A selection of our work.
Every workshop is different. The projects below give a sense of the range and quality of work we deliver — from single-machine installations to complex, staged upgrades and complete workshop fit-outs. Rather than exhaustive case studies, these examples are intended to show how we approach real work: careful planning, disciplined execution, and equipment that’s still working properly long after handover.
A full workshop fit-out for a large dealership, including multiple light vehicle hoists, wheel alignment and tyre service equipment, and supporting infrastructure.
The project required close liaison with project managers and other trades working concurrently on site, along with careful sequencing to meet a fixed opening deadline. Our scope included the relocation of existing two-post hoists from the previous premises, full decommissioning and removal of end-of-life equipment, and the transport, handling, installation, certification, and commissioning of new hoists and workshop machinery.
Working conditions were extremely tight. Lift zones, access routes, and trade interfaces had to be actively managed to maintain safety and momentum across all stages of the build. Throughout the transition, the workshop remained operational, with downtime minimised through coordinated staging and rapid, concurrent execution of installation and certification tasks.
An expanded team was deployed, drawing on additional experienced personnel from a closely aligned sister company to ensure the programme remained on track. During the process, our team identified several installation and coordination issues outside our direct scope and worked with the project managers to resolve them before they could affect outcomes.
The result was a fully commissioned workshop delivered on time, operating safely from day one, and finished to a standard appropriate for a multi-European dealership environment.
A multi-stage workshop relocation and fit-out delivered under strict technical requirements and continuous operational constraints.
This project required close coordination with a remotely based project manager alongside the local workshop manager, staff, and multiple trades. All work was carried out to Tesla's workshop specifications, which included unusually high standards, tight tolerances, and specific procedural requirements.
The service and PDI workshop was relocated twice. The first move was from a small initial site to a temporary facility within a theatre and film complex. This installation presented significant technical risk: hoists and equipment were positioned on a floating slab containing post-tensioned cables, requiring precise layout, verification, and non-invasive fixing methods. Errors here would have been costly. They were avoided entirely.
After many months of operation at the temporary site, the workshop was relocated again into Tesla's purpose-built Ngauranga facility. The scale of the new building and the generous hoist spacings demanded exacting layout control; long-range laser measurement was used to achieve perfect alignment across the installation.
Throughout both relocations, the workshop remained operational. Installations, removals, and recommissioning were carefully staged to minimise disruption while maintaining Tesla's required standard of finish and function. Numerous accessories were fitted, and several machines were modified or adapted to suit specific operational requirements. All modifications were executed with care and precision — with the explicit aim of meeting or exceeding factory standards.
Our involvement extended beyond installation. We assisted with workshop consultation and layout, equipment deployment, project coordination, wash bay modification, hoist repairs and accessory fitment, and final commissioning and reporting.
The completed workshop is a benchmark facility: orderly, precise, and built to support high-volume, high-quality work. The project concluded with a formal opening day — well earned after a long and exacting programme.
A complete replacement of all lifting equipment within a live, high-throughput dealership workshop in central Wellington.
We were engaged to replace all eleven hoists in the Honda Wellington dealership, with the critical constraint that the workshop remain fully operational throughout the project. At no point could more than four bays be taken out of service simultaneously.
Site logistics were challenging. The workshop has a single point of access, and all equipment had to be brought into a central-city location with limited manoeuvring space. More complex still was the required final layout: all hoists were to be installed in perfectly aligned rows, set at specific angles dictated by both the site geometry and operational preferences.
Establishing the layout required extensive measurement and planning. Floor expansion joints, cracks, legacy anchors, and overhead obstructions all had to be worked around — with existing machines still in place, technicians actively working, and vehicles moving through the space. Achieving compliant clearances and alignment demanded a full day of careful calculation and verification before any installation work began.
To manage peak activity and tight sequencing, additional experienced personnel were brought in from a closely aligned sister company. Once the layout was finalised, the most demanding row of hoists was installed with a total margin of less than 20 mm remaining at the end of the run — meeting legal minimum clearances precisely. Chemical anchoring systems were used where required, and electrical modifications were carried out in close coordination with on-site electricians to adapt the equipment to the available supply.
