For the following 20 years Steelfort focused on these two manufacturing sectors, stainless steel sink tops and cylinder mower manufacturing and it wasn’t until 1967 that the company persuaded by their only salesman Mr Dave Blomfield and Mr McOviney’ s youngest son John to venture into the relatively new rotary mower market.

Rapid growth of the company encouraged Mr McOviney Snr to relocate from their exiting inner-city location to their current facility on Rangitikei line on the outskirts of Palmerston North.

There he built on a 10-acre site a 40.000 square foot manufacturing facility allowing the company plenty of growth for the future. In 1973 Mr McOviney relocated their inner-city offices to a new state of the art two storied office facility on Rangitkei line. Mr McOviney always had great admiration for the Fletcher’s company as a progressive organisation, and the Steelfort office building has design similarities to the Fletchers head office in Great South Road Auckland.

During the 1980s, a paradigm shift in the New Zealand economy followed by a change in government in 1983, opened the nation to globalization. The Rogernomics factor, (Minister of Finance) of introducing GST to the tax system  opened the economy and prompted a strategic shift for Steelfort’s business direction. Mr Frank McOviney passed away in late 1983 and now led by the Founder’s son, Mr. John McOviney, Steelfort pursued diversification, focusing on expanding its manufacturing, and seeking internationally acclaimed products that complemented its manufacturing endeavours.

In 1986, Steelfort acquired the Wattie’s owned company of Protech Engineering thus welcoming 45 new team members and gaining access to prominent global brands. This expansion broadened Steelfort’s manufacturing capabilities, encompassing commercial finned tube heat exchangers, and enhancing its support for the dairy sector. John McOviney’s philosophy was that New Zealand was fundamentally a primary producing company and aligning itself to manufacturing primary supporting products was viewed as a sound direction.

As a consequence of Steelfort’s close association with MTD Australia, Steelfort secured the exclusive distribution of all MTD products for the New Zealand market. MTD was renowned as the largest manufacturer of ride-on lawn mowers globally and manufactured nearly a million units annually. This necessitated an expansion of Steelfort’s distribution facility adding an additional 6,000 square meters to their Palmerston North location.

Today Steelfort conducts its operations from its Palmerston North site, boasting an expansive manufacturing plant spanning 11,000 square meters, alongside a Distribution Centre that encompasses 6,000 square meters, and a 1000-meter spare parts building.

With a workforce of nearly 200 team members, Steelfort comprised a versatile team skilled in various modern manufacturing techniques. The company’s distribution portfolio consists of 17 brands spanning six distinct categories.

Early 2024:

Steelfort expanded its LawnMaster product portfolio with the introduction of a new 21V lithium range, starting with a handsaw and secateurs.

Also added are Trash Pumps and Water Pumps to the lineup, opening opportunities in new markets. Additionally, two high-performance petrol water blasters, log splitters and Generators have been introduced further enhancing our comprehensive range.

New products will be added over the coming years but they will need to meet the basic criteria of quality and innovation.

Over the last 6 years MTD has been acquired by the STANLEY BLACK AND DECKER GROUP and they have more recently purchased the HUSTLER brand manufactured by EXCEL INDUSTRIES LTD also in the United States, As part of the STANLEY, BLACK AND DECKER product range, Steelfort has also secured the distribution rights to Hustler ride on mowers. Hustler is renowned to be the first ever and still regarded as the very best zero turn mower on the market. Across the world, Hustler signifies strength and durability,

Hustler have made many improvements to the original zero turn concept, but have always remained true to their core value of delivering a solution to meet customer’s needs.

Late 2024:

Recently Steelfort has unveiled a state-of-the-art, custom-built showroom and distribution centre in Christchurch. This will be complete with a further Miele Outlet Centre due for opening in mid- 2025.

This new facility enhances our ability to quickly supply products to South Island dealers and provides the opportunity for direct shipping, ensuring faster delivery and improved service across the country.

Steelfort in conjunction with its variety of international products is well positioned to be the only New Zealand owned Outdoor power equipment supply company to the Australasian market.

Many of Steelfort’s personal have been with the company for over 40 years and feel the below mentioned personal have a complete understanding of the company’s operations.

Additionally, the company have always had the unwavering support of Frank McOviney Snr wife Rona until her passing in 2012. Rona McOviney, a unique and wonderful woman has supported the business through her loyalty and silent direction to the family. She has acted as a matriarch to the company since Mr McOviney’s Snr’s death. Her guidance and unique position within the company will always be remembered.