Vehicle inspection specialist VINZ has opened new premises in Hamilton, just a few hundred metres from its old location.

The purposebuilt Te Rapa facility has three lanes (two with inspection pits) to improve turnaround times and worker health and safety.

There's also extra on-site parking for trucks and trailers as well as light vehicles, a modern reception/waiting area (including outdoor space) and a range of the latest testing equipment – suitable for everything from pre-purchase inspections to heavy vehicle entry certification and Certificate of Fitness inspections.

At last month's opening VINZ CEO Gordon Shaw told guests, including customers and senior NZ Transport Agency execs, that "the difference between the new and old site is chalk and cheese. We've worked with our equipment providers to help us provide the best service here."

One of 11 VINZ branches nationwide, the new Hamilton facility has been the company's development focus since it opened a single-lane testing station in Gore a couple of years ago and Shaw added: "Palmerston North is being built as we speak and will open later in the year – and we'll turn our attention to other areas where our customers are asking us to provide a better service, or to come to towns where we don't have a representation."

NZTA chief executive Fergus Gammie said at the opening that VINZ is "one of four key service delivery partners for the agency."

The new facility, he said, shows that VINZ is "dedicated to a high level of customer service."