MEDIA RELEASE
29 July 2005
New Appointments at Masport to Consolidate Growth
New Zealand garden and home heating leader, Masport Limited, has made two new appointments, as it continues to grow the
brand into new and existing markets.
Steve Hughes has been appointed Manufacturing Manager, while Peter Collins takes on a newly created position of Business
Development Manager. Both are tasked to expand Masport’s reputation for engineering excellence.
Hughes has a Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing from Auckland University and returns to Masport after a break of 6 years
overseas. He brings considerable industry experience to his new role having previously worked in purchasing and
manufacturing as well as marketing. His knowledge of the business and its product range will be invaluable in his new
position.
Collins holds a Diploma in Process Engineering, which he obtained in Michigan USA and has over 20 years experience in
manufacturing management of automotive components and material handling equipment. He will be charged with seeking out
opportunities for Masport to use its manufacturing experience across various product ranges, to offer short and long run
contract manufacturing for other companies.
Masport Limited’s General Manager, Peter Batcheler, sees the two appointments as being pivotal to ensure the business,
marking it’s 95th year as a manufacturer of engineering excellence, takes full advantage of its capability and
resources.
“We have a huge manufacturing capacity on site and a highly experienced workforce and we are confident Steve and Peter
will help us to expand that capacity further,” he says.
ENDS
ABOUT MASPORT LIMITED:
This year Masport celebrates 95 years of manufacturing excellence. Founded in 1910, the company originally made vacuum
pumps and stationary engines for the farming industry. Within 20 years it had produced the first Masport ‘Rapid’ hand
mower and by 1938 had produced the country’s first powered lawnmower. Today Masport manufactures and/or distributes more
than 100 lawn and garden care products including barbecues, patio heaters and wood and gas fires - some of which are
exported to over 35 countries worldwide.