Kennards acquires in New Zealand

Australia-based Kennards Hire has expanded its presence in New Zealand, with the acquisition of fellow rental company Smiths Hire.

The Kennards Kaiapoi branch team, left to right: Rhonda Davis Hamilton, Paul McConkey, Nathan Campbell, Zane Duncan, and Branch Manager Daniel Manning, and David Boyle.

Smiths Hire, which is located north of Christchurch in the Kaiapoi area, marks Kennards further expansion into the Waimakariri district on the country’s South Island - which is said to have one of the fastest growing populations in New Zealand.

The purchase deal includes Smiths Hire’s 7,000sqm site, which now becomes Kennards’ largest facility on the South Island.

The new branch will offer local businesses and municipalities a wide range of Pump & Power, Traffic and general hire equipment, and will also act as a type of distribution centre that will serve the company’s nearby Belfast branch and the wider region.

Daniel Manning, Branch Manager of Kennards Belfast, said, “The Kaiapoi region has a long-standing history as an important trading centre.

“Kennards Hire is honouring that by making the new branch a true trading hub by bringing a vast range of equipment and services to the area.”

Manning, who will now lead the team of 13 equipment hire experts at the Kaiapoi branch - many of whom are former Smiths Hire employees that chose to join the Kennards family following the acquisition - said, “There is so much potential in our business for people who are keen to have a go and take advantage of the many career opportunities available.

“We are excited to have the experienced team from Smiths Hire join the family as Kennards Hire continues to expand its network across the South Island.”