Lifting the profile of regional growth and development

As published in October 2007

McLeod Cranes dedicated to serving local communities

The words 'family' and 'loyalty' are powerful and meaningful words embedded in both the working strategy and professional industry identity of Mount Maunganui based, McLeod Cranes.

Since buying his first crane from japan in 1996, company owner Curly (Ian) McLeod has since expanded his local vehicle fleet to nine, including one crawler crane (tracked), to accommodate needs on all terrains.

The hands-on family owned business (based in Boeing Place) now operates with a skilled team of 15... four of whom are members of the McLeod family including Curly, wife Anne and their two sons Scott and Peter.

Scott joined the company two years ago bringing with hime extensive background experience in computer systems and technology, and is now responsibile for dispatching, site analysis and health and safety procedures.

Peter, a professional engineer, recently returned to the company after four years overseas, which included service as a lift planner for one of the two largest crane vessels in the world - the Saipem 7000 - (off the Mexican coast and North Sea) which has an incredible lift capacity of 14,000 tonnes, by two cranes mounted on the bow of the vessel. The hooks of these cranes weigh 560 tonnes each.

Peter is responsible for technical issues across a wide range of lift performances and variable site management operations, including preliminary site inspections and assessments. Anne from day one, has had control of administration.

Curly (a tradesman fitter and turner) has been involved in engineering and crane hire for 45 years. He has previously owned Papamoa Motors and MAC Engineering in Te Puke. Prior to McLeod Cranes he managed Partridge Crane Hire, and Albert Smith Crane Hire.

The Saipem 7000

Professional Trade Training

Professional trade training to top industry standards is important to the skilled preformance levels provided by McLeod Cranes. Within its operational team, personnel are qualified to NZQA standards, and others are studying to achieve similar recognition.

As a local family already dedicated to the Western Bay of Plenty through many generations in the past 100 years, (including pioneer farmers), Curly says there is an important role for the family business to focus on an ongoing commitment to local regional growth... and keep it that way.

"Our prime objective and business loyalty, is to support the industries in our region and to be there for clients, with the right equipment and expertise available as and when required," he said.

The present fleet of cranes operating out of Mt Maunganui include vehicles with varible lift capacities up to 130 tonnes.

Curly says the company has its eyes on securing two more in the near future to increase choices for specific job options and variable lift capacities, and allow for ongoing business growth. The company's fleet is already the largest in the western bay.

Most of the vehicles are clearly identifiable by a trade mark wix blue, while two are conspicuous in bright yellow.

Among some of the more recent high profile developments, in which they have been involved, are the Hewletts Road flyover and the outstanding modern landmark of the Holy Trinity Church in Devonport Road.