Franchise on firm footing

Jason Hatfull intends to be more grounded with his business after setting up shop in Wanganui.

Mr Hatfull has had the Pirtek franchise in the region for about six years, specialising in hydraulic and industrial hoses and fittings.

But until now his office and depot has been in a truck.

And while the mobile side of the business remains, he and his wife Jessica, partners in the franchise, have put down roots at 69 Wilson St.

Joining them is salesman Wayne Riddiford.

"I worked out of my truck so I never really had a permanent base," Mr Hatfull said. "But now we've set up shop here."

Together he and Mr Riddiford have about 25 years of experience. He said Pirtek had developed a solid client base and that continued to grow.

"We're getting new customers every month but you can never take anything for granted," he said.

Those clients were mainly rural, including farmers, contractors and transport companies.

"Service is the key and that's been our focus from day one."

They are officially opening the Wilson St headquarters today.

Mr Riddiford said the shop had been stocked with a range of hoses, brass fittings, automotive products, waterblaster fittings and lubricants. They were also carrying a range of environmental products.

He said if they haven't got the product in store they can get it by courier overnight.

Pirtek commenced operation in Australia in 1980 and opened in New Zealand in 1995, targeting customers in the earthmoving, construction, manufacturing and production industries.

Now the Pirtek franchise model has been exported to China, Singapore, South Africa, the US, Netherlands, Germany, Canada and Britain.