The Patchell Group expands options through Australian joint venture

With decades of experience designing and building transport solutions for New Zealand conditions, The Patchell Group continues to focus on what it does best — producing robust, New Zealand-built trailers engineered to last.

The Patchell Group has always been at the forefront of design and technology but recognises the benefits of aligning with other like-minded companies to be able to offer products that suit a range of transport solutions, which is why the Patchell Group has entered into a joint venture with respected Victorian manufacturer Kennedy Trailers, a long-established Australian company, to provide access to specialised forestry equipment where it makes sense for local operators.

Kennedy Trailers, a family owned and operated business; pride themselves on custom transport solutions with over 40 years’ experience in the manufacturing of logging, mining and heavy transport equipment.

Garry Kennedy started in 1980 as a mobile welding contractor servicing logging operations through the manufacture and repair of machinery and log jinkers. Garry’s focus and passion was always trucks and log jinkers, and the business progressed from repairs to design and manufacture of its own purpose built equipment. Over the decades, Kennedy Trailers has developed and produced a wide range of custom log and folding trailers for forestry and heavy haulage applications, with more than twenty different trailer configurations built since its first log trailer entered service.

CEO, Garry Kennedy, says they are very excited to be involved with this joint venture with the Patchell Group in New Zealand to offer trusted solutions for the New Zealand market. This partnership brings together Kennedy Trailers’ proven Australian engineering and manufacturing expertise with Patchell’s strong local knowledge and established reputation in New Zealand. By working collaboratively, we are confident we can deliver innovative, high-quality folding log trailers that are purpose-built for local conditions and provide long-term value to New Zealand operators.

Patchell brings more than 50 years of experience in the manufacture and supply of forestry equipment, with products that have operated successfully in New Zealand conditions over many years. Patchell will continue to design, build, and sell its own range of Patchell-branded products.

Through the joint venture Patchell will offer Kennedy Trailer products, such as the specialised folding trailer design incorporating proven Kennedy technology and reliability into Patchell designed and manufactured trailers that meet the tare and operational requirements unique to the NZ log transport task. While there have been some similar options tried in the past in NZ, traditionally they may not have suited New Zealand applications. Changing operating environments and customer requirements mean there may now be new opportunities for some local users.

By working with an established manufacturer rather than duplicating proven designs, The Patchell Group aims to ensure customers have access to the most appropriate equipment — supported locally by a team that understands New Zealand conditions and long-term performance requirements.

Brent Whibley, Patchell CEO says “Our industry is evolving, and operators and forest owners are looking for smarter, more efficient ways to do business.  This partnership allows us to introduce a proven solution to the New Zealand market, backed by local support and engineering.  We believe it represents a meaningful step forward in lifting productivity and performance in some specific need areas”.