b'KENNARDS HIRE Since 1948TAKING HIRE HIGHER | 130A SLICE OF HISTORY about. Kennards Hire envisions a store where people can get The Kennards Hire Museum provides a fascinating look at thewhat they need twenty-four hours a day thanks to technology. Bill evolution of machines and equipment used in constructionWhitehouse has spearheaded this initiative and around-the-clock throughout Australia and New Zealand. Originally located at thereturns are already being trialled. The next step will be lockers Artarmon branch, Sydney, in 2023 it was moved to another locationor pick & pack containers where equipment can be packed for in Artarmon. Many of the exhibits date back to the 1950s, andafter-hours pickup. The ultimate goal is for customers to be able visitors can witness the transformation of machines and hand tools,to walk in at any time of day or night and take the equipment they which have become safer, more efficient, and easier to use overhave ordered online from an unstaffed branch. Cameras, sensors the years. Andy, who personally curates each item in the museum,and tracking chips will ensure they take only what they have paid is passionate about showcasing the progress of the equipmentfor, and a QR code will let them add something to their order while industry. We look to the past to see how we can improve on thetheyre there.future, he says. Our goal is to ensure our business is still thriving in a hundredVisitors can explore the Kennards Hire Museum online and also takeyears, Angus says. For this, the company needs to be aware ofa tour in person. any potential disruptive threats to the industry and to be readyto respond.FUTURE FOCUSWhat weve ended up with is a brandbrand Kennardsthat isA challenge has been the ready availability of affordable smalltruly iconic, Peter Lancken says. It is well known for its quality andtools. Why would someone hire a drill when they can buy onereliability. Its distinctly Australian. This is something that everyonefrom Bunnings or Aldi for almost the same price? It doesnt helpagrees should be looked after and built upon. But at the same time,that some casual DIY-ers have cottoned on that they can even return Kennards Hire cant get stagnantit must grow and adapt withtools for a full refund to such places after using them for a weekend.changing times.In other countries, tool rental companies are facing competitionWho knows what the future will bring for the hire industrythatsfrom Uber-like apps that enable people to find a tool for hire from something that the board and management are constantly thinkingprivate individuals or businesses, all with their phones. Theres been Our goal is to ensure our business is still thriving in a hundred years, Angus says.'