New Zealand's biggest Fuso dealer, Keith Andrews Trucks (KAT), has opened a new branch in Hamilton, purposebuilt to serve a growing Waikato customer base.

It's the fourth Fuso-focused dealership in KAT's upper North Island operation – managing director Keith Andrews saying that "the need for a dedicated Fuso sales and service dealer in the Waikato region has increased rapidly with the expansion of its largest city.

"It's no secret that Hamilton has seen significant growth over the past four to five years, along with an equally-large increase in transport operations.

"As a result, our Fuso customer base across the region has grown to the point that specialist support is required to ensure that customers' experiences meet the high expectations of Fuso NZ."

The custombuilt Te Rapa dealership caters for heavy commercial sales, parts supply and service, with five service bays manned by Fuso-trained technicians, supported by proprietary diagnostic tools and Fuso NZ technical experts.

"Customers should have an expectation that when they bring their Fuso to us, they'll receive the best possible support for their vehicle – whatever its age," says Andrews.

"As specialists, we can ensure that all necessary repairs are made with as little downtime as possible."

The new dealership, which is open five and a half days a week, has 17 staff, headed by branch manager Shaun Croswell, who's moved from Keith Andrews Trucks, Manukau to establish the business "and ensure the same high standard of service is provided to every customer.

"This is a really exciting role," says Croswell: "Keith Andrews is a proven and respected brand in commercial vehicles and I look forward to building on that throughout Waikato.

"One of my first actions has been to meet with our existing customers and find out how we can best deliver to their needs and expectations. I received some really valuable feedback that will help guide my priorities over the next few months.

"Our doors have been open for a few weeks now and, while we specialise in Fuso, we've been servicing a range of makes and models. There seems to be a real interest in a new commercial service outlet in Hamilton and, as word spreads, we're getting busier and busier."

The Hamilton branch carries an inventory of 1500 Fuso parts itself – and has access to over 9000 more, just two hours away, at Fuso NZ's warehouse near Auckland Airport.

"We're really looking forward to delivering a better level of service to the region," says Croswell: "It has had good service for the past decade, but it's time for us to take it to the next level."