Page 10 - HW October 2020 NEW

hard news
Rest in peace, Graeme Ridler, industry icon
It is with great sadness that we share
the news that Accent Tools’ founding Director and Shareholder, Graeme Ridler, passed away in September after a long battle with cancer.
Graeme and business partner, Chris Kennings, established Accent Tools to acquire the New Zealand agency for Hitachi Power Tools in 1988.
Accent Tools’ Managing Director, Andrew Way, says: “Graeme was a stalwart in our industry with a career spanning 40+ years, involved early in his career driving significant local and export growth with companies such as Yates and Ceramco.
“Graeme is widely acknowledged as an innovator and influential member
of the modern New Zealand power
tool industry, having introduced to
the New Zealand market over the following decades many new power tool innovations and construction practices that have shaped the industry we operate in today.
“Through a never-ending passion and drive for success, Graeme helped build Hitachi Power Tools (now HiKOKI Power Tools), as well as our Nilfisk and Shinano Air Tool Agencies into leading industrial brands in New Zealand.
“As well as strong support and dedication for the retail and trade sectors, Graeme was also strongly involved in the Hire Association of
New Zealand (HIANZ), supporting
this industry group for over 25 years, including serving on the Board of Directors as Supplier Representative, and being awarded Honorary Membership in recognition of his service.”
From Mexico, modest as ever, Graeme told our sister magazine NZOPE at the time that he was “overwhelmed and humbled to be recognised... It was totally unexpected and wonderful to receive this acknowledgement.”
Andrew continues: “Always the consummate salesman, Graeme worked tirelessly with our Dealer Partners to grow our mutual business and support New Zealand industry.
Our sympathies go out to Graeme’s family, many friends and colleagues.
Blum opens Christchurch showcase
AUSTRIAN BRAND BLUM teamed up with Warren & Mahony Architects to develop its new, purpose-built showcase for kitchen and bathroom and living area products.
The new, sustainable property features a unique office environment and showroom and also acts as the brand’s trade training workshop and hub for South Island distribution.
The new showroom presents moving ideas and concepts for innovative kitchen and cabinetry solutions and also allows customers to experience their own storage story at first hand with a 1:1 scale Kitchen Test Drive.
The design decisions for the new showroom at 16 Avenger Crescent in Wigram were “focused on wellness and employee wellbeing, with plenty of natural light, outdoor areas to take time out, acoustic design that
provides comfortable noise levels, and materials to complement the natural local environment,” explains Warren & Mahoney Senior Associate, Simon Laurie.
The building’s key features are geothermal heating, natural ventilation systems, solar thermal for hot water generation, water recycling system and a charging station for electric cars.
www.blum.com/nz/en/
8 NZHJ | OCTOBER 2020
MORE AT www.hardwarejournal.co.nz