Motorbody Building in Masterton
Astrolite Motor Bodies Ltd is building a solid reputation for building innovative and interesting gear. The company is based in Masterton and even though it’s away from the main centres, they still manage to service a wide range of clients around the lower North Island. The location provides for lower overheads and a qualified stable workforce of good people.
Astrolite Motor Bodies Ltd started in 1985 as a branch of the Nelson coachbuilding firm of Nelson Motor Body Builders Ltd. with it’s origins from the 1930’s. At that time Nelson Motor Body Builders were building all of the Holden Rodeo wellside bodies for the General Motors assembly plant in Wellington. These bodies were flown by Bristol Freighter from Nelson to Wellington but when NZ Rail cancelled this service the Rail Ferry was the only option - at twice the price.
Eventually it was cheaper to purchase the 40,000 square foot building of the former Atlas Majestic washing machine and fridge factory in Masterton. The building contained two very large presses which are still useful today. One is a 250 ton mechanical the other a 600 ton hydraulic with a bed more than big enough to handle a full 8 x 4 sheet.
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