Case Studies
Living the Dream Safely at Golden Bay Fruit
Golden Bay is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful spots in New Zealand, producing some of the best fruit in the world. Imagine living in this little slice of paradise, working in the sun, producing top-quality fruit, and doing it all safely. For the Golden Bay Fruit Company, that’s no dream; it’s their daily life. Business has been growing steadily over the years, and they needed to expand their infrastructure by building a large new packhouse. Considering the financial investment, the type of work that happens in these spaces, and the need to protect people and assets for the long term, safety protection was a top priority. That’s where we came in. Our 610-1 Barrier was the perfect choice for protection against side swipes from passing vehicles, while also creating a clear pedestrian walkway so staff on foot can feel safe moving around the plant. We also recommended our Personnel Gates to slow down pedestrian traffic at the main vehicle thoroughfares, giving peace of mind to drivers and those on foot. Then it was time to move from people protection to asset protection, looking after the newly installed industrial doors. Not only are these a high-value asset, but there is also the downtime for repairs and parts to consider. In some cases, our barrier or standard bollards provided ample protection from damage, but as some of these doors were exposed to larger vehicles, our Door Frame Bollards were the protection of choice — a full-framed approach to protection from the ground up. We’re very proud to have helped Golden Bay Fruit make this a safer space for their people and their facilities from the outset. After all, we want them living the dream, safely, for many years to come.
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A Prime Example of Safety at Prime Range Meats
Welcome to Prime Range Meats, a New Zealand-based supplier and processor of meats and small goods, delivering door-to-door around the country. Like many processing plants we’ve seen, the volume of traffic and pedestrians is increasing - and so are the associated risks. With door-to-door delivery and a high volume of meats being processed, the inwards and outwards goods are constantly moving on site. Trucks, forklifts, staff, site visitors, public shoppers at their retail store, and delivery drivers all make for constant activity. While there were designated heavy traffic areas on site, the deteriorating painted warnings weren’t cutting the mustard anymore. To avoid any kind of disaster, we worked alongside the Prime Range team to create clearly defined safety zones, installing our 910-2 barrier in the most hazardous spots. Combined with our personnel gates to ensure safe crossings in the shared zones, this made for a much safer site. With personnel safety now sorted, we also helped prevent damage to their facilities. We’ve all seen areas on site that are notorious for forklift bumps and scrapes, so we installed bollards at key corners and doorways, acting as both a visual reminder and a sturdy shield. If your site has a few forklift scrapes you’d like sorted, or you have high-traffic areas that need more than a fresh lick of paint, we’re happy to help. Chat to our team about making your workplace a safer one.
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A One-Stop Safety Shop for Woolworths CFDC
A one-stop safety shop — that’s how you might describe us. Especially during the Primary Connect Woolworths CFDC project. With over 280 metres of barrier, 230 metres of handrail, 34 door frame bollards, and plenty of bollards throughout the site, this was no small order. We worked alongside client Primary Connect and construction team Watts & Hughes to deliver a mix of off-the-shelf and modified safety products, each tailored to the unique layout and activity zones of the site. From protecting charging stations with bollards, to shielding expensive door mechanisms with our door frame bollards, creating safer pedestrian zones with mesh panels, and even supplying custom pre-assembled handrail for dock stairs, we covered it all. Every area presented its own challenges — from busy pedestrian zones to high-traffic loading bays — but our modular systems made it easy to adapt. Close collaboration with the site team ensured every product not only fit the space but performed exactly as needed once operations were underway. Anywhere safety was paramount, we had a solution to suit. With over six months from start to finish, this all-new site was a major project that showcased the full scope of what Tru-Gard does best: making workplaces safer. If you'd like to find out more about how we can do the same for your facility contact our team for a bespoke safety solution to suit.
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Fueling Up on Safety - Protecting RD Petroleum Tanks
Some things just need protection — and above-ground petrol tanks are at the top of that list. No matter how carefully positioned, these tanks face a real risk from vehicle impact. Petrol may be an everyday commodity, but it’s also highly flammable and potentially explosive. While Hollywood action scenes might dramatise fuel fires, the danger is all too real, with serious incidents having caused devastating injuries and loss of life. For one high-use above-ground tank, we worked with the client to install protection where it matters most: the refuelling end where vehicles regularly pull up. Certified Protection, Minimal InterruptionWe recommended Tru-Gard™ Standard Bollards. Slimline, impact-tested to AS/NZS 1170.1, 3.8 car park standards, and designed to protect without obstructing access. For added coverage along the tank’s sides, we used our 610-1 safety barrier configuration: 610mm-high posts with one barrier rail, providing strong protection without creating access issues. Depending on site layout and risk, we can also recommend larger bollards or higher barrier configurations (such as 610-2, 910-2, or 910-3) for maximum peace of mind. Solutions Supplied Tru-Gard™ Standard Bollards Tru-Gard™ Safety Barrier 610-1 Configuration Keeping Dangerous Goods SafeWhen it comes to storing and protecting petroleum, prevention is everything. Our solutions help ensure safety for your site, your people, and the public. If you have an asset that needs protecting contact our team today for a no-drama safety solution.