The final stage of the project included installation of a four-post wheel alignment system, complete with aligner, tyre changer, and wheel balancer. Equipment deliveries were grouped to minimise trips into the city, and installation work was scheduled across offset hours — from mid-morning through to late evening — to reduce disruption to daily operations.
Despite the complexity, the project progressed smoothly. The upgraded workshop was delivered on schedule, operates efficiently, and presents a clean, orderly layout suited to a high-volume dealership environment. Honda regarded the project as a success, and the workshop now runs reliably and effectively.
Rapid diagnosis and repair of a complex hydraulic and electronic fault on a wireless heavy column hoist system.
Maskill Contracting contacted us following a failure on one column within a four-column wireless heavy hoist system. The affected column had stopped mid-lift, leaving a truck stranded and deadlines looming. A hydraulic leak was visible, and the column would not descend under normal operation.
On arrival, our technician first carried out emergency manual lowering procedures to safely recover the vehicle. Initial inspection confirmed significant hydraulic seal wear and active leakage, but it was clear this was not the primary cause of the shutdown — the leak had developed gradually and did not explain the sudden loss of function.
Diagnostic work identified the root cause as an electronic fault. This particular generation of hoist has a known design weakness involving a current path on the main control PCB — an issue recognised by the manufacturer, but not yet covered by a service bulletin. The fault had resulted in overheating, connector damage, and loss of control power to the column.
Field repairs were carried out on site, including repair of a damaged PCB trace, bypassing of a melted connector and socket, and replacement and upgrade of undersized wiring. Once electronic repairs were completed and testing confirmed stable operation, attention returned to the hydraulic issue.
Using the Hiab, the technician raised the carriage and removed the heavy hydraulic ram for on-site seal replacement. While challenging to carry out in the field, we carry the correct seals as standard and have developed the techniques required to fit them properly. The ram was resealed, reinstalled, pressure tested, and the hoist fully recommissioned.
Despite the complexity of the faults, the entire job was completed within a matter of hours. The hoist was returned to service fully functional and properly repaired — not merely patched — allowing Maskill Contracting to resume operations with minimal disruption.
A complete workshop fit-out within an exceptionally constrained footprint, delivered through careful planning, sequencing, and execution.
Our involvement began before the lease was signed. We surveyed the building with the workshop manager and produced detailed layout drawings to confirm that the required hoists and equipment could be accommodated within the extremely tight space.
To maximise capability, some workflow compromises were anticipated in the early design stages. The final layout included a heavy-duty four-post hoist, a cutting-edge on-deck wheel alignment system, and a high-capacity two-post hoist suitable for large commercial vehicles such as Renault Master vans. In practice, the finished workshop performed better than expected — functioning as a highly capable, efficient facility that feels significantly larger than its physical footprint suggests.
Foundation conditions presented challenges. Existing concrete limited anchoring options, requiring the use of specialised anchors, with only two machines needing new foundations cut. All work was carried out carefully on freshly coated floors, with active coordination alongside other trades to maintain progress across the site.
Site access was extremely limited. Equipment was delivered and installed one machine at a time using our specialist installation truck and trailer, as conventional delivery methods were not possible. Additional complexity came from the relocation of existing equipment from an adjacent workshop, all while maintaining 100% uptime — no work bay could be taken out of service at any point during the project.
Through detailed planning, tight logistics, and disciplined execution, the project was completed on time and within budget. The finished workshop is compact, sharp, and highly functional, with custom-ordered red equipment matched to the dealership's livery.
The result is a well-run, profitable service operation — and a clear example of what careful design and execution can achieve in even the most constrained spaces.
Assessment, removal, and replacement of a severely corroded vehicle hoist in a coastal port environment.
We were engaged to assess a hoist with known corrosion concerns that had been installed outdoors in a high-exposure marine location. Despite having been certified only two months earlier by another provider, the condition of the equipment was extreme.
Structural components exhibited advanced corrosion throughout. Previous attempts at remediation had included poorly applied gussets welded over existing rust, offering no meaningful structural integrity. During controlled disassembly, the extent of degradation became clear: the removal of the first component was sufficient to destabilise the structure, resulting in three of the four posts fracturing at the post-to-baseplate interface and collapsing.
