Great New Zealand businesses don’t always begin with strategy documents or glossy offices. Many start in a shed, built on practicality, curiosity, and the belief that if something doesn’t exist yet, you can make it yourself. Transcold began exactly that way.
In the early 1970s, refrigerated transport in New Zealand was in its infancy. Imported equipment was expensive, hard to source, and often didn’t suit local needs. Where others saw barriers, Laurence “Laurie” Hayward saw opportunity. He began designing and building refrigeration units himself, setting up a small operation in Pakuranga that soon became known as Transcold. Those early years were hands‑on and honest, designing, fabricating, problem‑solving, and supporting customers under one roof. That practical Kiwi ingenuity laid the foundation for a business that would go on to support fleets across the country.
As demand grew, Transcold moved to East Tāmaki. Laurie continued strengthening the business through reliability, innovation, and straight‑up service. By the late ‘80s, the industry was shifting. Import duties were easing, global technology was improving, and Laurie recognised it was smarter to focus on delivering the best equipment, not necessarily manufacturing it locally. He transitioned Transcold into importing refrigeration systems and became the New Zealand distributor for Thermo King, bringing new technology and capability to local operators.
Meanwhile, two industry veterans, John Oates and Chris Needham, had spent nearly 20 years at Carrier Air Conditioning. Their experience gave them deep technical insight and a clear view of what New Zealand operators really needed: dependable service, long-term relationships, and support available nationwide. John eventually joined Laurie, and in 1996, he, Chris, and Peter Walker purchased Transcold as Laurie retired. The business aligned with Carrier Transicold’s international technology and support network, a partnership that remains central to Transcold’s offering today.
Through the early 2000s, the company expanded steadily. Peter retired in 2004, and John and Chris continued building capability and reputation. When the Global Financial Crisis hit in 2008, Transcold, like many New Zealand businesses, faced an abrupt slowdown. Tough decisions were unavoidable, but strong customer relationships and loyal partners ensured Transcold weathered the storm.
In 2013, Transcold moved into its current site in Takanini. As the logistics industry rebounded, the company expanded its offering, adding tail lifts as a natural extension of transport solutions. D’hollandia was selected as Transcold’s partner for tail‑lift technology, another long-term strategic relationship built on quality and service.
John and Chris had always understood that leadership must eventually transition. After decades in the industry and more than 20 years at the helm of Transcold, succession planning became a priority. COVID‑19 accelerated the conversations, and in 2023, Transcold became part of the Action Manufacturing family. The transition was carefully managed, with John staying on for several months and Chris for a year, ensuring knowledge and relationships were handed over seamlessly.
Today, Transcold’s future is shaped by experienced leadership, strong partnerships, and a renewed focus on capability. General Manager Toni Batchelor, who brings 27 years of experience across Action’s Freighter and Fairfax brands, leads with a clear long-term vision.
“We’re incredibly proud of the legacy,” Toni says. “But our focus now is ensuring Transcold is positioned to grow, invest and lead the market for the next 50 years.”
Working alongside her is National Sales Manager David Didsbury, who guides Transcold’s national sales strategy and fleet partnerships. His role is as much about understanding operators’ challenges as it is about technology.
“Our customers rely on uptime and certainty,” David says. “We’re here to provide solutions that work commercially, technically and long term. That’s what builds trust.”
Transcold’s capability is also anchored by the people who have been part of the journey. Few represent that better than Christchurch Branch Operations Manager Steve Greaves, who has been with the business for 30 years. Steve has witnessed Transcold evolve from small-scale operations and handshake agreements to a nationwide network backed by advanced diagnostics, training investment, and stronger systems than ever.
Becoming part of Action Manufacturing gives Transcold the scale, backing and long-term stability of a New Zealand-owned transport manufacturing group. It strengthens succession planning, supports investment, and ensures Transcold has the resources to stay ahead, while still retaining its specialist focus on refrigeration and tail‑lift solutions.
The future of transport is changing, and electrification is already reshaping fleet strategy. Transcold has been directly involved in these developments through its work with Fairfax on the Fairfax ZE fully electric trailer, which integrates the Carrier Vector eCool refrigeration system powered by Addvolt’s energy‑recovery technology. Together, these advancements are creating real opportunities to reduce emissions, fuel use and noise while maintaining the performance customers expect. But even with these innovations, Transcold’s approach remains grounded in practicality.
“Electrification is part of the future,” Toni says. “Our role is to help customers move in the direction that makes sense for their business. Whether that’s diesel, hybrid or fully electric. It’s about practical solutions, not trends.”
Behind every piece of equipment is a growing service network supported by deeper training, more advanced diagnostic tools and investment in people. A new generation of technicians and leaders is being developed while experienced team members continue passing on valuable knowledge.
As David puts it: “Beyond technology, the company’s strategy centres on people and partnerships. A new generation is coming through, but the foundations remain strong.”
Action Manufacturing CEO Chris Devoy captures the ambition clearly: “The goal is simple: to remain New Zealand’s most trusted transport refrigeration partner.”
Transcold’s story began in a shed 50 years ago. It was built on ingenuity and determination. Today, it stands on experience, capability, and a commitment to be here, supporting Kiwi fleets, for decades to come.
