Featured Stories
Williams and Wilshier
Driving Change in the Forestry Industry
In the heart of New Zealand’s breathtaking landscape, Warwick Wilshier is a proud ambassador for the forestry industry through his company, Williams and Wilshier. With a commitment to safety, innovation, and excellence, Warwick has transformed the way timber is transported, all while fostering a strong community spirit among fellow operators.
The Face of Forestry
Warwick describes his role in the industry succinctly: “I word it that we’re the face of forestry.” Many consumers may take for granted the timber they purchase, unaware of the complexities involved in its journey from forest to market. “All they expect is that they buy a stick of timber from a timber merchant,” he explains.
The forestry industry in New Zealand is not just about the logs; it’s an essential export earner that has evolved significantly over the years. “We’ve had our share of bad reputation, say 20 to 25 years ago, but our industry now is really professional. I’m really proud of it,” Warwick states.
A Business with Deep Roots
Williams and Wilshier began in the early ’90s, born from a conversation between Warwick and Gary Williams, both owner-drivers at the time. Starting with a few older trucks, they have now grown into a formidable force in the industry, specialising in transporting full tree lengths and cut-to-length logs. “We typically haul full tree lengths, all the logs inside the forest,” Warwick explains, emphasising the scale of their operations.
The company operates primarily in the Kaingaroa Forest, known as one of the best man-made forests in the world, complete with an extensive internal roading network and processing facilities. This unique setup allows them to manage the rigorous demands of transporting heavy loads safely and efficiently.
With a commitment to safety, innovation, and excellence, Warwick has transformed the way timber is transported, all while fostering a strong community spirit among fellow operators.
The Kenworth Advantage
In an industry where reliability and performance are paramount, Kenworth trucks have become synonymous with logging in New Zealand. “Logging in New Zealand’s been a bit of a Kenworth stronghold going back into sort of probably the late ’70s,” Warwick notes. With a reputation for quality and durability, Kenworth trucks have set the standard for transport in the forestry sector.
Warwick appreciates not only the vehicles themselves but also the relationship with the people behind the brand. “You spend a fair bit of your day in them, and it’s an asset, not just a piece of equipment,” he explains. The collaboration with Kenworth extends beyond purchasing trucks; there’s a commitment to continuous improvement through feedback and testing. “We’re test pilots for them because if anybody will bust something on the trucks, we can,” he quips, underscoring the collaborative spirit.
Transforming Safety Standards
Warwick’s dedication to safety has played a pivotal role in reshaping the logging industry’s image. In the ’90s, high crash rates among log trucks prompted a collective response from operators. “The government came to us and said, ‘you need to sort it out,’” Warwick recalls. This led to the formation of the Log Transport Safety Council, where industry players collaborated to enhance safety standards.
Through education, vehicle design changes, and a cultural shift towards safety, the council successfully transformed the industry. “We slowed the trucks down, got them to corner a lot better, and redesigned the fleet to be longer, lower, and safer,” Warwick explains. This voluntary initiative required significant investment from operators, illustrating their commitment to change.
As chairman of the council for nearly 20 years, Warwick has witnessed the industry come together for a common goal. “We have a saying: ‘you leave your guns at the door.’ We get together, we don’t compete against each other, we don’t fight; we all have a common goal in our industry image,” he states proudly.
A Legacy of Pride and Progress
Warwick Wilshier’s journey with Williams and Wilshier exemplifies the blend of tradition and innovation in the forestry industry. His commitment to safety, quality, and community not only drives the success of his business but also elevates the entire industry.
