about PRESCO

In the beginning…

Completing his apprenticeship, Steve Prestidge starts his career as a fully qualified electrician. He works for local companies in Hawera, building a reputation for great standards and service.

The start of Presco

Now a young father looking to his families future, Steve decides it’s time to go it alone and Presco Electrical is born. An electrical contracting business working out of an old horse stables, mainly across industrial properties and new homes.

Later that same year… With Kiwi (now Fonterra) engineers struggling with scaffolding on a job, Steve sees a better way and sub-hires a Scissor Lift from a friend in Hastings which becomes the first Scissor Lift available for hire in Taranaki.

The bright ideas keep coming

The electrical business is booming, with up to 15 contractors working under the Presco Electrical name. Steve expands into a bigger space and hires his first employee; his youngest brother, Carl. Another brother, David, manages the Scissor Lift bookings and deliveries.

With his electrical knowledge, Steve is inspired to make illuminated signs, some of which still stand today.

The hire fleet expands and Hire Lift is born

An acquaintance offers Steve an opportunity to purchase more access gear. Steve adds Cherry Pickers and another Scissor Lift to his fleet and starts trading as Hire Lift.

Hire Lift is joined by Hawera Hire

The acquaintance returns, this time with small hire gear on offer. Steve purchases the gear and Hawera Hire is created. The business moves to the corner of Scott St and Tawhiti Road.

Presco Electrical becomes the past

Steve decides to sell Presco Electrical to a friend looking to start his own electrical business and instead focus on growing the equipment Hire business.

Hire Lift heads to New Plymouth

Inspired by Hawera’s great response to his commitment to service and reliability, Steve leases a small building in New Plymouth and expands his access fleet.

Presco Environmental is acquired

A small roof cleaning business at Fonterra becomes available for sale. A plant manager approaches Steve suggesting he purchase. Presco Environmental begins operating from a portacom at the Hawera Hire offices. Beyond just roof cleaning, it provides specialist industrial cleaning services for the food production industry.

Presco Hire is established

Hawera Hire and Hire Lift merge to become Presco Hire and the ribbon is cut at a new purpose-built branch in Hurlstone Drive, New Plymouth.

A nationwide hire network begins

A hire customer is so impressed by the service he receives; he asks to deal with Presco Hire across the country. Our nationwide network of hire partners starts forming and a nationwide hire service is offered to more customers.

Presco Hire expands to a third location

With the continued success of both Hawera and New Plymouth branches, Presco Hire expands to a third location in New Plymouth. Allowing customers even easier access to hire equipment across Taranaki.