The opening of the new Truck Stops (NZ) Ltd facility in Riverlands Estate took place last night in front of an estimated 40-strong crowd of Truck Stop staff, customers and guests, with National MP for Kaikoura, Stuart Smith, conducting the official opening. The Blenheim facility brings the organisation to 17 branches nationwide.

Speakers include, Zane Ryan, Truck Stops‘ regional manager for the lower North Island and Blenheim, Chris Brown, Sime Darby Commercial Group general manager, and Pat McKenna, Sime Darby Motors managing director for New Zealand & Australia.

The new site located at 13 Liverpool Street within the industrial estate, conveniently opens ahead of SH1 between Kaikoura and Christchurch reopening later in the year (all going to schedule).

National MP for Kaikoura Stuart Smith (left) and Zane Ryan, Truck Stops regional manager for the lower North Island and Blenheim, with the plaque that commemorates the branch opening.

Kevin Smith, general manager for Truck Stops, says, “The new facility is very strategically located and means drivers coming from Picton who need services have a much closer option than having to drive on towards Christchurch.” Smith also described the new facility as “purpose-built, ideal for workshop use, and has up to 30m of truck and trailer space for safe entry and exit”.

The new facility will be a boost to Marlborough‘s unique market, one that sees another 100 trucks on the road during the wine season. Customers moving in and out of the region will become better connected to Truck Stops‘ network, where people and strong relationships are valued and where their strong reputation is well known.

At conclusion of his speech Zane Ryan noted that “this Truck Stops branch is a good step forward and we are very much looking forward to the future”.