Powerbase – the team to support your team
Powerbase is made up of six independent and specialist electrical wholesalers that have joined together under the Powerbase banner to give their customers the maximum buying power of a major group.
For over 35 years, the unique combination of experience, expertise and passion has made Powerbase one of New Zealand’s most successful electrical wholesaler groups with 47 branches nationwide.
Powerbase’s success lies in customers dealing directly with Powerbase business owners. Every Powerbase business is 100% New Zealand-owned and operated, with an unwavering focus on customer needs.
The freedom of a Powerbase business to make instant decisions is unique in the electrical wholesale sector and empowers the owner to tailor personalised and innovative supply solutions for individual customers.
Stocking levels are amongst the highest in the New Zealand electrical industry with each business carrying a greater volume and range of local and international brands. Unencumbered by centralised supply hubs or third party supply channels, each owner deals directly with key suppliers in genuine long-term partnerships – loyalty that has secured the strong supply support for the Group that is critical to meeting our customers’ needs.
The independence of Powerbase businesses delivers another industry-leading attribute: owners are free to staff their businesses with industry-experienced and qualified professionals who share their passion and commitment to the sector. Skill levels within Powerbase are extremely high, with industry-qualified specialists in lighting, HVAC, industrial controls, security and data and communications.
Powerbase customers enjoy industry-leading initiatives including the Powerbase Powerpoints customer rewards scheme, among the first customer rewards schemes, and still the most comprehensive loyalty programme in the electrical industry. Suppliers who support the Powerpoints’ programme are rewarded as branch staff are encouraged to promote that supplier’s products. Our contractor customers gain directly as the rebate is credited to their account for their own use.
Powerbase has added tremendous value to members and supply customers over the years with the launch of “Marketplace” the bi-monthly marketing magazine for customers and suppliers. This publication, which was an industry first, has a loyal and dedicated readership after 30 years of publication, and remains the first and longest running electrical industry magazine, profiling new products and technologies, major promotions, and the everyday items every contractor needs. Powerbase customers now receive a second bi-monthly magazine, “Marketplace Industrial”, a specialist distribution to industrial electrical installers, site electricians and specifiers, offering interesting case studies around a range of industrial electrical functions.
Local distribution – National support
The Powerbase members are supported by a National Office in Christchurch which provides the umbrella support for the member companies in terms of national promotions, trading agreements, digital infrastructure, price book and industry events.
Meet the Powerbase team
Powerbase – with six member companies whose proven performance in electrical wholesaling adds up collectively to over 300 years.
Advance Electrical Wholesalers Ltd
The Advance Group has been in the wholesaler business since the 1980. With six locations, Advance are the only electrical wholesaler to fully cover the Wellington region.
The company is 100% locally owned and operated with a Managing Director based at each location, allowing decisions instantly without the red tape. The company has a very strong industrial focus and is currently the largest supplier to the commercial fit out business in Wellington.
Industrial Electrical Supplies (Canterbury) Ltd
It might be a small player compared to the big corporates, but Industrial Electrical Supplies (Canterbury) Ltd is an undisputed electrical force in Canterbury and intends to be sparking for years to come. The company was founded in 1998 and boasts some of the most knowledgeable staff within the industry today, with a strong attention to detail and service second to none.
Scott Electrical Ltd
Scott Electrical Ltd has a long history in the electrical industry stretching back over 80 plus years. Founded in Auckland in 1935, the company has moved progressively throughout the top half of the North Island with 15 branches located from the far north to Kerikeri, down to Rotorua. The team at Scotts employs over 100 experienced staff in sales, technical and support roles.
Telfer Electrical Ltd
Telfer Electrical Ltd was founded in 1951 in Christchurch and has proven to be a long-standing and successful business in the electrical wholesale market. With eight branches from Nelson to Invercargill, the group is well placed to service the South Island’s largest centres. Each member of the Telfer group is locally owned and operated, generating real value to the local economy.
Telfer Electrical is dedicated to exceeding customer expectations in product supply, service, advice and loyalty.
Pro-Active Electrical Supplies Ltd
Pro-Active is unique in that it is the only electrical wholesaler servicing the South Island’s rugged west coast from its Greymouth branch that is 100% West Coast owned and operated. Combined, their staff have over 80 years’ experience.
R Redpath Ltd
Established in Christchurch in 1945, R Redpath Limited is the leading South Island independent electrical merchant with branches covering the South Island from Nelson to Invercargill. Redpaths is a family business owned and operated by Kiwi’s. Supported by a team of independent, proud and knowledgeable staff with a “yes can do” attitude positions Redpaths as a market leader.
Powerbase and its Member companies are committed to sustainability and the environment.
Powerbase customers receive. two specialist electrical industry B2B magazines – the long running “Marketplace” and the new “Marketplace Industrial”.
The magazines are distributed bi-monthly, alternating with each other.