In 1997, Capricorn launched with one team member, one Member and four Preferred Suppliers, ready to support the New Zealand automotive aftermarket industry.
Over the last 25 years, Capricorn New Zealand’s vision has become a reality. Capricorn NZ has now grown to over 4,800 Members and over 420 Preferred Suppliers.
Capricorn Head of Sales and Supply - NZ, Andrew Baird, remarked, “25 years is an incredible milestone. Working with our New Zealand Members and Preferred Suppliers has been an absolute privilege. We’ve seen businesses, families and communities grow over the last couple of decades and it’s the best part of our jobs to be part of those journeys.
“Capricorn has achieved this success through the hard work, dedication and passion of our employees, our Members and Preferred Suppliers. The strong relationships we’ve built with all of our networks resonates with our Member centric culture that exists throughout the entire organisation,” he adds.
Capricorn’s success comes from being an extensive and highly effective network created by auto repairers for auto repairers. People are the heart and soul of the Capricorn ecosystem. It’s why Capricorn prides itself on the relationships forged with all Members, Preferred Suppliers and industry partners.
Auckland-based Capricorn Member, Autolab, has been a Capricorn Member since 1997. Owners Lee-Anne and Neil Hunnibell shared their experience as Capricorn Members:
“We had about 150 suppliers when we first started with Capricorn which needed centralising. Capricorn saved us a lot of time by centralising our bills into one account. On top of that was the extra discounts and the rewards points we earned. Capricorn has been super beneficial to our business and a benefit to the automotive industry as a whole,” Mr Hunnibell added.
Spillman Automotive’s Marcel Preisig praised Capricorn for being a trusted partner throughout their journey and for its support during tough times. He also credited Capricorn for making life easier during COVID by providing timely information and advice on staff retention and customer safety during the pandemic.
“After the first lockdown, the business has continued to grow and is still going strong two and a half years later,” Mr Preisig stated.
Capricorn’s Andrew Baird reflected, “In 2022, we will be looking back at where we started, what we have achieved, and what our plans are for the future. We will be celebrating with all our employees, Members, Preferred Suppliers and their families to commemorate this incredible milestone.”
To find out more about joining Capricorn, visit capricorn.coop.