A well-respected Katikati business has provided the Western Bay Museum a five year sponsorship for its exhibition gallery. When the museum officially opens in August, the main display area will be known as the Taylor Bros Transport Ltd Exhibition Gallery.

Museum manager Paula Gaelic is "over the moon" having Taylor Bros sponsorship support which she says "is a big endorsement to the whole region".

Western Bay Museum manager Paula Gaelic is thrilled Taylor Bros owners, Gary Taylor and son, Andrew have sponsored the exhibition gallery. Photo/Chris Steel

Company owner Garry Taylor says Paula has done "a hell of a good job and we're supporting her initiative and honouring the many volunteers". "It's great to put our name on what we think is a worthy community project," says the company's managing director, Andrew Taylor. "We're underwriting the cost of the exhibition gallery to help get the museum off the ground."

Paula approached Taylor Bros because they have an extensive history with Katikati. The Taylor family are well known for their high quality service and generosity to the community and are supportive of community initiatives, she says. "Taylor Bros is an innovative, progressive company and the Western Bay Museum will be an innovative, creative museum that will change people's perceptions about museums. "We believe this relationship will be mutually beneficial," she says.

Last year Taylor Bros celebrated 50 years in business and as part of that they wanted to give back to the community. "We were wanting to be a bit more out in the community that we reach. By giving back we're showing that we are integrating with the community," Andrew says. "I'd like to encourage the volunteers to keep on volunteering."

Brothers, Garry and Kevin Taylor started the business in 1965 with three staff and three old trucks on the site of the Caltex service station in Katikati. Over the years the company has developed to where it is today with yards in Katikati, Matamata, Kerepehi and a yard and office in Tauranga, with a fleet of 36 trucks and 40 staff. Katikati is having a revival at the moment and "we are enjoying being part of that," Andrew says.

Andrew, Garry's son, has been involved with the company for 25 years and took over the running of the Tauranga side of the business 15 years ago. A few years ago Garry and Andrew bought Kevin's side of the business and the company is now owned by Garry and his wife, Evelyn, and Andrew and his wife, Lee-Ann.

(C) Bay News