About Us

Our story

The Gearbox Factory - kiwi trade experts for over 50 years

When you decide to have us repair or service your transmission, or gearbox, we take the responsibility seriously. We know that the cost can be significant and that your vehicle is important to you. At The Gearbox Factory one of our dedicated sales consultants will be assigned to look after your vehicle from start to finish. We will ensure that work progresses without unnecessary delays and costs. They know it can be a stressful time and will do their utmost to get your vehicle back to you as quickly as possible.

Our Story

We started out as Auckland Transmission Services, trading as The Gearbox Factory Ltd, back in March 1975 from a small workshop on Smales Road in East Tamaki, Auckland. Over the next four decades, we experienced significant growth and transformation. We moved to larger premises on Greenmount Drive in East Tamaki, which is where we’re still located today. During that period, Keith and Rosie Lane became our sole owners, buying out one of the founding directors. Our staff expanded from an initial six to over two dozen, and we even established a separate parts company to help us import bulk automotive parts.

We also built a strong profile by actively participating in motorsports. This included attending various Sports Car Club events, drag racing, TR Register grass gymkanas, and track events like those at Manfield, often showcasing AC Cobras that Keith and our team built right here in-house. We heavily invested in motorsport sponsorship too, organizing the yearly Auckland Hill Climb run by the TR Register, and supporting and repairing numerous high-profile race cars for drivers such as Clarke Proctor, Clarke Hopkins, Paul Manuell, Fanga Dan, Shane Wigston, and teams in the NZV8 Series from 2013 to 2015.

Expansion and Focus

In 2003, responding to increased sales in West and North Auckland, we opened a branch in West Auckland. This was a joint partnership between us, Keith and Rosie Lane, and the branch manager, who held a 50% ownership stake. This successful venture operated until we sold it in March 2016, and it was subsequently renamed Gearboxwest Auckland. Since then, Gearboxwest Auckland has operated as a completely separate company, actually becoming a direct competitor to us, The Gearbox Factory.

Over the last decade, we’ve really refined our expertise, consolidating our services to focus exclusively on servicing and repairing gearboxes, transmissions, DSGs, transfer cases, differentials, and torque converters. As a family-owned and operated business, our current focus is more about giving back to the community, rather than extensive involvement in high-profile sports events. Our competitive edge lies in our specialized skills and a dedicated team—80% of our key staff have been with us for over 20 years, with one exceeding 30 years—and a commitment to delivering excellent customer service. We’re still located at 68D Greenmount Drive, East Tamaki, and due to increased sales, we’re imminently taking over the lease of the adjacent building.

Our Commitment to You

When you choose The Gearbox Factory for your transmission or gearbox repair or service, we take that responsibility seriously. We understand that these costs can be significant and that your vehicle is vital to you. One of our dedicated sales managers will be assigned to look after your vehicle from start to finish, ensuring the work progresses efficiently and without unnecessary delays or costs. We know this can be a stressful time, and our team will do their utmost to return your vehicle to you as quickly as possible.

Our Expertise and Your Advantage

The complexity and technical aspects of modern transmissions require highly skilled professionals. Our technicians undergo extensive internal and international training. Due to our size and resources, we also have various in-house specialists with the knowledge and capabilities to handle repairs on any vehicle. Our people are truly your advantage!

Meet Our Team

Our team is made up of skilled and experienced transmission expert dedicated to providing top-quality repair and services for your vehicle.

Steph Dakin
Automatic & Service Co-ordinator

Steph started with The Gearbox Factory in 2015, and with her charismatic personality it wasn’t long before she moved more into customer services thus utilising her exceptional customer service skills. She now manages all our customers service requirements and also co-ordinates the day to day running of our torque converter department.

Steve Hamilton
Automatic Transmission & Torque Converter Manager

Heading up our automatics department, Steve has worked with us for 25 years now. A certified expert in automatic vehicles, DSGs, and CVT transmissions, Steve has been a technician for many years, transitioning into his leadership role. For any automatic vehicle queries – as well as for torque converter needs, contact Steve

Chris Hogg
Manual Transmission Manager

Chris has worked for The Gearbox Factory for over 30 years – as a manual mechanic and now heading up the manual transmission department. He frequently gets involved in the team’s output, getting back on the tools and passing on his knowledge and expertise to staff, as well as customers. For any manual, differential, transfer case or high performance car queries, contact Chris.

Paul Harrison
Marketing & Sales Manager

Paul worked for The Gearbox Factory for 12 years as a manual rebuilder, before heading off on his OE. Upon his return to New Zealand he started back with us, bringing his wide breadth of mechanical experience with him. He has a special interest in manual gearboxes, and VWs, DSGs. For these enquiries contact Paul.