Horrell Engineering

23/07/2026

We will be closed for the day tomorrow (Friday), back on the tools at 8am Monday

17/07/2026

After a series of fortunate coincidences, Netherby School has its original school sign back at its front gate. It was bought online. Principal Phil Wheeler said the sign, likely to be the original Ministry of Education school sign from 1959, has brought with it a feeling of nostalgia and excitement....

03/07/2026

27/05/2026

We’ll be closed this Friday for an extended Kings Birthday weekend break. We’ll be back on deck and ready to help from Tuesday!

08/05/2026

📸 Flashback Friday – The Building

As part of our 75 year celebrations, this week we’re looking back at the building that has been home to Horrell Engineering since 1951.

Long before it became our workshop, the site had already built a strong engineering history of its own. Dating back to the 19th century, it originally operated as a blacksmith and wheelwright business under Childs & Sons. By the 1920s it had also become a garage, complete with a petrol bowser out the front.

Cliff purchased the property in 1951, using it as the base for the business while carrying out agricultural servicing and mobile repairs around Mid Canterbury. Over time the work gradually shifted more towards engineering and welding, and as the business grew, more and more precision machinery filled the workshop.

The building was extended and adapted over the years, but much of it still looks remarkably similar to how it did in the mid 1970s.

Now in 2026, after 75 years of Horrell Engineering, the old place has had a bit of a glow up with fresh paint, new signage, and the next chapter beginning with our engineering supplies store.

Some things change, and some things stay proudly the same.

24/04/2026

📸 Flashback Friday - Kerry Horrell

As part of our 75 year celebrations, this week we’re remembering Kerry Horrell.

Born into the business, Kerry grew up around the workshop - starting at a young age cleaning up and gradually moving on to the odd machining job. After leaving school, he followed in his father’s footsteps and joined the RNZAF as an engineer.

When he returned home, Kerry came back to Horrell Engineering, and met and married Nicky. Together they raised four children, with the workshop continuing to be a big part of family life. Many will also remember Kerry for his signature haircut and moustache, a familiar sight both in the workshop and around town.

Kerry took over the business in 1990 and played a key role in growing the pulley and sprocket side of the business. He was also one of the first in Ashburton to adopt a computer based invoicing system - complete with dot matrix printer - which he stuck with right up until Blair took over!

Kerry passed away after a brief illness in 2020, but his influence on the business and the people around him remains a big part of Horrell Engineering today.

21/04/2026

🏆 Celtic Squash Club Update 🏆

Our Summer League has wrapped up for another season — congratulations to Alps Continuous Spouting & Horrell Engineering for taking out the 2026 Celtic Squash Summer League title! 👏

During the break between Summer and Winter League, we’ve been busy behind the scenes. Our social room has had a fresh repaint and brand-new carpet installed, helping keep our clubrooms a warm and inviting space for all our members.

A huge thank you to our incredible sponsors for coming back on board for 2026:
EuroAgri, J & N Hedgetrimming, Mastercraft Kitchens NZ, RMF Silva Lawyers, McCrea Painting & Decorating, Robbie's Under Car Specialists, Horrell Engineering, Kirsty Clay - Property Brokers Ashburton, Alps Continuous Spouting, Catalyst Performance Agronomy, McKain Quality Construction and Studio 108 Co .

It’s thanks to your ongoing support that we’ve been able to keep our subs consistent and continue investing back into our club. Please support these businesses whenever you can 🙌

📅 Don’t forget — our tournament is coming up at the start of May! Come along, support the players, and check out the renovations.

Best of luck to everyone heading into Winter League — bring it on! 💪

05/04/2026

Great day for racing at the go kart nationals

03/04/2026

No Flashback Friday this week, but we’d like to give a shoutout to the Ashburton Family Go Kart Club!

They’re hosting the National Championships this weekend at Le Bretons Road, Ashburton. If you’re looking for something to do, be sure to check it out.

Kart racing has always been a big part of our story. It goes right back to the 1960s when Cliff raced during the early days of the club. Blair also raced through his late teens and has had a few attempts to get back into it over the years - though a blown motor and other commitments have kept getting in the way!

We’re proud to be sponsoring the 0–130cc 2-stroke class and wish all competitors the best of luck for the weekend.

26/03/2026

📸 Flashback Friday – The Machines Behind the Work

As part of our 75 year celebrations, this week we’re shining a light on the machines that have kept Horrell Engineering running for decades.

Much of our machinery was purchased new in the 1960s and 70s and it’s still going strong today. From our reliable Colchester lathe, to the big Stanko Russian lathe, and everything in between - including what was once state of the art, the Dean Smith & Grace lathe.

Not a lot has changed in the workshop since the 80s - and we might look a bit retro - but these machines have stood the test of time for a reason.

With the help of quality measuring equipment and good old fashioned dials (no digital readouts here 👀), we continue to produce precision machined parts and reliable engineering work every day.

Sometimes the old ways are still the best ways.