ABOUT
Our story
Gato Sales & Repairs was founded by Chad Vadnjal in 1992l to service the Newcastle and Hunter Valley region.
In 1998, the business became the official dealer for Kobelco Construction Machinery across Newcastle, the Hunter Valley, Central Coast and Mid North Coast of NSW.
Today, Gato holds the title of longest-standing Kobelco dealer in Australia. Backed by decades of industry experience, we’ve built a reputation for reliable service, solid advice, and honest support.
VISION
To lead the industry in reliability, reputation, and results.
For over 30 years, Gato Sales & Repairs has supported the earthmoving and construction industries through quality machinery, trusted service, and long-standing relationships. As the longest-serving Kobelco dealer in Australia, we’re driven by more than just sales — we’re here to help businesses move forward with confidence.
Our vision is to set the standard for backup and support across the region, delivering expert service, unmatched product knowledge, and a commitment to doing things right the first time. Whether it’s keeping fleets operational or helping customers find the right machine for the job, we exist to keep the earthmovers moving — now and into the future.
Our story
Gato Sales & Repairs was founded by Chad Vadnjal in 1992l to service the Newcastle and Hunter Valley region.
In 1998, the business became the official dealer for Kobelco Construction Machinery across Newcastle, the Hunter Valley, Central Coast and Mid North Coast of NSW.
Today, Gato holds the title of longest-standing Kobelco dealer in Australia. Backed by decades of industry experience, we’ve built a reputation for reliable service, solid advice, and honest support.
VISION
To lead the industry in reliability, reputation, and results.
For over 30 years, Gato Sales & Repairs has supported the earthmoving and construction industries through quality machinery, trusted service, and long-standing relationships. As the longest-serving Kobelco dealer in Australia, we’re driven by more than just sales — we’re here to help businesses move forward with confidence.
Our vision is to set the standard for backup and support across the region, delivering expert service, unmatched product knowledge, and a commitment to doing things right the first time.
Whether it’s keeping fleets operational or helping customers find the right machine for the job, we exist to keep the earthmovers moving — now and into the future.
- Accountability
We take accountability for the job from beginning to end ensuring that the job is done properly the first time.
- Time Management
- Organization
- Collaboration
Collaborating on decisions, jobs and issues as a team ensures the right decision is made whilst creating a team environment. By having everyone contribute possible problems or offer solutions the tasks are completed with better quality and with better efficiency.
- Teamwork
Our team are constantly working in together to get the job done. We try and build this into our work environment as a culture more than just a working attitude and this is evident by the way our team work with each other to get the job done.
- Process Improvement
By constantly reviewing the way we do things whether it be the way we process jobs to the way we fit out a machine or by the suppliers we are using, we consistently review the processes we use to try and make them simpler and more efficient.
- Honesty
- Fairness
We ensure that jobs are completed and charged fairly and competitively and ensure our customers know what to expect from each job. Acting in a fair and ethical manner is one of our priorities.
Our People
Our team of staff is over 15 strong with dedicated factory trained plant mechanics and our own auto electrician and air conditioning mechanic. Our specialist parts interpreter with over 30 years industry experience and almost 10 years’ experience with Kobelco excavators you can trust it will be right the first time.
We also have two salesmen on the road that can come and see you regarding the purchase of any new machinery, trade machines or with any sales enquiries you may have. Our salesman both has many years’ experience in the earthmoving industry, so they are able to understand your needs in the field.
Chad Vadnjal
Director
Chad is the owner and Managing Director of Gato Repairs, and founded the company in 1992 to service the Newcastle and Hunter Valley. In 1998 Chad acquired the Kobelco Construction Machinery dealership and started selling new machines on top of his existing service work. Since then the company has grown into a business with over 15 employees, a fully equipped workshop, multiple field service vehicles and an in house new and used spare parts department.
With Chad’s extensive knowledge and experience in the industry and a reputation for being reliable and efficient the business continues to grow.
