50 Years of Recreational Marine Solutions
During the last quarter of 2021, Power Equipment and YANMAR will celebrate 50 years of providing recreational marine solutions to the world.
The special 50-year commemoration recognises the historic achievements behind the creation of YANMAR’s reputation today for setting the global standard in sailboat and small craft propulsion, backed by the largest worldwide service network in the industry. The celebrations will also honour YANMAR’s commitment to more than a century of diesel innovation, sustainability, and the delivery of application-driven solutions for recreational marine.
Since 1990, Power Equipment has partnered with YANMAR as the exclusive authorised distributor throughout Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific region.
The half-century celebrations follow on from the introduction of YANMAR’s first purpose-built engine for recreational marine use back in 1971, the PMX 1 cylinder. This milestone launch was shortly followed by the introduction of the YSE (Yacht Series Engine) in 1972, built specifically for sailing yachts. After bringing the first marine engine for fishing boats to the market nearly 75 years ago, YANMAR was the first diesel engine manufacturer to receive the Deming Prize for Total Quality Management in 1968.
YANMAR continues to set new standards today, becoming the first recipient of the marine diesel engine NOx certification by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in 1994. It far exceeded EPA Tier III emissions regulations with the introduction of the 4JH-CR Series in 2014, bringing the benefits of common rail technology to sailing and smaller vessels. YANMAR’s complete line-up of class-leading, efficient and quiet sailboat and powerboat engines is expanding with the recent launches of the 6LF and 6LT series.
According to Power Equipment CEO Luke Foster, “We’re proud to be part of the YANMAR family here at Power Equipment. Since our distribution into Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific began back in 1990, we have often heard stories and feedback from customers about work, fishing, and sailing adventures with family and friends – all powered by YANMAR. We can’t wait for everyone to get involved and share their stories using #yanmar50.”
Martijn Oggel, YANMAR’s Global Sales Manager, also added “YANMAR has always led the way with industry-leading and award-winning technology, breaking new ground in low emissions and reliability. With this celebration, we want to demonstrate why our engines are the most proven, premium units in the world, showing how our 50 years of recreational marine solutions has enhanced the enjoyment of boating and contributed to the advancement of the marine industry.”
All YANMAR customers are encouraged to get involved by sharing your YANMAR story using the hashtags #yanmar50 and #powerequipment, tagging @yanmarmarine on Instagram or @yanmarmarineinternational on Facebook, for an opportunity to receive one of 50 YANMAR gift packages.
New premises for Power Equipment
The New Zealand branch of Power Equipment has shifted from its long-time premises in Westhaven to a newly refurbished facility on Auckland’s North Shore.
Power Equipment is the New Zealand distributor for Yanmar and John Deere marine and industrial engines and equipment, Oxe diesel outboards, Torqeedo electric propulsion systems, Mase and Northern Lights generators, Gori and Hundested propellers and various other leading marine and industrial brands.
On February 10, Power Equipment celebrated 10 years of operation in New Zealand, initially under the Whiting Power Systems banner, before re-branding as Power Equipment in 2016. Power Equipment’s head office is in Melbourne, Australia.
The new headquarters brings together a much larger
warehouse, a modern dedicated workshop, smart showroom, parts department and
office spaces under one roof. With large doors both sides of the building,
there’s much improved access for couriers, trucks and the company’s own fleet
of service and delivery vehicles.
Power Equipment’s stock and spare parts are now all held in
one location, rather than split between two premises as was the case before the
move. Since first moving to the Rosedale site in October 2019, Power Equipment
has already noticed much improved operational efficiency, explained MD Brian
Macken, and staff are enjoying a better working environment and the benefits of
an all-new floor to ceiling rack stock management system in the warehouse.
Final organisational details were largely completed by late
January and Power Equipment’s upgraded New Zealand headquarters are now fully
operational.
Power Equipment, 10A Vega Place, Rosedale, Auckland.
