No Fuss, Just Quality - A Hi-Lite with Isuzu Ready-To-Work

Some businesses don't need to make a lot of noise.

For more than three decades, Hobart-based Hi-Lite Plaster has built its reputation the old-fashioned way. Turn up, execute quality work, move on to the next job.

Owner Ricky Bowerman isn't one for big speeches or grand claims. After 35 years in the plastering trade, he leans into his experience and industry know-how, something that has served both him and his Southern Tasmanian clientele extremely well.

"I've been plastering for 35 years," Ricky plainly states.

"I started-out over in Western Australia and then established my own business."

A measured approach

Originally from the Apple Isle, Ricky returned home after establishing himself in the trade out west, launching Hi-Lite Plaster in the early 1990s. Today, the business employs around 15 people and services residential construction across Southern Tasmania, alongside selected commercial shop fit outs, schools and hospitality projects.

Over the years, the company has contributed to a range of notable developments, including the new Vibe Hotel in Hobart, while deliberately resisting the temptation to become bigger simply for the sake of growth.

"We had about 60 employees at one stage, and it just wasn't economical," Ricky explained.

"We're happy where we are now, with greater control, plenty of work and a solid team."

That measured approach extends well beyond staffing.

With construction activity remaining extremely robust across Southern Tasmania, Ricky says the biggest challenge isn't finding work. It's finding experienced people to complete it.

"It's very busy down here at the moment and it can be hard to find employees."

Work smarter

When skilled tradespeople are difficult to replace, every ounce of productivity becomes all the more valuable. Every piece of equipment, every vehicle and every decision needs to make the working day easier and more efficient.

That's exactly what led Hi-Lite Plaster to Isuzu's popular Ready-to-Work N Series range.

The company's latest addition is a striking, cardinal red Isuzu NLR 45-150 Traypack - a compact pre-bodied unit that spends its days transporting plaster, metal studs, tools and construction waste through Hobart's streets.

For Ricky, size mattered, but not in the way you’d expect.

"We wanted a smaller sized truck for a few different reasons," he said.

"The Traypack is perfect for moving around town. It's small enough to get into loading zones and gets around Hobart easily. It’s great for parking too, which is becoming an issue around town now."

Tool for the job

Purpose-built for a range of urban trade applications, the compact NLR combines a 4,500 kg Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) with a responsive 110 kW, 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine producing 375 Nm of torque.

Given it’s predominantly urban working environment, Ricky wisely opted for Isuzu's new nine-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT), while the factory-engineered aluminium tray features removable drop-sides, external ratchet rails and a five-tonne-rated tray deck.

This all combined to provide a practical platform for carrying everything from plasterboard and steel framing to tools and site materials.

Ready to rock

For Hi-Lite Plaster, this go-anywhere practicality was a major advantage.

The truck spends much of its time winding through Hobart's CBD before heading to building sites across the region, often carrying plaster products one trip before returning with demolition waste on the next.

"It's always in and out of town," Ricky said.

"The size suits us perfectly and the turning circle is really good. It’s great to drive."

Just as importantly, Ricky says the automatic transmission has transformed everyday driving.

With apprentices and other team members regularly behind the wheel, ease of operation was a key consideration.

"The automatic transmission is exceptional compared to our previous truck.

"I drive it about half the time. Otherwise, the apprentices are driving it. It’s a breeze."

Safe & comfortable

Isuzu’s latest N Series line-up also introduces a significant suite of advanced safety technologies, including Advanced Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning, Traffic Movement Warning, Distance Warning System, Traffic Sign Recognition, Full-Speed Adaptative Cruise Control and an Electric Park Brake, all designed to reduce driver workload and improve confidence in busy urban environments.

For Ricky, those features quickly proved their worth.

"The automatic handbrake is great, especially with apprentices driving it because they can't forget to put it on," he chuckled.

"You've also got the seatbelt reminder, which is good.

"The safety features work well too. Things like the lane warning and being aware of nearby traffic are super handy in traffic."

Comfort has also exceeded Ricky’s expectations.

Despite being one of Isuzu's most compact truck models, Ricky says the cabin doesn't feel like a compromise.

"Even though it's a smaller truck, they haven't compromised on things like the automatic climate control system or interior comfort," he said.

"The demister clears the windscreen almost immediately, which is super important down here during winter and the new LED lighting is also very good."

Little extras

Like many trade operators, Hi-Lite Plaster has tailored the truck to suit its own workflow, fitting additional cameras to monitor loads during transport and an under-tray toolbox to keep equipment organised.

"We've fitted cameras so we can keep an eye on the tarps because of the weather in Hobart," Ricky explained.

"We've also got a camera looking into the tray so we can check the loads while we're driving."

Ready & raring

Across Australia, Isuzu's Ready-to-Work range continues to appeal to businesses looking for practical transport solutions without the complexity of custom body builds or waiting months for aftermarket fit-out work to be completed.

Factory-engineered, locally supported and backed by Isuzu's extensive dealer network, the range allows operators to put new vehicles into service quickly while retaining the flexibility to personalise them for specific industries and applications.

For businesses like Hi-Lite Plaster, that's exactly how a work truck should be.

Simple, capable and ready to earn its keep.

Partners matter

Ricky's relationship with Webster Trucks in Hobart has reinforced that confidence.

After experiencing frustrations with another manufacturer, he walked into the dealership looking for a better experience and found one.

"I used to buy another brand, but they became very difficult to deal with," Ricky said.

"I walked into Websters one day, met Shane (Hilder) and we've now bought our second truck through him."

Asked whether another Isuzu would be on the cards in future, Ricky didn't hesitate.

"Isuzu is definitely on the radar.

"We knew what we wanted when it came to purchasing new. We just waited for the new model to come out.

Was it worth the wait?

"Definitely."

For someone who has spent decades letting his workmanship do the talking, perhaps that's the strongest endorsement of all.

ends