They say that in business, if you’re standing still you’re actually going backwards. As Hill Labs takes a step forward this month by revealing our new look logo and shortened name, it represents our commitment to both the continuing growth of our business, but also to what doesn’t change: those values that underpin our enduring success, as we clock up close to forty years in business.
With the name, Hill Labs is typically how we and others refer to our company, so we’re adopting it moving forward (it also helps that it is less of a mouthful!), while the logo design is a progression of what our customers and partners will know and recognise.
However, as Hill Labs Managing Director Jonno Hill explains, the visual changes were part of a wider process of defining the Hill Labs ‘way of doing things,’ and the attributes that best define the company’s approach and culture:
“There’s no doubt we have come a long way since my parents established a modest testing lab in Von Tempsky Street, Hamilton (now Putikitiki Street) in 1984. Fast forward almost forty years and we’ve expanded to six locations nationwide, employing anywhere from 500-700 staff (depending on the season).
“Throughout these developments, those values that are deeply baked into the DNA of the business remain unchanged. This brand evolution is us finding a new way to articulate these standards, that hopefully feels authentic to both our customers and ourselves.
“I’m really proud to be carrying forward the legacy of my parents, and all those who have done such great work in the business over the years. And of course, our customers whose trust we’ve earned over that time.”
Your local, New Zealand-owned lab
Jonno is clear that being local matters, and the company intends to retain its New Zealand focus.
“Our reason for being is to help people protect the environment, keep people safe and help our farmers produce world-class food. As the world moves forward, these things matter, and are likely to remain at the core of our business for the foreseeable future.
“Whether we’re undertaking environmental work or food safety testing, or supporting primary industry or exporters, we view these actions as backing the New Zealand economy. As we see increasing competition particularly from international players, we’re committed to ensuring our own backyard is well-looked after.
“Like most New Zealanders, we care about the quality of our waterways, and recognise that the primary industries are the backbone of the economy. Our services are about optimising these agricultural systems and helping to ensure nutrients end up in the plants and animals, rather than adjacent waterways.”
Always forward-thinking
Looking to the future, Jonno demonstrates that earlier mantra about moving forward and not standing still.
“Armed with a clear understanding of our core capability, our leadership team are always scanning the commercial environment for new or developing opportunities that we may be able to go after, as we leverage our strengths.
“At the same time, there are so many good people in our company, applying themselves and operating with integrity and diligence to deliver the core services that keep us and our customers in business.”
Trust in the results
Every day, Hill Labs customers send through over 3,000 samples to one of our six locations. What has always been well understood by the Hill Labs team is what these samples represent. Jonno explains.
“People send us a little piece of the world, be it soil, water or a piece of fruit. Our job is to go deeper and use technology to measure what you can’t with your own five senses.
“We provide customers with virtual results, which they then use to make decisions within their businesses. To make those decisions, whether they’re about keeping people safe, protecting the environment or producing food, customers need to trust the numbers, which means they need to trust us. We take this responsibility very seriously.
“My father Roger Hill really embedded that belief right from the start. As our team grew, everyone projected the importance of this way of operating. Forty years later, it’s in our DNA.”
Being predictable: for us, it’s a positive
Of course, it’s no help receiving the right numbers if they’re not on time, notes Jonno.
“Our turnaround time commitments are really important. Customers need to be confident they’ll have the information they need at a certain time, so they can structure their operations around it.
“The classic saying ‘time is money’ underpins the analytical testing industry. It could be a sample, or a new variation on a service; customers need us to be reliable and agile, ready to scale up to meet sudden or unforeseen demands.”
Playing the long game since 1984
Jonno is clear in his intention that Hill Labs is not just ‘still around,’ but thriving in another forty years. The company is committed to playing the long game, so-to-speak.
“Our reputation is important to us; we’re not going to cut corners or play for the ‘fast buck.’ Getting things consistently right is the foundation of our continuing success, and why trust is at the heart of everything we do.
“While we’re excited to see our brand evolve, all these values have always been here. The details of the business will certainly evolve and develop as we pursue new market opportunities, but like foundation stones the Hill Labs core will remain unchanged.”
