Blackwells‘ parts manager Wayne Mclellan says when the earthquake struck Christchurch back in 2011, their passenger dealerships were caught right in the centre of the red zone. 

“Unable to continue trading at those locations, operations were relocated to the commercial centre out in Sockburn. For six years the commercial side of the business worked alongside the car businesses and surrendered precious space to help the group survive the ordeal. Once the company re-established itself in the city, the focus turned to restoring the Sockburn facility back into the class leading commercial centre it once was.”

Photo: Blackwells can accommodate the entire commercial requirement from new vehicle sales and support to chassis straightening, fixing up those who have had a bad day, and painting.

Wayne says the main building has been upgraded to once again accommodate the sales, ser vice and parts departments under one roof, and new signage and the new Isuzu corporate identity was introduced.

“Over the past few years Isuzu have been instrumental about bringing a number one selling product to market and now are focusing on the aftersales side of the business to support their number one status.”

Wayne says that Melbourne was selected by Isuzu Japan as the site for the newly established Australasian Isuzu parts hub. With improved parts lead times, training and a range of products not previously accessible to New Zealand, the timing could not have been more perfect for Blackwells. “Our parts department interpreters travelled to Auckland to attend a parts training course for what was thought to be a basic overview of the Isuzu parts system. Instead, what was delivered was an in-depth look into the workings of the modern truck and the importance of genuine parts and oils. “Most smart fleet operators have realised over the years that fitment of aftermarket parts and oils never results in the savings they first envisioned. For example, using the incorrect oil can cause premature failure of a DPD filtration system.” The Isuzu product has been the number one seller for the past 18 years and with good reason, and Blackwells has grown its sales team to cater for the ever-increasing enquiry and demand for the Isuzu product.

“Not only can Blackwells supply new trucks, we also have a large range of handpicked Japanese domestic models. If we don‘t have a particular spec of vehicle for your needs, we can either have one built or find an appropriate Japanese Isuzu model to order and import.”

Terry Blair heads up the commercial workshop. Wayne says with a military background as well as commercial sector experience, this combination leads to a smooth-running operation.

Photo: Blackwells‘ revamped site presents as a modern professional commercial vehicle operation.

“ Terry was instrumental in setting up our COF lane to further increase efficiencies in customer service. The truck shop runs both day and night shifts to allow customers to drop their vehicles off at night and pick them up first thing in the morning. The workshop does have a small fleet of loan vehicles for this purpose. It has become very popular and the down time for the rig is further reduced. The added ability to have a COF done at night means the truck can be back working much sooner.”

Wayne says Blackwells can also boast of having some of the best Isuzu technicians in New Zealand. Competing annually in the Tech Guild Competition, team members have done well, with five and six team members respectively in the top 10 places in the country over the past two years. “In that period two had been chosen (one member twice) to represent New Zealand at the Isuzu World Technician Championships in Japan, where in the first year they reached a very respectable third placing. The company is committed to ongoing training for all staff in every part of the business – service, sales and parts.”

Photo: Back with plenty of room and a pristine environment. Blackwells boast some of the country‘s best Isuzu technicians.

On site Kevin Braid and his team operate a commercial paint and panel shop with a truck-sized chassis plant to straighten those jack-knifed trailers or bent front ends back into shape. The paint shop has a full-sized spray booth large enough to accommodate a 45-seater coach and can also custom paint your truck to reflect your business identity on site. “Recently we hosted a group of insurance brokers and explained the processes that occur when a damaged truck enters the shop and the role each department plays to get the truck back on the road. It was very well received by the attendees, who left with a much greater appreciation and understanding of why a typical commercial vehicle repair takes a little longer than that of a passenger vehicle.” For the number one choice in trucks, contact Blackwells Isuzu. We‘re here for all your commercial needs.