Further inspection revealed widespread failure across all systems. The power unit was water-contaminated and barely functional, electrical components were exposed to the elements and hazardous, and crossbeams showed severe corrosion heave to the point that original structural sections were indistinguishable. Cables, locks, latches, and safety mechanisms were either seized or unrecognisable, and abrasive blasting media was present throughout the machine.
The hoist was immediately decommissioned, dismantled, and scrapped. Findings were formally reported to WorkSafe. A replacement machine of equivalent capacity was then supplied and installed.
The new installation required a non-standard approach. To suit operational needs within the port environment, the hoist was mounted on a modified container base, allowing the entire assembly to be repositioned by large forklift. This demanded bespoke anchoring solutions and careful engineering to ensure stability, compliance, and long-term durability under harsh conditions.
The completed installation provides a safe, functional lifting solution appropriate to the environment — and stands as a reminder of the importance of genuine inspection, conservative judgement, and suitability of equipment for its operating conditions.
Installation, relocation, and refurbishment of lifting equipment for a new purpose-built Vehicle Inspection New Zealand facility.
The new Palmerston North site was designed around a drive-through inspection philosophy and includes double-length inspection pits, brake rollers, and multiple hoist systems to support high-throughput vehicle inspections.
We were engaged to install new hoists and to relocate and recommission selected machines from the previous site. While full replacement was recommended, VINZ elected to retain and rebuild several existing units. Our scope therefore included the refurbishment of multiple hoists — including a German screw-type hoist — as well as the design and installation of extended approach and departure ramps and a custom joining plinth for a double four-post hoist. This arrangement allows efficient inspection of lowered vehicles and towing combinations together.
The project presented significant technical challenges. Workshop consulting services had not been utilised during the design phase, and several hoist locations were incorrectly set out by the architect. Electrical services had been cast into the slab and terminated at these incorrect positions, requiring remediation before installation could proceed.
To resolve this, we coordinated with a closely aligned sister company to carry out minimally invasive concrete tracing works, relocating electrical services to their correct locations while maintaining mechanical protection and compliance. Hoists were then installed using specialised anchoring systems designed to accommodate the resulting concrete conditions.
Alongside installation, we rebuilt several machines and carried out detailed recommissioning across the site. Despite long hours and physically demanding work, the project was delivered on schedule. While overall costs increased due to design-stage errors outside our control, the completed workshop presents as a cohesive, high-quality facility.
From an operational perspective, the outcome is seamless — the workshop looks sharp, functions smoothly, and supports efficient inspection workflows as intended.
Diagnosis, recovery, and remediation of a critical hydraulic failure on heavy-duty pantograph truck hoists.
We were engaged following a hydraulic failure on a set of 25-tonne heavy pantograph truck hoists operating in a high-duty transport environment. The machines had not been serviced for an extended period, despite running continuous 24-hour shifts.
Due to the semi-in-ground installation, underground service conduits carrying hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, and sensor services had gradually filled with water, oil, grease, tools, and debris. Over time, this created severe corrosion and degradation of high-pressure hydraulic lines. The failure ultimately occurred when one of these lines ruptured under peak load.
Fortunately, the rupture occurred underground rather than at the machine, significantly reducing the risk of injury. At the time of failure, the platforms were near ground level — the point of highest system stress — allowing the vehicle to be recovered without secondary damage.
The remediation work was extensive. Service ducts were manually cleared of debris and contaminated fluids, pumped dry, and cleaned. Damaged hydraulic hoses were extracted and replaced. Due to the machine settling into a severely out-of-level condition following the failure, controlled recovery was required using our Hiab crane before the hoist could be raised safely and repairs commenced.
Once remediation was complete, the hoists were recommissioned and returned to service. As a result of the incident, the client elected to place the equipment on a regular servicing programme. The machines have since operated reliably and continue to perform smoothly under demanding conditions.
This project underscores both the durability of well-engineered equipment — and the critical importance of proactive maintenance in high-duty applications.
Design and delivery of a compact, efficient workshop for a growing small-town dealership.
McVerry Crawford Marton had been operating successfully for years from an ageing building, making the most of limited space and infrastructure. After careful planning and steady saving, the owners committed to a modest but well-considered new facility — a six-bay workshop with integrated showroom, yard flow, and service parking designed to support their business long into the future.
