Manawatu nursery for sale for $1.475m

A wholesale nursery in the Manawatu which produces container-grown ornamental trees, native trees and shrubs, is for sale for $1.475m plus SAV.

Sunshine Environmentals’ main market is garden retailers, including both chain stores and independent centres. They also supply landscapers, councils and other nurseries.

The business, located at 75 Pinfold Rd, Aokautere, was established in 1975 by the previous owner who operated it until the current owners bought it in 2005.

The business is being sold by ABC Business Broker Martin Sargent who says Sunshine Environmentals offers prospective buyers a strong business with very good returns.

“The business has produced consistent profitable returns year on year and 2019 has proved to be a year that has produced returns well ahead of budget,” Sargent says.

The business is offered with a long-term lease arrangement, however there is the additional opportunity for a prospective buyer to negotiate purchase of the property.

The business was relocated to its present site in 2009, which enabled the owners to modernise the growing systems and equipment and to create an efficient operation on a larger site with better infrastructure.

The current owner has been involved in the nursery business in various roles for the last 25 years and feels the potential to take the business to the next level should be made available to others, says Sargent.

Sunshine Environmentals is a well-known brand within the ornamental nursery sector, especially with garden retailers. As a specialist grower they “own” the climber market and have a profitable niche market from which to offer a wide range of add-on lines to a loyal and long-standing customer base. They also offer exceptional service to support this, along with a quality product, Sargent says.

Sargent sees lots of potential to grow its product range, especially in categories with growing demand such as flowering shrubs, perennials and native plants.

The company’s reputation enables them to achieve good margins and high turnover.

“The business is well positioned to take advantage of a nationwide shortage of native plants. Demand is well supported by environmental initiatives, Government policy and a need for revegetation of vast areas of the country to meet climate targets.”

The nursery industry in New Zealand is in a growth phase, supported by strong construction activity and the need for “massive” increases in the production of native plants.

The vendor is eager to share his passion for growth with a new owner and assist with strategic direction and success, Sargent says.