Working sharper in the field

Brothers Frank and Joel Bishop literally live and breathe wire.

Based in Tauranga, Bayonet formerly known as ‘Paul Industries’ changed ownership in 2020 when brothers Frank and Joel purchased the operation from company founders (and their parents) Paul and Rosemarie Bishop. This is the third generation of family owners in the company’s near 50 year history.

From humble beginnings in 1972 Bayonet has always focussed on quality manufacturing here in New Zealand, and today through continual innovation the company produces an extensive range of market leading fencing and construction products.

While technology has changed the way products are made radically over the years, the company fiercely guards its founding principles – a passion for quality NZ manufacturing, care for staff and customers, challenging the status quo by always finding a better way to do things, delivering the best by never settling for average, and finally celebrating sustainable relationships built on trust.

Bayonet’s large-scale 4500 sqm purpose designed manufacturing and warehousing facility in Tauranga is home to 30+ staff, many who have been with the company for decades. Bayonet’s manufacturing team is highly experienced in wire fabrication and the company’s passionate and capable sales and technical support teams understand how to help contractors and farmers maximise their precious time. This experienced team has been joined by industry expert and new General Manager of Sales and Marketing Andrew Thoms who has just returned from Australia after running Cyclone. Adding to Bayonet’s sales and service experience is Dean Ormrod in the National Sales and Marketing role. Damien Sauni heads up the company as General Manager, adding significant leadership experience in New Zealand’s rural sector to the mix.

A new $2.4m fabricated farm fence machine has changed the game for Bayonet’s customers. This machine has been built in New Zealand and is on the cutting edge of technology. This exciting new technology gives Bayonet the ability to produce roll lengths of up to a mile long in a vast range of configurations, it can produce two different knot types (Kiwi Knot and the traditional Fixed Knot), improving flexibility and efficiency in the field. The investment clearly signals the company’s core focus on quality steel wire manufactured products.

INVESTMENT

“Over the past 18 months we’ve invested significantly in new machinery and key people to lift our capability to better meet the needs of the fast growing rural and construction sectors.” Joel says.

Given our commitment to, and expertise around steel wire products, it just made sense that our existing trusted Bayonet brand was chosen as the main brand to build the business around moving forwards.

Bayonet's impressive raw material stockpile ready for machining

“We know that little gains here and there soon add up for contractors and farmers, time is money in their game. That’s why anything we can do to speed things up for them is our main priority here at Bayonet” says Frank.

To underpin the company’s new ownership and the clear focus on steel and wire manufacturing the product brand portfolio has been consolidated under one strong brand – Bayonet.

BRAND STRATEGY

“Given our commitment to, and expertise around steel wire products, it just made sense that our existing trusted Bayonet brand was chosen as the main brand to build the business around moving forwards”.

Bayonet provides excellent product technical data and resources via its website bayonet.co.nz

The company welcomes fellow FCNZ members to visit their NZ manufacturing facility by appointment.

Impressive raw material stockpile ready for machining

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