Equipsafety South Island flagship opened for business in April.

Located on the high profile corridor of Blenheim Road in Christchurch - the route most traffic takes when heading south of the city - the branch mirrors the three other specialist Equipsafety branches in Auckland, Te Rapa and Wellington. It enjoys similar visibility as well.

Up until April, Equipsafety has had a presence in the South Island through branches of Mico Plumbing and Pipelines, MasterTrade and Corys Electrical.

Branch Manager Jeff Fitness says establishing the first stand-alone outlet in the South Island recognises the growth potential of the region. "This is the fourth stand alone branch of Equipsafety in New Zealand and the first for the South Island. This investment by the Crane Group shows South Island flagship the industry that we are serious about servicing the safety supply market".

"It also recognises that the supply of safety equipment is at a new stage. More companies are appreciating the safety of their staff and the requirement of safety equipment to ensure their protection is becoming more of a priority," Jeff says.

The profile of Equipsafety is gaining traction as the company notches up commercial successes and builds its brand within the market.

The Christchurch outlet - located in the Sockburn Business Park at 513-521 Blenheim Road - will stock safety equipment from the most basic protection through to the most sophisticated. Included in the range will be gloves, hard hats and safety eyewear to full height safety and respiratory equipment.

Jeff’s goal is to demonstrate to the safety industry and the wider market that Equipsafety, as a new player, can offer high quality product at competitive rates and with superior service.

As the new manager, Jeff brings a career of experience in building and construction, as well as experience with the launch of successful new companies. Having over 15 years’ experience in the building, construction, roofing and engineering business, Jeff has been exposed to many safety issues related to these industries.

"It is now a matter of assisting the industry by educating, training and supporting them in safety awareness," he says.

"With dedicated trained staff, quality products and ongoing support from suppliers and other safety industry educators, our aim is for the customer to have a pleasurable, rewarding relationship with Equipsafety. This will be achieved by providing a long-lasting, strong and beneficial relationship with our valued customers."

At present, the branch employs three staff plus uses support through the business development manager, however, Jeff’s ambition is to grow the numbers further 'within a short period' to meet what he describes as a market with 'high potential.'