ADVERTORIAL
A Hauraki-based ute accessory manufacturer is calling on local talent to help it grow.
Utemaster, located in the Kerepēhi Industrial Park, was established in 2007 by the Cartwright family, and is headed by brothers Tony, Sam, and Jacob.
Since Christmas, they have hired 20 staff, with more jobs still available.
“From humble beginnings with a team of only three, we now have more than 60 staff,” general manager Tony Cartwright said.
“We’re now looking to hire more locals to join us in the next stage of the business.”
Utemaster creates ute accessories such as hard lids, canopies, flat decks, and service bodies, as well as a variety of other recreational and commercial ute solutions.
After outgrowing three facilities throughout the Thames Valley, Utemaster moved into its purpose-built facility in Kerepēhi in 2018.
“Moving into a bigger premises allowed us to bring more manufacturing capability in-house, which improved our product quality and lead times,” Tony said.
“In this facility, products for up to 450 utes across New Zealand and Australia are made in one month alone.”
In 2018, Utemaster started exporting to Australia. This has since contributed to an increase in demand, Tony said.
The business has also worked hard to build strong relationships with resellers nationwide, allowing them to provide customer support on a national level.
“We understand how our customers use their vehicles, so we aim to design products to make it easier for them to get their job done and enjoy their adventures afterward,” Tony said.
“People are choosing Utemaster because we believe in the continuous improvement of product, service, process and people.”
Ten roles are currently vacant across many facets of the business, including welding and fabrication; auto electrical; mechanical engineering; warehouse supervision; as well as an HR and recruitment advisor.
Utemaster has created its own website, Hauraki Jobs, in order to find local “movers and shakers to contribute to the company’s rapid growth”.
“Going forward, we plan to continue to bring new products to the market and further increase our export operations,” Tony said.
“To do this, we need to build a strong team of skilled players to enable us to keep manufacturing local in the Hauraki Plains and produce quality products.”
To find out more about available positions, visit: www.haurakijobs.co.nz.
- KELLEY TANTAU
