CAL Isuzu managing director Ashok Parbhu says the new servicing facility is a game- changer for the business.

“There are six full truck and trailer pits. Four are for servicing and two are for COF-B and compliance, which will be operated by VTNZ. Before we had half a pit and I don’t know how we did it,” Ashok says.

The new 12-bay workshop features a high stud design and a full overhead gantry.

“It has the latest technology in terms of brake rollers, tie down points for the chassis, and all the diagnostic equipment and the lubing equipment is underground,” Ashok says.

“It’s a massive game changer for us. In terms of the facility, it will be one of the most modern and efficient truck workshops in New Zealand.

“We want a better experience for our customers – especially our Isuzu customers – and it will give us capacity. We had outgrown what was here.”

The new building means all of the CAL Isuzu Hamilton’s service operation is now on the same site at 1215 Te Rapa Rd. Previously truck servicing had been split across two locations.

“Everything is on one site. It’s a big advantage, especially with full compliance on site,” Ashok says.

The build was headed by Foster Construction, starting in April last year. The structure was complete in December to begin the fit out and move-in process.

The new workshop and other facilities underway at Te Rapa represent a big investment by CAL Iuszu at a challenging time for New Zealand’s new truck market.

“My rationale is, recession or no recession, you still have to keep moving and the best time to do it is when things are quieter. We couldn’t close one workshop when we were running at capacity, so the timing has worked in our favour,” Ashok says.

The new service facility is only one part of the redevelopment underway at CAL Isuzu Hamilton.

Nearing completion is a second building of similar size that will be a new truck Pre-delivery centre.

“The framing is up and the roof has started to go on, and it will be finished around April,” Ashok says.

“The last phase is a more modern parts and service reception area along with a more modern amenities block for the staff. We will have about 100 staff onsite here.

“The third phase should be finished about July or August and we’ll have an official opening towards the end of Q3.”

Work at the Hamilton branch follows a major redevelopment of the CAL Isuzu Mt Maunganui facility in 2021 and Ashok says there are also future facility upgrades planned for the CAL Isuzu branches in Auckland and Whangarei.