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hard news
Tool Kit Depot will
come to NZ
Mid last month, Bunnings announced that its 2020 acquisition, South Australia’s Adelaide Tools, would be rebranded as Tool Kit Depot, and that its new professional tools business would roll out this year, with the first four stores set for Western Australia.
The rest of Australia and New Zealand will also see the new brand, at dates yet to be determined.
Michael Schneider, Bunnings ANZ Managing Director, says of the news: “We’re really excited about our plans for the future of the business under the new name, Tool Kit Depot.
“Earlier this year we opened a new Adelaide Tools store in Parafield where we trialled new concepts and the response from customers was incredibly positive.
“It’s given us confidence in the evolution of the format that we need to take the business into WA and beyond.”
Describing itself as an “all-under- one-roof tool, equipment, safety and workwear destination for busy trade professionals”, and emphasising its tool service, repair and hire services, the first Tool Kit Depot store opens in Belmont WA this month with a further three stores expected to open this calendar year in the Perth and Peel regions.
Bunnings in New Zealand had no comment on the introduction of Tool Kit Depot here at this time.
https://toolkitdepot.com.au/
Red Stag “reborn”
18 years after the Red Stag brand was re-launched following the receivership of its predecessor, the brand has had
a modern update. According to Marty Verry, “It’s in line with the technological and quality advances in the product mix, which now includes CLT and shortly, glulam.”
www.redstagtimber.co.nz
Change at the top for Fletcher
Building’s Distribution division
IN A SURPRISE announcement last month, it was revealed that Bruce McEwen would be moving on from his present role as Chief Executive of the Distribution Division.
Instead, he will be taking on
the newly created role of Chief Executive, Digital Foundations, a role which Fletcher Building CE Ross Taylor describes as “critical
as we accelerate the transition of our businesses.
“This key strategic initiative will underpin our ability to meet our customers’ current and future needs and allow us to focus on the areas that they value most.
“With our operating businesses continuing to increase their activities across ecommerce, digitisation, automation and data analytics, the need to get our base systems and data capabilities positioned to support this growth and activity has become increasingly important.
“Bruce is a highly experienced leader with a strong understanding of the technology and data transformation we need to make, combined with a proven ability to influence and lead change.
“I’d like to thank him for the outstanding job he has done as the Chief Executive of our Distribution division over the past several years.”
Bruce McEwen has been with Fletcher Building for the last seven years, and as CE of Distribution since July 2018, before which he was GM of PlaceMakers.
Recognising that his new role is “a challenging opportunity” and describing his task as “shaping the future of the overall business”, looking back for a moment, he says: “I have enjoyed my time in Distribution.
“We have made a lot of changes and produced some stellar results and I think we have positioned the business really well for the future.
“We can be very proud of the growth in the business, the growth in the people, and the capability we’ve created.
“We’ve taken what was a physical analogue business and are well on the
path to creating a digital supply chain – that’s a massive change and one that will set the business up well for the future.”
Adding that Distribution’s earnings
are now some four times what they were seven years ago, Bruce also recognises the importance of “a new energy to
keep building a business that leads
and transforms the market. I think it’s healthy to have turnover in the top chair,” he says.
Distribution’s new CE is Teresa Rendo, who comes from senior leadership roles within the Woolworths Group in Australia, most recently as GM Commercial at Big W.
Ross Taylor says of the appointment: “This is an important time for our distribution businesses as we continue to drive its operating tempo and business model to exceed the changing expectations of our customers.
“Teresa’s expertise and understanding of global trends and best practice will ensure we accelerate this journey.
“She is a proven team and customer- first leader with a demonstrated track- record of delivering results.
“In addition, she brings to the role a highly valuable skill set, including a focus on what matters most to customers and how to effectively leverage ecommerce, data and supply chains to maximum effect.
“She will be an outstanding addition to the Fletcher Building executive team and we look forward to welcoming her to New Zealand.”
Bruce McEwen will remain in his current role while Teresa Rendo goes through the process of moving from Australia.
www.fletcherbuilding.com
6 NZHJ | OCTOBER 2021
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