about PRESCO
We’ve built specialist teams, trusted for their skills, advice and commitment to getting the job done. We know it’s our people that make the difference, and we’re proud of our reputation for reliable service and workmanship.
OUR STORY
1973
In the beginning…
Completing his apprenticeship, Steve Prestidge starts his career as a fully qualified electrician, working for local Hawera companies, building a reputation for great standards and service.
1991
The birth of Presco
Now a young father looking towards 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.
1992
The bright ideas keep coming
In a growing industry, Steve is inspired to make illuminated signs, some of which still stand today. His idea evolved into making moulded plastic covers for refrigeration.
Meanwhile, the electrical business is booming, with up to 15 contactors also 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 delivery.
1993
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.
1998
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.
1999
Presco Electrical is let go
Steve sells Presco Electrical to a friend looking to start his own electrical business and focus’ on the growing Hire customer base. Presco Electrical becomes the Hawera branch of JLE.
2004
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 a second access fleet begins forming.
2006
Presco Environmental is acquired
A small business cleaning roofs at Fonterra becomes available for sale. A plant manager approaches Steve suggesting he purchase. Presco Environmental begins operating from a portacom on the side of the Hawera Hire offices providing specialist industrial cleaning services focused on the food production industry.
2007
Steve purchases a concrete business
With Steve adding a concrete manufacturing to the mix, he purchases an old BMX track down the road from Hawera Hire and sets up a base for Presco Environmental and the new Presco Products. Presco Products begins building a reputation for quality concrete products for farmers including troughs and feed bunkers.
2008
A family affair
With Steve’s sons joining the business, Steve changes the business from a partnership to a company.
2013
The first Presco Prosump is built
Presco Products becomes Presco Infrastructure and with effluent management for NZ farmers becoming a hot topic and plastic-lined storage ponds not lasting the distance, Presco develops their solution, the concrete Prosump.
2016
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 New Plymouth.
2018
A new addition
Presco acquires Titan Precut in Hawera and Marton and renames the business to Presco Prenail; designing, building and delivering wooden frame and truss.
A Presco Hire Hawera customer is so impressed by the service he receives; he asks to deal with them throughout the country. Supplier partnerships start forming and the service is offered to more customers.
2019
Change is in the air
With the big concrete infrastructure installs requiring staff to spend a lot of time away from home and family, the decision is made to sell the business.
Meanwhile, a new purpose-built manufacturing shed is built for Prenail and the new hire facilitation service is well-received in the market.
2020
Presco Environmental moves online
Presco Environmental opens an online store selling quality, innovative products that supplement their cleaning service.
2022
Looking ahead…
As a business we’ve continued to innovate and provide services where our local industry needs them most. We’re excited about new opportunities ahead, as we continue to grow and support our customers across all areas of our business.
CENTERED IN SUSTAINABILITY
While our group has evolved over the years, our vision has remained the same: to develop and grow sustainable businesses that support our families, but also give back to the communities we are a part of.
We have consciously grown our group, offering services centered around our ‘three-legged stool’ philosophy when it comes to sustainability – people, planet and profit. Our focus is on longevity – for ourselves as a business and for the organisations we service. Our offerings are geared to not only create immediate efficiencies, but also to provide enduring returns long into the future for our clients’ businesses.
OUR VALUES
As a team, we’re guided by these key principles in how we support our customers, how we hire our people and how we reward our staff. So, no matter how we work together, you can expect trusted advice and the consistent standard of service that the Presco name was built on.
- Positive team players
- Respect and appreciation shown to all
- Effective communication
- Safe home, every day
- Customer is key
- Opportunity through continuous improvement
CAREERS
We’re always on the lookout for skilled people to join us. A role at Presco is a chance to work for a family-owned organisation that truly values its employees while contributing to some of New Zealand’s most important industries.
OUR COMMUNITY &
CHARITY SUPPORT
We’re proud to support both local and nationwide charities and community groups by giving back through sponsorship support and the provision of services for events.
Some of these events and organisations include: