New South Island hub for Sime Darby and Terra Cat

Date: 29.02.2024

A major new hub for Sime Darby Motors and Industrial operations is under construction at Waterloo Business Park in Christchurch

Development of three separate projects — purpose-built facilities on long-term leases for Sime Darby Motors New Zealand (Sime Darby Motors NZ) businesses and Terra Cat New Zealand, plus a shared four-storey head office — began in late 2023.

Sime Darby Motors NZ businesses on-site include Truckstops, TWL, Volvo Trucks NZ, Mack, and Hyster.

"This is part of an ongoing programme of growth and investment in New Zealand and reinforces our commitment to our South Island employees and customers," says managing director of Sime Darby Motors NZ, Pat McKenna.

"The move represents a significant investment over the course of the build to design, fit out, and relocate our employees into an efficient, sustainable, purpose-built work environment, due to open by the end of 2024."

Sime Darby Motors NZ commercial businesses supply premium truck brands and materials handling equipment, supported by a nationwide service network and part sales and distribution operation.

Its new Christchurch site will contain a 14-bay mega truck service centre, parts distribution centre, TWL retail outlet, and Volvo Trucks NZ, Mack and Hyster showrooms.

Caterpillar dealer, Terra Cat New Zealand, will move its Christchurch branch, including its Terra Analytical fluid-testing laboratory, to an adjacent 2.5-hectare site.

"Terra Cat, and the Gough Group before that, has been based at its Hornby location on Amyes Rd since the 1970s, and this project is an exciting opportunity to develop a
state-of-the-art national headquarters and service branch for Cat," says Terra Cat CEO, Chris Heaton.

"This will enable us to continue providing a world-class service to our customers and take our support for our branches across the country to the next level."

The support office will accommodate around 200 Sime Darby Motors NZ and Terra Cat NZ employees within the mixed-use precinct called The Works, complete with green areas for walking and cycling.

Future developments for The Works precinct include plaza areas to buy food and drinks, as well as access to gym and childcare facilities.

Sustainability and environmental features are being integrated into the new buildings, including stormwater recycling, electric vehicle and e-bike charging stations, and building management systems that incorporate smart technology to optimise heating, ventilation, and air conditioning.

The support office will incorporate solar energy, while the other two sites will be future-proofed for solar energy. All three projects are on track for completion by the end of 2024.

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