Portside Auto Services is a thriving automotive repairer based in Mt Maunganui and is a great example of how professionalism, community engagement, and the right supplier partnerships can transform a small workshop into a busy, reputable operation. The owner, Dan Morris, has run the business since he bought it 15 years ago and it has grown considerably in that time. It is located in the semi-industrial area adjacent to the Mt Maunganui Port.
When Dan bought the firm in 2010, when the country was just coming out of a recession, there were only three staff and two hoists. He rebranded and networked with the local businesses in the area and drove up business to the stage where they now have a team of eight staff (six technicians and two admin staff) with five hoists and the workshop is operating at full capacity. The workshop is managed by a senior Technician, Jimmy, whilst Dan is now based in the front office, focusing on workflow, quotes, invoicing, and customer communication, stepping into the workshop to assist when needed. 
“We’ve focused on building trust and presenting ourselves professionally from day one,” says Dan. “Uniforms, clean workspaces, and clear branding have helped position us as a reliable and approachable workshop.”
Working with Penrite has been a great help to us in this regard, they supply not only premium lubricants but also branding collateral including uniforms, signage, service stickers, and workshop forms. 
Dan comments “Penrite offers a full package – not just great products, but marketing and technical support too. That’s huge for a workshop like ours.”
Dan knew early on that local relationships would be the foundation of his business. He hit the pavement, built connections with surrounding businesses and port operations, and established a consistent client base. Today, Portside draws much of its work from port staff, surrounding commercial operators, and loyal locals.
Portside Auto Services sponsors some local rugby and fishing clubs, as well as cricket and touch teams who all wear Portside branded uniforms.
The workshop handles a wide range of jobs, from basic servicing through to engine rebuilds, and keeps most services in-house including tyres, air conditioning, and auto-electrical work.
In 2024, Portside upgraded to Mechanics Desk workshop software, improving workflow and job tracking. 
Dan estimates that they average around 10 services a day (50 a week). He has been using Penrite oil for over 10 years and has been very pleased with the support. He particularly likes that they provide a full package of products and support. The reps are knowledgeable and if he has any specific technical questions he can talk to one of the “Scientists”. He says Portside uses the Penrite Rego Search facility for fast and accurate product selection to ensure the correct oil is used for every vehicle. 
While Repco, located just 500m from the shop, used to manage oil stock, Dan has now taken over inventory himself but still praises the local team saying, “They’re great for urgent needs – always helpful and responsive.”
 Portside has five pump-over tanks plus they keep an extensive selection of 20L size products in both plastic and Envirobox (Which Dan prefers for the environmental benefits), plus some 4-5 litre containers for specialty products.
The pump over tanks contain:.
• Penrite Vantage 5W30 Full Synthetic
• Penrite Vantage MV 5W30 Full Synthetic
• Penrite Vantage 10W40 Semi Synthetic
• Penrite Convoy Ultra DHD 15W40 Premium Mineral Diesel oil
• Penrite ATF LV Full Synthetic

They use a bulk 205L drum for Penrite 80W90 LSD Gear Oil.
Amongst other products the 20L containers cover multiple additional engine oil grades including many of the Enviro+ grades, three types of Penrite CVT oils, two more ATF grades and several Gear oil grades.
Portside Auto Services demonstrates how a modern workshop can differentiate and grow their business in a competitive environment and Penrite is one of their key supply partners. Dan finishes his comments with “We’ve grown by staying consistent, professional, and by choosing partners like Penrite who truly support our business.”