Ten Years on the Fast Track
Viking Mechanical's Journey
Celebrating a decade in the Mackay region, Viking Mechanical owes its longevity and success to a dedicated team that not only loves what they do but also prioritises customer satisfaction every day.
Darrin Keates expressed that he and the entire Viking Mechanical team are thrilled to reach such a significant business milestone, highlighting the commendable achievements celebrated over the past ten years.
“We are extremely proud of the many accomplishments we’ve made over the years. However, the event that kickstarted this adventure was when we were fortunate enough to win the Mackay Airport tender in 2015. This exposure really helped establish our brand,” Darrin explained.
The joining of such a large collaboration, and the positive effect of increased business, prompted Darrin and his wife, Nikki, to re-think their position.
“We decided to bite the bullet and expand our business into the automotive market, working hard on our growth and customer service!”
The team relocated from a single bay shed to a much larger facility, allowing them to offer a more diverse range of services to the automotive industry, including a greener approach to maintenance and repairs.
As opportunities continued to blossom, Viking Mechanical took to the national stage, opening two new diesel repair workshops in Mackay and Brisbane in 2017 and 2019. In recognition of their continued growth and commitment to customer service, they were awarded the Approved IVECO Service Centre for Mackay in 2019, followed by the Approved Jaguar Land Rover Service Centre in 2022.
“Our commitment to building trust and loyalty within the region helps us reflect on how far we’ve come. We are proud and humbled to have had the support that has allowed us to grow into the business we are today,” Darrin expressed.
With sustainable business practices as a core value, Darrin and his team approach each situation with a can-do attitude, recognising and utilising the strengths of each member throughout all operations.
A family affair, Darrin and Nikki’s two children, Melissa and Shane, have also become valuable members of the Viking Mechanical team.
“A few years after starting the business, it became clear that involving the family in all areas was a smart move, and needless to say, this has cemented some of our successes,” Darrin remarked.
Darrin and Nikki are committed to encouraging younger generations to join the workforce, offering apprenticeships to school leavers and young adults while also inspiring young women to enter what has been a predominantly male-dominated industry.
“We encourage the younger generation to get involved in the industry as the automotive sector enters its most exciting phase in 100 years of motoring, with ever-evolving technology—especially electric, hybrid, and the advent of autonomous vehicles looming ever closer to reality,” Darrin explained.
Another proud moment Darrin and Nikki reflect on fondly is how their team operated during the unpredictability of COVID-19.
“Having our dedicated team remain consistently positive during the COVID-19 era showcases our resilience, with very little impact on what we did and continue to do. This made us immensely proud,” Darrin said.
“Receiving the Community Achievement Award – Nominee Ricoh Customer Service Award was perhaps the most rewarding moment, and this could not have been achieved without the outstanding commitment from our people.”
Looking towards the future, Darrin has many plans to advance Viking Mechanical in all areas, ensuring the business continues to offer quality vehicle maintenance and repairs with economical solutions.
We offer labour hire services to support remote clients with auto electrical and mechanical technicians to the Bowen Basin and surrounding districts.
“Our client base includes fleet companies, daily drives, and a mission-critical state-wide fleet of IVECO vehicles, alongside our support for the resource sector. With over 80 years combined experience, their technical expertise covers a diverse range of brands, including European vehicles. We are committed to providing exceptional service and support to our clients in the years to come.”
As a reputable service centre, Viking Mechanical strives to keep abreast of technology, including EV and hybrid service requirements, and invests heavily in training, tooling, and support to ensure they can navigate the exciting advances in the automotive industry.
