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The KENNARDS Family Story |
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"I'm sorry, I can't loan it, but I'll hire it to you"
It was 1948, and the streets were alive with the sounds of hammering and sawing as homes were built, extended and renovated to cope with the post-War 'baby boom'.
Walter Kennard, who sold machinery, petrol and produce from a store in Bathurst, NSW, was asked by a customer for the loan of a new, Lightburn concrete mixer for a quick job. Walter thought for a moment and then replied, "I'm sorry, I can't loan it to you, but I'll hire it to you."
So began Kennards Hire®, which has grown into one of Australia's largest and most respected hire companies, with over 139 branches in Australia and New Zealand.
Walter's wife Theo took phone orders and did the books, while children Neville, Joan and Andrew earned pocket money cleaning, repairing and loading equipment. Before long, floor sanders, spray painters, floor cramps and box trailers were added to the Kennards 'toolbox'.
An ultimatum from Mrs Kennard saw the business move from the family home into leased premises in Artarmon, then Greenwich, before a permanent headquarters in Herbert Street, Artarmon was acquired in 1972. Meanwhile Kennards continued to grow, opening sites in Newcastle, Queensland and other parts of Sydney.
In the following years the Company expanded into Wollongong, Gosford, Goulburn, Canberra, the Gold Coast, Adelaide, Melbourne, Wagga Wagga and Perth. The range and depth of equipment has developed into the best available in Australia for the tradesperson, contractor and home renovator. Many lines are exclusive to Kennards whilst others have been especially adapted by manufacturers to be 'hire tough' and meet our Company's exacting standards.
Kennards remains proudly Australian and family-owned. Our aim has always been to provide excellent service and be the best hire company, not the biggest. Our management and staff strive continuously for higher standards in all operations.
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