealand’s manufacturing landscape for years to come.
