The IGP Story, Building A Business Network From The Ground Up
Founded by mechanical engineer Ryan Marra, whose management experience includes roles at Fonterra and Visy Board, IGP was built on a vision of uniting skilled, like-minded engineering and mechanical businesses across the country. This article shares the journey of how IGP became the trusted partner it is today.
From humble beginnings
The first steps toward what would become IGP began eight years ago when Ryan and his wife Shara purchased a 10% shareholding in HTSL Diesel Mechanical, a business originally founded by Shara’s parents. “It was an opportunity not only to continue the family business, but to grow it,” Ryan recalls. And grow it they did. Over the years, they invested both time and equity, gradually expanding HTSL’s capabilities. In 2022, they took over full ownership as Shara’s parents retired, ending a successful 20-year run.
Soon after, IGP was established to take on fractional operational tasks for HTSL, addressing the areas that can often overwhelm SMEs—marketing, HR, IT, and finance. “These functions are critical, but they can put a lot of strain on small businesses, especially when one person is trying to do it all,” says Ryan.
With IGP offering outsourced support from skilled professionals on a retainer or project basis, Ryan was ready to expand the network, confident that each new business would benefit from IGP’s operational foundation.
Building the business network
With everything in place to push forward with expansion, Ryan looked to businesses in complementary sectors and approached Morrinsville-based BLM Engineering (BLM) about a buy-out. “BLM ties back to my mechanical engineering roots,” Ryan explains. “The company used to do some heavy vehicle engineering, and we’re continuing with a couple of niches while bringing BLM into the transport space.”
With two solid businesses to run, geographical growth was the next logical step. Ryan approached Bert and Debbie Hayden of Central Diesel Services (CDS) in Mt Maunganui. “CDS was a great fit, offering complementary locations and relationships,” Ryan recalls.
Although they weren’t actively looking to sell, their shared family values helped finalise the deal, and in September 2023, IGP completed the acquisition of CDS, expanding their network to seven locations.
Strategic acquisitions in 2024
In line with IGP’s growth strategy, Ryan launched Road Transport Compliance in early 2024, to manage Certificate of Fitness (COF) inspections. This service ensures transport vehicles remain compliant with safety regulations, adding another layer of support to IGP’s offerings.
Further expansion came in May with the timely acquisition of PINTO Trailers. “PINTO Trailers was a strategic addition to our network. The products are of exceptional quality and the brand has a great reputation.”
With PINTO now operating out of both BLM in Morrinsville and CDS Engineering in Mount Maunganui, all three businesses have strengthened their capabilities and are able to offer their customers more comprehensive solutions.
“When you look after your customers, they naturally come back to you,” he notes. “We’ve built strong relationships, and it’s great to see customers travelling from further afield because of our service. That’s a real testament to how we do business.”
The importance of identity
IGP has been created to manage the core functions of its business network, but also to do the same for independent clients who see the benefits of outsourcing. Providing operational support, strategy, finance, marketing, etc, allows busy SME owners to get back to the things they do best. It’s an attitude of collaboration over competition.
“The people in this industry are good, down-to-earth Kiwis, all trying to do right by each other.”
“Each business in our network retains its own identity,” says Ryan. “Even those we’ve taken ownership of keep their names on the doors because we respect the loyalty those brands have built.” So, whether someone is looking to sell their business or simply wants some support to transition, grow or adapt, IGP is well-placed to help.
Looking to the future
Ryan sees endless opportunities for growth under the IGP umbrella. “We’re always open to discussing equity partnerships or buy-out options with SMEs ready to take that step,” he says. IGP remains equally dedicated to supporting independent businesses that want to benefit from the network’s expertise without changing ownership.
With a clear vision and a team committed to collaborative growth, IGP is set to make an even greater impact across New Zealand’s mechanical and engineering sectors over the coming years.
Let’s get to work.
