[About Us]

Franz Mechanical & Engineering

Your trusted local workshop for professional mechanical and engineering services on the West Coast. Fully equipped. All enquiries welcomed.

Franz workshop
Our Story

Your Local Workshop

Franz Mechanical & Engineering is your local, family-owned workshop in Franz Josef on the West Coast.

The highly skilled and experienced team offer a range of quality services — from automotive WOFs, COF A inspections, and heavy vehicle repairs, to fabrication, engineering, and commercial equipment servicing.

We recently updated our name to better reflect the professional engineering services we provide. You'll still find the same honest, dependable team — now operating under two focused brands: Franz Mechanical for automotive and mechanical work, and Franz Engineering for fabrication and heavy engineering.

If you need a reliable workshop that you can trust to deliver value, advice, and quality workmanship, get in touch with our friendly team today. Vehicle broken down? For after-hours and breakdown support, contact our mechanics at 021 0871 9321.

Get in Touch
Founded 2018

Meet Lachie & Hannah

Lachie and Hannah founded Franz Alpine Mechanical Limited in 2018, after the mechanical workshop in Franz Josef burned down — leaving the community without a reliable local workshop.

What began as a small, family-run operation has grown into a respected, multi-service business that is now firmly embedded in the Franz Josef community.

From humble beginnings, FAM now offers mechanical servicing, heavy engineering, agricultural equipment repairs, equipment hire, a retail store, and on-site storage — all under one roof at 14 Donovan Drive.

The business continues to be known for its honesty, dependability, and high-quality workmanship, earning a strong local reputation and repeat business from residents, farmers, contractors, and travellers alike.

In 2026, the business rebranded to Franz Mechanical & Engineering to better represent the professional engineering services offered alongside its core mechanical work.

Lachie and Hannah — Founders of Franz Alpine Mechanical
Lachie & Hannah — Founders, Franz Mechanical & Engineering
[The People]

Meet the Team

A small, skilled team backed by real qualifications and a genuine commitment to getting the job done right.

Lachie
[Owner / Operator]

Lachie

Lachie is the co-founder and owner-operator of Franz Alpine Mechanical Limited. A qualified heavy diesel mechanic with experience across road transport, plant, and heavy equipment, he leads the workshop with a hands-on approach and a strong reputation for honest, reliable workmanship. His background includes training with CAT Goughs in Christchurch and diesel mechanic roles in the Australian mining industry.

Hannah
[Office]

Hannah

Co-founder and the friendly face behind the office. Hannah keeps the business running smoothly and is available in the office during school hours to help with enquiries, bookings, and administration.

Stan
[Engineer]

Stan

Stan is our fully qualified engineer and the newest addition to the team. With extensive experience across fabrication, heavy plant, and structural engineering projects, he brings a high level of skill, precision, and practical knowledge to the workshop.

Jono
[Mechanic]

Jono

Jono is a qualified engineer with a strong background in heavy fabrication and is currently furthering his skills through Light Automotive Engineering training (Level 3–4). He is also a certified WOF inspector for motorcycles, cars and light passenger vehicles, and light trailers.

[Casual]

John (JC)

Our go-to casual team member and a true all-rounder. JC chips in across a range of mechanical jobs and is a reliable extra pair of hands whenever the workshop needs him.

[Industry Memberships]

Proud Members Of

Our memberships reflect our commitment to professional standards, industry best practice, and quality service you can trust.

MTA Assured

MTA Assured

Motor Trade Association member since 1917. Professional, reliable, and high-quality automotive services backed by a strict Code of Ethics.

HIANZ

HIANZ

Hire Industry Association of New Zealand — committed to professional standards in equipment hire.

NZRA

NZRA

New Zealand Retailers Association — supporting best practice in retail and customer service.

Capricorn

Capricorn

Capricorn Society member — a trusted automotive parts buying group supporting independent workshops across Australasia.

Black Fern

Black Fern

Black Fern member — supporting New Zealand-owned and operated businesses.

What Drives Us

Our Values

[01]

Locally Owned

Family-owned and operated from Franz Josef on the West Coast of New Zealand.

[02]

Fully Equipped

Modern workshop equipped to handle automotive, heavy plant, fabrication, and engineering work.

[03]

All Enquiries Welcomed

No job too big or too small — get in touch and our friendly team will help.

[04]

Afterhours Support

Broken down? Call 021 0871 9321 for after-hours and emergency breakdown support.

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