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Playing it Safe at Mount Smart Stadium
At times, it can be hard enough being a Wah’s fan, without the additional worry of being run over on the way to and from the game! Mount Smart Stadium, home of the NRL’s New Zealand Warriors, is a busy venue, welcoming tens of thousands of fans each year for sporting fixtures, concerts, community events, and other large-scale entertainment. Their stadium management team approached us to install our bollards around the perimeter of the grounds to keep pedestrians safe from traffic and prevent vehicles from parking too close to the stadium walls or gates. With limited vehicle access required at times, usually in the form of a golf cart, our team worked around the cart’s measurements while creating a much clearer and safer pedestrian zone. The Tru-Gard Solution: We supplied a combination of fixed safety bollards and removable bollards, allowing for flexibility in the event of future earthworks, construction, or emergency access. All removable bollards can be easily unlocked and removed when needed, ensuring both adaptability and security. It’s a great outcome for the Mount Smart Stadium management team and fans alike. Now everyone can visit Mount Smart knowing they’ll be safe while focusing on the most important job of all, cheering on their team - Up the Wahs!
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More than just bad parking: A Tru-Gard Safety Insight into Safer Car Parks.
Car parks – they’re everywhere, and they’re full of hazards. No, we don’t just mean people’s questionable parking; there are genuine dangers, including moving traffic, rogue trolleys, and pedestrians to watch out for. Incidentally, we have a simple, non-moving solution for making these areas safer – our Tru-Gard Bollards. Available in safety yellow or galvanised finishes, they can be installed in your choice of removable, surface-mount, or in-ground configurations to suit. While this may sound vaguely like the safety equivalent of a fast-food order, side note also perfect for these sites, our bollards are the ideal solution for sites where pedestrians and vehicles need to be separated. The benefits don’t end there – our Tru-Gard bollards are perfect for supermarkets, shopping centres, sports grounds, hospitals and healthcare centres, stadiums, or anywhere pedestrian and vehicle traffic need to be kept apart. They are also backed by our 10-year warranty and have been independently tested to ensure they are up to the task. By minimising risks and ensuring clear boundaries, our bollards help make these spaces safer for everyone – reducing accidents and providing peace of mind for both drivers and pedestrians. “At Tru-Gard, we’re driven by a commitment to make every car park safer – from quick supermarket stops to hospital visits. Our bollards provide a reliable way to keep people and traffic safely apart. Wherever your park, we’re working to make it safer.” – Bromley Taylor, Safety Sales NZ If your site could do with additional safety or, you’d like our team to provide advice for your space contact us today to find out more about our customised safety solutions.
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Bollards, Barriers, and Beyond at Bunnings Timaru
If you’ve ever shopped at a Bunnings Warehouse, especially on a sunny day or public holiday, you’ll know just how busy the place can be. With customer vehicles constantly on the move, trucks making deliveries out the back, forklifts shifting stock, and plenty of pedestrians and staff on foot, it’s a hive of activity. With all these moving parts, it was essential to develop a safety solution that considered every aspect. We worked closely with the team to identify risks and hazards specific to their store and create custom safety solutions to suit. The Tru-Gard Solution: At the front, Tru-Gard Bollards keep pedestrians safe and the building protected from any accidental “put it in drive instead of reverse” incidents. Out the back, Tru-Gard Barriers safeguard team members and the building from damage caused by wide-swinging trucks and forklifts laden with heavy pallets of hardware. We also supplied Tru-Gard Expanding Barriers, enabling staff to create temporary safe zones while they work and redirect pedestrians around short-term hazards. The Products: Tru-Gard Certified Safety Bollards Tru-Gard Certified Safety Barrier Tru-Gard Expanding Barrier By working together, this store is now safer for staff, shoppers, and store assets. If you’d like to know more about customising a safer space for your site, contact our team today.
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Preventing Fatalities & Injuries for Ports, Cold Stores, & Shipyards: A Tru-Gard Safety Insight.
