Kevin Chubb, the longtime managing director of manufacturing engineering, truck and trailer parts, mechanical service and repair and crane sales and service operation TRT (Tidd Ross Todd), has left the business.

The family-owned company (which notched-up 50 years of business last year) credits Chubb, the MD since 1997, with leading "a number of key business achievements – championing many developments that have put the company into the position of a leading transport engineering and aftermarket supplier."

"Kevin has led from the front with a team of loyal and enthusiastic people, overseeing the development of TRT's business through many challenges and significant growth."

That includes building up staff levels from 75 to 200 employees, in a "terrific culture of hard work, professionalism and fun!"

Chubb led the development of the heavy transport parts business to now include nationwide coverage, two warehouses, eight customer service staff and six account managers on the road…focusing on only genuine parts.

He's overseen "significant" growth in facilities, including a fully-integrated manufacturing plant in Hamilton, ensuring that "almost all" of TRT's production is done inhouse.

There's been the addition of key franchise partners Scania, Mercedes-Benz, Freightliner, Isuzu and Fuso, the purchase of B&N Cranes in Brisbane and the establishment of the Manitowoc agency for Queensland – providing the base for future business expansion in Australia.

Manufacturing director Bruce Carden says Chubb's appointment as MD "was a game changer for TRT."

Chubb says: "It's been a great privilege to have been a part of this – working closely with Robert (engineering director Robert Carden) and Bruce, in particular – with our respective strengths. Together combining to make a formidable executive team.

"It's a good time to be leaving TRT, when the company is in great heart, with strong forward orders and has great prospects for future growth."

Bruce and Robert Carden, who will now lead the business with the support of new chief operating officer Lawrence Baker, wish Chubb well for the future.