Newlands is a name you can trust. That’s because it is the same name that has owned and operated the business for more than ninety years.

 

Managing director Robert Newlands is the third generation owner, but he bears more than just the family name. With him comes the experience and integrity passed on from the generations before him. W. Newlands & Co. Ltd was opened by Robert’s grandfather Bill Newlands in 1933, in a small store in Tancred Street, Ashburton.

 

Operating as an auto electrical and battery service centre, his first customer was Burnett Transport, now part of Rural Transport, which remains a customer today.

 

In 1967 Robert’s father John took over at the helm. He continued to grow the business, moving it in 1974 to its current purpose-built premises in Kermode Street.

 

In 2000 Robert followed in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, taking on what has become one of New Zealand’s leading auto electrical service centres.

 

Managing Director and owner Robert Newlands joined the staff at Newlands soon after leaving school, but his “apprenticeship” started well before then, watching and learning the trade from his father.

 

"Maintaining the high standards set by my father and grandfather is extremely important to me and I am proud to be continuing their legacy." says Robert.

 

Part of that legacy is a dedicated workforce with literally hundreds of years of combined experience.