In the busy, high-risk environments of ports, cold storage facilities, and shipyards, protecting people, products, and property is paramount. These dynamic workplaces come with inherent risks, from separating pedestrians and traffic to managing freight and safeguarding high-value assets. From unloading freight into cold storage to navigating bustling packing and handling facilities, hazards are everywhere. Customised Safety Solutions for Every Space Tru-Gard products are designed to meet the unique needs of each facility. From internal fit-outs to external safety, our solutions are configurable to suit any layout or hazard profile. Whether you need to separate pedestrian walkways from vehicle paths, protect racks of stock from forklift damage, create safer work zones for staff, or safeguard doors against truck damage, Tru-Gard products ensure every corner of your workplace is covered. Our Product Range: Built for Protecting Our versatile product range includes: Handrails and barriers: Essential for creating safe walkways for pedestrians, separating vehicles, and protecting property from damage. Door frame bollards: Protect entry points and commercial doors from impact damage. Cast-in and removable bollards: Offering flexible solutions for permanent or temporary installations. Mesh tunnels: Safeguard workers in high-risk zones while preventing damage from falling stock. Pallet protection: Safeguard pallet racks and stock. Personnel gates: Provide controlled access points for pedestrians. Every product is designed and manufactured in Dunedin, New Zealand, ensuring the quality and durability needed to withstand the harsh demands of these environments. Between 2012 and 2023, 18 deaths were reported among port workers in New Zealand, with an average of 1.8 fatalities per year.**Source NZ Herald, 20 Oct. 2023 Proven Expertise Across New Zealand & Australia Our team has worked on projects across the country, from the northernmost ports to the southern tip of New Zealand. Our experience spans diverse facilities, including temperature-sensitive cold stores, cruise ship passenger terminals, car parking, and busy docks. This breadth of expertise enables us to understand the specific challenges faced by New Zealand and Australian ports and deliver tailored solutions that work. Why Choose Tru-Gard? Risk reduction: Minimise the chances of damage to products and property, and most importantly, reduce the risk of accidents or loss of life. Operational efficiency: Streamline workflows by meeting safety requirements, reducing downtime from accidents, and avoiding costly repairs. Durable solutions: Products built to last in demanding environments, with finishes suitable for internal and external applications. Locally owned and operated: Proudly NZ-made, supporting local businesses that understand the unique challenges of the New Zealand and Australian environments. Real-World Impact: Safer Workplaces, Stronger Operations As published in the New Zealand Herald, between 2012 and 2023, 18 deaths were reported among port workers in New Zealand, with an average of 1.8 fatalities per year. With a stevedore fatality rate of 20 deaths per 100,000 workers, the second-highest fatality rate of any sector in New Zealand. Although no safety product can prevent every accident, Tru-Gard has a proven track record of helping businesses improve operations and mitigate risk. For instance: At Port Otago, our custom handrail and bollard system reduced risks by keeping cruise ship pedestrians separated from moving vehicles, preventing tourists from entering high-risk areas. In other ports, our solutions have minimised near-misses and accidents between forklifts and pedestrians in busy freight zones. At the San Won cold storage facility in Timaru, our barriers and personnel gates have provided clearly defined, safer pedestrian walkways, and ongoing protection against damage, saving the business time and repair costs. Let’s Make Your Workplace Safer If you’re looking to enhance safety in your port, cold store, packing facilities, or shipyard, Tru-Gard is here to help. Whether it’s a new-build project or assessing your current safety measures, contact our team today to learn how we can make your workplace safer. Read another Tru-Gard Safety Success Story Here
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Heavy Haulage Meets High Safety at Mainfreight Hobsonville
We’re excited to introduce Mainfreight’s brand-new distribution centre on Westpoint Drive, Hobsonville. This state-of-the-art facility allows Mainfreight to service its customers in western and northern Auckland from a strategically located base, reducing reliance on facilities over an hour away. From this new location, Mainfreight supports freight operations across a vast region, stretching north from the Auckland Harbour Bridge to Te Hana and west from Henderson to cover all of West Auckland. This area represents a significant portion of Auckland’s freight traffic—approximately 35-40% of the city’s total volume. To accommodate this, the depot has been built on a grand scale, with a massive 15,000 m² footprint that includes the main depot floor, loading zones, and extensive truckways and breezeways. The facility also features three raised dock levellers, a commercial-grade gantry truck wash, and parking for 100 vehicles, ensuring the site is equipped to handle the high volume of activity it sees daily. To protect key areas of this high-traffic site, Mainfreight partnered with us to install robust steel solutions. The project included our Tru-Gard™ Downpipe Protectors, large Cast-in Bollards, and several runs of Certified Safety Barrier, all designed to safeguard vulnerable parts of the building from heavy transport and lighter vehicle movements. Our signature, high-visibility, galvanised yellow was chosen to withstand outdoor weather conditions while ensuring safety—plus, it perfectly complements Mainfreight’s bold corporate colours. The result? A bright, functional, and resilient depot ready to meet Auckland’s freight demands. Tru-Gard Products Used on this Project: Bollards Safety Barrier Downpipe Protectors Wheel Guides
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