A key principle of the project was the use of local contractors wherever possible. The result was a well-coordinated, community-focused build that progressed smoothly from start to finish.
We were engaged to assist with workshop design and layout, equipment supply, and installation. Our scope included supplying and installing a new vehicle hoist, a new ATV hoist, rebuilding an existing machine, and providing workbenches along with numerous smaller workshop items, as well as relocating existing equipment from the old workshop to the new one. A closely aligned sister company supplied and installed the compressed air system and distribution lines.
Maintaining productivity throughout the build was important. Equipment was moved and installed one machine at a time to keep workshop output as close to full capacity as possible. Existing machines were removed and disposed of as required, and we worked closely with other contractors while advising the owners on practical decisions at each stage of the process.
The project ran smoothly from beginning to end, without interruption or rework. The finished workshop is efficient, practical, and well matched to the scale of the business. The opening day was rightly celebrated — a fitting result for a carefully planned and well-executed local project.
Design and staged delivery of a compact service workshop for an expanding vehicle dealership.
Automarque began as a vehicle sales operation and made the strategic decision to expand into servicing as part of their growth. They secured a highly visible site with an integrated workshop space and engaged us to help ensure the workshop would perform effectively despite its limited footprint.
Initial requirements called for two hoists, with a clear intention to expand to five over time and potentially extend into an adjacent building in the future. We developed multiple layout options and worked through the advantages and limitations of each, focusing on workflow, access, and long-term flexibility.
The workshop geometry presented challenges. The space was effectively a single-entry, hallway-style layout with a dead end, requiring careful consideration of vehicle movement and technician workflow. We also designed and installed a concealed compressed air system, including a hidden airline network and remotely located compressor to minimise noise, heat, and visual clutter within the workshop.
Concrete conditions required particular attention. A series of test holes were carefully placed to assess suitability, and alternative hoist specifications were selected where necessary — ensuring the final installation would withstand the demands of daily New Zealand work-ute servicing without compromise.
The workshop was delivered on time, under budget, and to a high standard. In the years following, we returned to progressively expand the facility, installing additional hoists exactly as allowed for in the original design. Today, the workshop operates at full capacity, supporting a compact, efficient, and profitable dealership with a strong local reputation.
It's a satisfying example of how early planning and realistic staging can pay dividends over the long term.
A single-hoist installation for a premier independent workshop, completed efficiently for immediate workshop expansion.
All Things Automotive is an independent workshop operator with a well established reputation. When they reached out seeking a vehicle hoist installation, we were able to accommodate the job during a short window between larger projects.
The work was straightforward: supply, deliver, and install a quality two-post hoist suited to general automotive servicing. Despite the modest scope, the same care was taken with site assessment, anchoring, levelling, and commissioning as with any larger installation project.
The job was completed rapidly and professionally, giving the workshop a reliable, well-installed additional work bay, ready for daily work. It's a reminder that smaller projects deserve the same attention as major fit-outs — and that good outcomes don't require complexity, just competence and care.
Installation of a new dealership workshop delivered through precise on-site layout and disciplined execution.
For this project, formal workshop layouts had not been completed in advance. The dealer principal had a clear vision for the workshop arrangement and a well-prepared space, with the expectation that final measurement and positioning would be resolved on the day of installation.
While the available space and overall concept were sound, the required approach angles of the hoists introduced additional complexity. Achieving correct vehicle approach geometry, technician clearances, and compliant spacing required careful adjustment of machine orientation before any fixing could begin. This process absorbed time and attention, but was carried out methodically on site without disruption or additional cost.
Our custom-made baseplate templates proved critical in achieving accurate placement under these conditions. Once layout was finalised, installation of the three hoists proceeded smoothly. Throughout the process, we coordinated closely with the electrical contractor and floor coating team to ensure services were integrated correctly and the freshly finished floor was protected.
From the outside, the project appeared straightforward — delivered on time, on budget, and without drama. Behind the scenes, however, it required careful judgement, precise measurement, and steady coordination to arrive at the right result.
The finished workshop is visually striking: a fully finished, well-proportioned space with clean lines and a considered workflow. More importantly, it operates efficiently and comfortably as a working dealership environment.
