The trucking industry gathered at Rotorua’s Energy Events Centre on Friday September 8 to celebrate a half century of achievement by leading trailer manufacturer Patchell Industries.

The black tie function was attended by nearly 400 guests and had been in the planning process for a year. Guests included suppliers, customers, staff and former staff who travelled to Rotorua from around the country. One customer made the trip from Sydney to attend the celebration.

At the entry to the Events Centre guests were greeted by a display of the full range of Patchell logging, skeletal, tanker and Swinglift trailer products. 

The timing for the celebration is actually 50 years plus for the Rotorua company, with the actual anniversary falling in late 2022 while company founder Ian Patchell was travelling overseas.

The evening was hosted by comedian Ben Hurley and speakers included Patchell Group CEO Brent Whibley, Patchell Board Chairman John Galbraith, former Rotorua mayors Grahame Hall and Stevie Chadwick and Rotorua MP Todd McClay.

Ian himself thanked the Patchell team past and present for their dedication over the company’s half-century. He spoke of the company cornerstones of “Excellence and Innovation” which have established Patchell Industries as a leader in the New Zealand trailer manufacturing industry.