Valued Business Adds New Service — Featured in Business South

We're proud to be featured in the November 2026 edition of Business South magazine, in an article by Kelly Deeks.

Franz Mechanical & Engineering is making it easier for South Westland motorists, farmers, contractors, and businesses to keep vehicles and machinery on the job, while steadily expanding the services available from its Franz Josef workshop.

The locally owned business has now been named a finalist in the Small Enterprise category of the 2026 Development West Coast Leading Light Business Excellence Awards, recognition that owner Lachlan Mackie says came as a welcome surprise.

"It's pretty special to have made it this far," Lachlan says.

"We're really proud of how far our little family-owned business has come and of the amazing team we have behind us."

CoF A Inspections Now Available

A major recent addition is CoF A inspections for vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes, which began in July following months of training, equipment installation, and approvals.

To offer the service, the workshop invested in specialised equipment including an in-ground brake roller system. Local businesses can now have eligible vehicles inspected closer to home rather than travelling to Greymouth or Hokitika.

Growing Since 2018

The new service reflects the growth of a business that has continued to broaden its capabilities since opening in 2018. What began as a vehicle repair and maintenance workshop now services a wide range of customers and equipment.

Today, the mechanical division carries out Warrant of Fitness inspections, vehicle servicing and repairs, along with maintenance on farm, earthmoving, commercial, and industrial machinery.

"In a remote area you have to be flexible, and we never really know what job is going to come through the door," Lachlan says.

Engineering Alongside Mechanical

The engineering side has expanded alongside the mechanical workshop, with an experienced and qualified engineer handling welding, fabrication, repairs, modifications, and custom engineering work completed both on site and in-house. The team also manufactures hydraulic hoses, providing another valuable service for local farmers and businesses.

Those capabilities are particularly important in South Westland, where access to specialist services can be limited. Having fabrication and repair expertise available locally helps reduce downtime and avoids the cost of bringing contractors in from further afield.

The workshop also supports travellers and rental vehicle operators passing through the district. Its ability to diagnose faults and complete repairs efficiently has helped build strong relationships with several rental vehicle companies.

Filling a Gap

Lachlan and his wife Hannah established the business after identifying a gap in the local market. When the district's mechanic passed away, Franz Josef was left without a workshop for several years.

"A friend suggested we should fill the gap," Lachlan says.

"I was surprised no one else had taken up the opportunity, so we took it."

Before launching the business, Lachlan completed his apprenticeship with Caterpillar and later worked in Germany and Western Australia, gaining experience on heavy machinery and mining trucks.

His time in Germany shaped the way he approaches leadership. He was impressed by employers who focused on retaining staff by making them feel invested in the success of the business.

That philosophy remains central today. Team members are encouraged to take responsibility, contribute ideas, and build on their strengths.

The workshop operates Monday to Friday, with Lachlan handling weekend callouts so staff can enjoy the hunting, fishing, and outdoor lifestyle that draws many people to the region.

Efficiency is a lesson he brought home from Australia. The workshop uses digital job management system MechanicDesk to streamline administration, reduce paperwork, and allow technicians to manage and record work in real time. "We're always looking at ways to improve what we do and provide more services locally."

Read the original article in Business South (PDF) →