We keep the East Coast’s biggest businesses moving

Customer First

We do what’s right for you – no exceptions.

Collaboration

We partner with some of the industry’s finest.

Innovation

We’re helping drive the future of heavy machinery.

Convenience

From woah to go, we take care of it all for you.

The ECHD story

In 2008, Scott Hale spotted a big gap in the Eastern Bay’s heavy diesel and engineering servicing industry. So he started East Coast Heavy Diesel & Machinery Limited. ECHD quickly earned a reputation as a quality and professional one-stop-shop, and soon turned into the region’s brand of choice.

ECHD has been a family business from the get-go. Over the years, our family has grown to include state-of-the-art premises, two sister businesses (two Bridgestone outlets and Teds Testing Station) and three branches across Whakatāne, Kawerau, and Gisborne.

We see our people as the key to our success. So along the way, we’ve built a talented team that’s working hard to change the heavy machinery game. Today, we partner with some of the industry’s biggest players. And while the industry may be fast-changing, one thing’s always stayed the same; our drive to do whatever it takes to get our customers back on the road.

The ECHD Team

Whakatane

Kerry Poots

General Manager

Kerry has been in the Automotive Sector for 41 years. He has a long history working in Alpine Environments, having spent 14 years with an Alpine Cold Winter Automotive Testing Company as Opps and General Manager – helping run and maintain ski area operations.

Kerry thrives on teamwork and staff development. He’s dedicated to delivering high-quality workmanship, and world-class customer service, support, and satisfaction. He’s proud to be part of a people-focused and fast-growing business like ECHD.

Nikki

Parts Sales/Adviser Bay of Plenty Area

Nikki is very passionate about her role within ECHD as the Parts Sales Person for our One Stop Shop in Whakatane for all Truck & Machinery Parts, she loves a challenge and is enjoying the opportunity to further develop her knowledge of the very demanding heavy diesel and machinery industry.

She strives to deliver exceptional customer service and thrives on a good challenge. (If you want it she will find it)

Nikki’s bubbly personality is welcoming and can be felt both at the parts counter and over the phone.

Schalk

Engineering Manager

Schalk is the Engineering Manager at ECHD. Dedicated and self-motivated, Schalk has almost a decade’s experience working as a fully qualified fabricator – and 15 years’ experience in engineering and maintenance. His valuable knowledge means his work is of the highest standard. With strong management and client service skills, Schalk has a comprehensive understanding of his trade, and what it takes to meet clients’ needs.

Ryan Johnston

Service Manager

Ryan is the Service Manager of the Whakatāne branch. He has been with ECHD for 11 years, starting as an apprentice in 2013 and gaining industry qualifications in both Road Transport and Plant and Equipment over the years.

Ryan’s passion for tinkering with anything mechanical is what led him to the industry. At ECHD, he loves that the large variety of work means no two days are the same.

Ashleigh

Financial Coordination

Ashleigh, with more than ten years of industry experience, brings a competitive and dedicated approach to her role in financial coordination. She strongly believes that reliability and trustworthiness are key in fostering the success of both the company and individuals.Ashleigh specialises in our financial accounts department, providing our wide customer base with extensive service and support ensuring smooth company operations.

Leum Briggs

Team Leader

Qualified 12 years ago as a Motor Cycle Technician in Taupo as I followed my passion for Bike Racing. 2 years ago I moved back to the Eastern Bay on changed from bikes to the Heavy Transport industry where I have earned a roll as Lead hand in our Whakatane workshop as I also have a passion for leading a good team and delivering exceptional customer service. My wife and Family are enjoying living back in Whakatane.

Kawerau

Marise

Operational Support

Marise is the Operational Support for ECHD. She works with the team and our customers, supporting the wider company with its Health and Safety requirements.

Marise has been with ECHD for nearly 10 years, and loves the variety of work she gets to do.

Sam G

Service Manager - Kawerau

Sam is the leading hand for our Kawerau Branch. He’s been in the Heavy diesel industry for 12 years, and has a wide range of experience and knowledge. With a genuine passion for trucks and heavy machinery, Sam loves what he does.

Nastassia Te Riini

Front of House

Summer Hardie-Hurles

Front of House

Gisborne & EQ

Linda Prins

Financials and IT – Gisborne

Linda moved to Gisborne from Auckland for the quiet life, and joined the ECHD team soon after. She has a passion for people, process and teamwork, and here at ECHD Gisborne, she puts those passions to great use as our Gisborne office manager.

Bonnie Botes

Front of House – Gisborne

Danie Christie

Service Manager – Gisborne

Danie immigrated to NZ in 2018. After first landing in Auckland, he moved to Gisborne to join the ECHD team – where he’s enjoying being part of the team, and the country life that comes with it.

Lead Hand EQ Gisborne

JJ immigrated to New Zealand after 11 years working on Heavy Diesel Mining Equipment. He’s now enjoying the chance to work from the top of the East Cape down to Wairoa, enjoying the beautiful countryside while doing what he loves.