Leigh Southwick’s business is on the move.
Based in Central Queensland, Heavy Duty Engines & Transmissions Pty Ltd is 100 per cent mobile and visits clients where it suits them. It also uses DEUTZ engines as our newly appointed dealer in Gladstone.
Leigh started the diesel business in 2018 after working for a major distributor for nearly 20 years. He is factory trained in leading brands and is experienced with diagnostic trouble shooting, general repairs, and unit overhauls.
With quality workmanship, low repair down-time and competitive rates, Leigh outperforms major competitors.
A qualified diesel fitter, he has worked as a leading hand, foreman, and after sales manager. In 2018, the time felt right to branch out independently and Leigh became a DEUTZ dealer in late 2020.
“At this stage we are a family-owned business,” he says. “My wife assists with some of the admin chores once a week, but all in all I carry out all of the daily roles, from opening the jobs, quoting, ordering parts, carrying out the repairs and invoicing.
“All of this while taking customer calls and organising parts to go to remote locations as I have clients in very remote locations.”
On the quieter days, Leigh visits customers to discuss their equipment and plan preventative maintenance.
“The products I support are the best in the market, and I strive to provide the same level of service you would expect from a major capital city repair facility,” he says.
“DEUTZ is a great reliable product that has been around for a long time and will continue to be. It has a great reputation for being the engine of choice in certain fields that are in high demand in this area.”
So far, Leigh has helped clients who had 2011 DEUTZ engines installed in boom lifts for a local hire company. He loves how wide the range is and his clients are “really pleased” with the product.
It’s early days but Leigh enjoys working with Dealer Development Manager Shane Moretto, technical expert David Howes and Spare Parts Manager Dylan McCabe. “They have been of great assistance,” he says. “When I’m short on specific tools DEUTZ has a program where I can hire tools at minimal cost.”
In his spare time, Leigh has enjoyed CrossFit for more than 10 years. He competed for Queensland in a national Masters’ competition, where he finished equal-second in one of the workouts despite carrying an injury.
“I water ski on the weekends when the wind is down, and when the wind is up, you’ll find me out on the jet ski jumping waves or just generally going fast,” Leigh says. “Recently I purchased and old V8, so I’m spending a bit of time lately tinkering away in the shed repairing the engine or bodywork.”
Clearly a jack of all trades, Leigh is also a keen gardener. “I’m a lawn fanatic,” he says. “I spend hours a week weeding, fertilising and ensuring my lawn is in pristine condition.”