Nailed it: Pallet Supplies' long history in Wiri
What originally started as a side gig, Pallet Supplies has grown over the years to be a major supplier of pallets in the New Zealand market. We caught up with Brett Rudd, former joint-owner of Pallet Supplies who helped his father John Rudd, grow the business and found out how much the industry (and the Wiri landscape!) has changed.
The year was 1982. Robert Muldoon was Prime Minister, Split Enz’ Six months in a leaky Boat was blasting the radio and the Falklands War started and finished.
It was also the year that John Rudd set up Pallet Supplies. As a builder with 25 years’ experience, with possession of a crew looking for work during rain days, he set up pallet making as a sideline business initially.
‘He could see the potential in the pallet and packaging industries. He was also at the stage where he knew it was time for a change, so worked hard to set up the business’ explains Brett.
The business quickly outgrew the backyard and in 1985, John decided to purchase in Wiri.
‘He bought 25,000 square metres down by Roscommon Road. It was just scrub and tussock, there was nobody down there, it was just a gravel road running past us. But he saw the potential of what Wiri could be. Buying in Wiri gave him the opportunity to expand and the business really took off’.
Pallet Supplies’ first customer in 1982 was Winstone Wallboards with an order of 10 pallets. After the site move, they quickly secured other contracts, including Fletcher Building.
‘We became one of the biggest suppliers, if not, the biggest pallet supplier in Auckland. We quickly had buildings build on the site and shortly after a building was completed, they weren’t big enough!’
Brett himself came into the company full time in 1991 and brought half of the business in 2000. Half of the site ended up being sold and part of the business moved to Langley Road. Having split sites ended up as an advantage to the business.
‘It gave both sites real focus and specialisation. We were able to concentrate on streamlining pallet manufacturing at Langley Road and Jerry Green Street could focus on pallet repairs and recycling’.
As you can imagine, pallet making has changed significantly with the help of technology. Cutting, nailing and painting is now all automated. Once upon a time they could make 300-400 pallets a day – now they can make 2500.
‘There is a lot more to pallets than what people think. And when you’re making up to six different sizes and they are all going through the factory at the same time, the measurements must be right. It’s down to millimetres’.
‘We were always keen on investing in new technology and setting up an in-line process to keep labour costs down and remain competitive.
And where do all the pallets go? Around 50% are made for the export market and one of their biggest customers is Loscam.
‘New Zealand has grown in the export market, which was been good for the company. When Loscam came into the New Zealand market in 2012, we became an exclusive supplier for their pallets. We have built around 750,000 pallets for them so far’.
In June 2023, Brett decided to step away from owning Pallet Supplies and the company was sold to Timpac, which is coincidentally based in Wiri as well. Brett, however, remains a co-owner of the Jerry Green land.
Brett is complimentary of the time he spent at Pallet Supplies and credits their success to the long time and loyal staff at Pallet Supplies. Many have remained with the company for 30 or 40 years.
‘The company wouldn’t have been such a success without the staff. Pallet Supplies have good staff and the best management team. They really make it happen and a good bunch of people’.
