The Department of Infrastructure’s annual Vehicle and Plant Auction was held on 13th July at Ellerslie Depot and, again, proved popular. With a steady stream of prospective buyers undertaking a preview of items the day before the auction, and with over 200 registered buyers, the sale was a great success.
At 100 lots, the sale was perhaps bigger than in previous years because of the Operations Division’s cost reduction strategy, which has seen increased efficiency and reduced employee numbers. The Division is also becoming more focused in its service delivery, allowing for a substantial reduction in the size of its vehicle and plant fleet.
In addition to the usual mix of vans and plant, the sale also contained a Grove 50 tonnes all terrain mobile crane, road sweepers, crew cab tippers, tractors and a 13 tonnes Case 360° excavator. Under the expert control of auctioneer Mr Peter Quayle, the Department managed to sell every item generating over ?200,000. The biggest sale of the day was the Grove 50 tonne crane that sold for ?49,000 even though it needs substantial repair work.
Minister for Infrastructure David Cretney said, “The annual plant and vehicle auction continues to be a popular event and provides an opportunity to sell equipment that is no longer needed. This year’s sale also enabled the Department to sell some of its equipment that was surplus to requirement following the reduction in staffing levels as a result of the Voluntary Resignation Scheme, and is further demonstration of the team’s commitment to reducing costs associated with the provision of our services.
I would like to thank all of the staff involved - it is surprising how much organisation and work is needed to pull this sale together. There were some unusual lots for sale and I didn’t think all would sell, particularly the paramedics van belonging to the Health Service - whoever bought it is obviously very committed to health and safety!”
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