In an unassuming corner of Auckland, supercars from around the world gain the edge they need to shatter records—thanks to the Dodson Group. Specialising in precision-engineered solutions for race cars pushing 2,000 and even 3,000 horsepower, this Kiwi company is quietly reshaping high-performance automotive. If you’ve ever heard about a Lamborghini or Nissan GT-R smashing a drag-racing record, chances are Dodson’s custom gears or dual-clutch components played a key role.
Setting World Records in Days, Not Months
What makes Dodson extraordinary? Their parts often leave the shop on a Monday and help break a world record by the weekend.
“We watch on TV or stand at the track, fingers crossed they cross the line,” says CEO & Managing Director Dave Sweas. “And hopefully, we see that record flash up—knowing our part was a game-changer.”
Underpinning such success is the company’s ability to solve failures under punishing loads, then engineer the next leap in performance. Every fresh record is proof of their relentless drive to innovate—fast.
A Kiwi Workshop Takes On the Global Racing Industry
Dodson began like many great Kiwi stories: a determined tinkerer taking things apart to make them better. Founder Harry Dodson was racing his Nissan R35 GT-R in Targa events when he realised the factory-built dual-clutch transmissions in modern supercars failed under elevated horsepower. Instead of shipping broken gearboxes overseas for patchwork fixes, his team tore them down to re-engineer better parts – a bold move that soon attracted global attention.
“We had no fear,” explains the leadership team. “Tearing into a dual-clutch worth tens of thousands felt insane, but that’s Kiwi ingenuity. You spot the problem, you fix it yourself.”
That “fix-it-yourself” attitude sparked an international following. Before long, Dodson was training performance shops in Europe, the US, and Asia on how to install upgraded transmissions that could handle brutal forces. In the process, a niche was born: supercar-grade gearbox upgrades, straight out of Auckland.
From Car Parts to Precision Empire
Today, Dodson isn’t just about race cars. Over the years, they’ve acquired their two biggest local suppliers, AH Gears and WGD CNC, uniting specialised CNC machining, gearing systems, and advanced manufacturing under one umbrella. The team of 75-plus across three Auckland sites has more than tripled revenue in five years—proof that world-class innovation can thrive in a compact Kiwi setting.
“We went from 17 blokes in a shed to an international brand,” the leadership team notes. “That growth is down to precision engineering, agile thinking, and a stubborn refusal to accept ‘near enough.”
Their capabilities now extend beyond automotive into aerospace, industrial equipment, and even wind-turbine technology. But no matter the sector, the core formula remains the same: exact engineering, swift adaptation, and a culture that prizes fresh ideas.
Embracing Industry 4.0
Much of Dodson’s success stems from consistently upgrading their manufacturing game:
- Lean Foundations – They start by “removing frustrations,” adopting 5S principles (Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardise, Sustain) so that the shop floor runs smoothly.
- Real-Time Data – Dodson invests in ERP systems to track inventory and coordinate multi-site production, turning raw data into better decision-making.
- Robotics & Automation – With a clear data picture, robotics (like pick-and-place arms on CNC machines) free skilled workers for more challenging tasks.
“There’s a global shortage of manufacturing talent,” say company leaders. “Automation lets good people focus on higher-value work—boosting efficiency and team morale.”
That approach keeps Dodson competitive on the global stage. Instead of seeing advanced tech as a cost, they see it as the way to scale high-value exports and create more engaging roles.
Why Kiwi Manufacturing Wins
Sceptics might argue that building parts in New Zealand is too expensive compared to offshore. But Dodson sees an advantage. In an Industry 4.0 world, smaller runs of complex components can be produced virtually anywhere. Pair that with Kiwi gumption and location is no barrier.
“Being tucked away can help,” the team observes. “Our competitors rarely see what we’re up to until we’re already launching a product. Meanwhile, we’ve got tight IP protections, skilled machinists, and that ‘can-do’ streak.”
Racing Toward the Future
Every dollar of foreign revenue circulates through local suppliers, wages, and services, boosting the broader New Zealand economy. Dodson views advanced manufacturing as more than just a profit engine—a multiplier supporting skilled jobs and fostering next-gen craftsmanship.
“High-value exports lift everyone,” they add. “It’s about building world-class stuff right here and selling it to the world.”
Ultimately, Dodson’s journey from a modest Auckland garage to a global performance leader proves that Kiwi manufacturing isn’t just possible—it’s powerful. By blending precision, creativity, and automation, they’re shaking up the supercar scene and shining a spotlight on what small nations can achieve.
For the Dodson Group, success is measured by more than record-breaking quarter-miles. It’s about lighting the spark in new apprentices, championing local manufacturing, and defying limits on what’s “possible” in a small country. That’s the essence of Future Makers: aiming higher, building smarter, and never settling.
