Blackfern adds a marketplace

Patch Rubber Tyre & Tube moves to the next level

PATCH RUBBER, WHICH SUPPLIES ‘EVERYTHING FOR THE TYRE DEALER’ HAS MADE A STEP CHANGE, MOVING INTO NEW PURPOSE-BUILT PREMISES IN HENDERSON

While operating as a separate business, it has moved into the new building alongside workshop equipment supplier Automaster, which is in the same ownership. Automaster moved into the existing warehouse premises last year and built a showroom onsite, which gives customers the chance to directly compare equipment in the range and see it in action. Managing directors Anthony Neill and Gary Cotterell say one of the key attractions of the site was the large sealed yard for freight operations and the space to build a new warehouse and office for Patch Rubber. Patch Rubber is the New Zealand agent for Myers Tyre Supply USA, which is the largest tyre supply organisation in North America. Patch Rubber also supplies specialty tyres for a wide range of applications and imports New Zealand’s largest range of inner tubes. In total, it carries more than 3000 different stock items with access to many more from its international supply chain.

Gary says the “huge” yard will probably make the biggest difference to the business, being able to streamline container handling for both Auckland businesses on the same site.

“We import around 100–120 containers per year and land stock directly into Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, and Christchurch,” says Gary. The significant step up in capacity in Auckland — going from 1800 to 3200 square metres of warehousing and a site total of 8000 square metres — is designed to better meet existing demand and cater for growth.

“Patch NZ has been going for around 30-plus years,” says Anthony. “The Auckland branch had to expand from one small building in Henderson into three small buildings in the ’90s, then into one larger building in the 2000s — the last one in Aetna Place, Henderson, — and now to this current purpose built facility. During this period the Christchurch branch moved into bigger buildings four times and the Wellington branch has moved into bigger buildings twice.” If anything, Automaster has grown even faster and has moved into bigger buildings seven times since it began. Automaster was created in 2005, and the ownership of the two businesses was merged in 2016, although they are still run as separate businesses.

ELECTRIC EFFICIENCY

The big yard is not the only benefit of the new site. The new purpose-built warehouse will accommodate 6m tall racking which will be managed with electric stock pickers and a new narrow-aisle articulated forklift with extra lift height. Gary says the new building also allowed the company to take advantage of more efficient or more sustainable systems, such as rain water collection and energy efficient LED lighting. “The size and shape is designed to optimise efficiency, pallet racking, and traffic flows, as well as create a safe working environment.” The two operations have 17 staff onsite with 35 nationwide and the company is seeking more skilled warehouse staff. Patch Rubber operates 11 fully stocked vans that cover all of New Zealand, calling on most customers on a fortnightly cycle. There are five branches in all, in Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, Christchurch, and Invercargill. “We also have reps with access to stock storage facilities in Dunedin, Nelson, and Hawke’s Bay,” says Anthony. For more information about Patch Rubber, visit patchrubber.co.nz or call 0508 837 248, and for Automaster information visit automaster.co.nz, or call 0800 214 604.

Free marketplace for Blackfern Co-operative members

BLACKFERN HAS CREATED A FREE MARKETPLACE FOR MEMBERS TO BUY OR SELL SURPLUS ITEMS THAT AREN’T PART OF THEIR REGULAR BUSINESS AS AN ADD-ON BENEFIT TO ITS EBITS APP

surplus parts they want to move on. “All they have to do is go onto the app, click on Marketplace, and add text and pictures. At this stage there is no fixed maximum time for a listing.”

Roger promises there is still more to come for eBits. “We have a long list of additions we plan to bring,” he says.

To check out the Blackfern marketplace, or the eBits parts requesting service, visit the Blackfern website at blackfern.coop/eBits.html for more information.

Blackfern’s eBits app is the mobile phone and tablet version of its co-operative system that allows members to place orders with other members on the go, without having to sit down at the desktop in the office.

Now, in line with the worldwide trend towards conducting all business — and life in general — on the move through phone or tablet apps, Blackfern has added a marketplace to eBits. It allows members to find buyers for stuff they want to get rid of, or to find items that may be only slightly linked to members’ shared interest in the motor trade. eBits is Blackfern’s web app parts requesting tool, an alternative way to send part requests to Blackfern suppliers. It’s a free-to-use tool for Blackfern members, and there’s no extra charge for Blackfern suppliers to be listed or involved in this additional channel.

It includes an interactive supplier directory, making it easy for members to find a supplier and then call or email with a single tap of the screen. Now Blackfern has increased the appeal and functionality of its app by adding a general marketplace.

“This marketplace is a free service that enables members to advertise and sell stuff to other members,” says Blackfern director Roger Castleton. “If someone has bought equipment or materials and some of it they no longer need, they can put it on the Blackfern marketplace and maybe help out another Blackfern member.

“We just wanted to add a service that we believe will benefit our members,” Roger explains. “There are no listing fees, selling fees, or any other charges, so it makes sense for members to give it a go and list any automotive equipment they’re no longer using.”

Roger says workshop owners have always got stuff such as cars, equipment, or