Engineering Innovator Inducted in NZ Transport Hall of Fame

NZ Engineering Innovator Inducted in NZ Transport Hall of Fame

Tidd Ross Todd (TRT)’s founder and director, Dave Carden (87) has been honoured by the transport industry in New Zealand and inducted into the NZ Road Transport Hall of Fame at a black tie event held in Invercargill on the 29th September, 2017.

Supported by his family, TRT Directors and long serving staff on the night, Dave was humble in his acceptance, as has always been his approach to the significant contribution he has made as a supplier and supporter of the NZ road transport industry.

“It is with great honour & pride to be accepted as a member of this impressive gathering of industry talent. I thank the Richardson Group for their dedication to the history of the NZ Road Transport Industry” said Carden.

This industry recognition comes at the same time TRT is celebrating 50 years in business (1967 – 2017), and Carden, instrumental in its long term success.

Kevin Chubb, TRT’s Managing Director said “TRT has always understood the significant contribution Dave has made to the heavy transport and crane industries in New Zealand. This has now been recognised by his peers and the industry. We are very proud.”

Up to eight individuals are inducted into the NZ Road Transport Hall of Fame each year from nominees. They are chosen from owner operators, large operators with 50 or more trucks individuals that have made significant contribution to the Road Transport Association and suppliers and supporters of the industry - the category under which Carden has been inducted.

At 28 years of age, Carden founded Southside Engineering in Putaruru in 1958, followed by Jack Tidd Ross Todd in 1967 to become Managing Director of Tidd Ross Todd Limited from 1987-1997. Now retired, Carden remains active in the business as a Director.

Carden has lead innovative contributions to many large scale engineering projects and transport engineering innovations in New Zealand and more recently Australia. From modifying a Bedford truck to operate as a mobile crane to developing heavy transport trailer technology that carries some of Australasia’s largest equipment and cranes. Other feats include:

• Putaruru Rail Bridge -1965

• Development of Tag Axles – 1969

• Kaimai Tunnel Beams – 1970

• Logging Jinkers – 1970

• Tidd Crane Carrier – 1976

• Tidd Hydrasteer - 1982

• Hydraulic House Mover – 1988

• TractionAir CTI - 1998

• Platform Trailers -2013

Considered a great character, engineering genius and inspirational leader, Carden is often quoted “Do it once, do it right.”. He continues to inspire true family values and a comradery that resonates throughout TRT. This is reflected in the leadership of Bruce and Robert Carden, his sons and Executive Directors, and the 200 TRT team members in NZ and Australia.

ENDS

About TRT Limited

Tidd Ross Todd Limited is celebrating 50 years in business in 2017. A privately owned family business, TRT is a New Zealand based manufacturing company, with head office and main manufacturing plant located in Maui Street Hamilton, and divisions in Wiri, Auckland and Brisbane, QLD. TRT operates throughout the New Zealand and Australia.

Certified under ISO 9001:2008, TRT has around 200 employees working within four integrated businesses; manufacturing engineering, truck and trailer parts, mechanical service and repair, and crane sales and service. With purpose built facilities of over 7,500 square metres in Maui Street, Hamilton, TRT continues strong growth in both NZ and Australia, with over 35 new positions added to the business in 2017.

TRT has many long serving employees, some have been with the company for over 40 years. This knowledgeable and experienced team work closely with customers to understand their requirements. TRT is passionate about innovation and will always develop integrated solutions to meet customer’s needs.

Links

https://youtu.be/2K78qPfT3Qs

http://www.trt.co.nz/home

http://www.trt.co.nz/aboutus

http://www.trt.co.nz/aboutus/history

http://www.trtaust.com.au/home

http://www.roadtransporthalloffame.co.nz/

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