Since Scott and Peter McLeod took over the family crane hire business in 2012, it has tripled in size, despite operating in a tough economy. While the brothers say exponential growth came from choosing the right niche, they also credit their class-leading systems and use of innovative technology for taking their business to the next level.
Scott and Peter joined the 10-year-old family company in 2005, when their late father Curly McLeod was diagnosed with cancer. Previously, Peter, a professional engineer, had worked on heavy lift construction, while Scott had a background in electronics, working in computer systems and programming. Their diverse skill sets have had a positive effect on the McLeod Cranes business, with the brothers tapping into their own expertise to develop new systems and technology to make their operation more efficient and customer focused.
Boosting growth and revenue through increasing efficiency and productivity is a key focus for many New Zealand Mid-Market businesses, with the recent GE Capital New Zealand Mid-Market Report 2014 showing that 65 per cent of Mid-Market businesses are concentrating on this as a key growth activity this year.
Today McLeod Cranes, based in Tauranga with offices in Taupo and a presence in Kawerau and Taranaki, has a team of 44 and operates in four main fields: lift engineering, crane hire, Hiab transport and drilling rig logistics. Peter is a director and the company's engineer, Scott, the managing director.
"More often than not we can be found right across the central North Island and often have Hiabs in Auckland, Hamilton and the greater Bay of Plenty," says Scott. This ever-extending geographical reach led to the two directors taking steps to modernise the way the company is run.