| 79 Richards Construction Keeping the company at a size that works well and Richard Ellery remaining closely involved with every build has been key. BUILDING T Sue Russell When you have been building since 1979, you have figured out what is important to do really well. In the case of Marton-based construction company Richards Construction, the fundamentals underpinning its success come down to a few very basic and important truths. “Keeping the company at a size that works well and Richard remaining closely involved with every build and still often active on the tools are two factors. “We’ve also developed high standards and systems to ensure these are attained on every project, big or small,” says Richard Ellery. Maintaining a reputation developed over decades is also critically important. In the past, Richards Construction has undertaken projects as far as Rotorua, Taupo and Auckland but Richard says the decision to concentrate on the Rangitikei district has been the right one at this stage in the company’s journey. Commenting on recent projects and the impact, if any, Covid brought, Richard says there have been some issues present, but feels they were possibly less affected than other builders. “We just had to be super-organised and looking a long way ahead. We’re planning for all of next year’s projects now. I know exactly what is happening in the next year and we can work smaller jobs around larger ones really well,” says Richard, in late 2021. And having staff who equally take ownerTop tier work on all jobs big and small ship of their work is a huge positive for the business. Recognition of the quality of the team came last year in the form of apprentice Sam Cunningham coming second in the Registered Master Builders Apprentice of the Year competition and Bradley McDowell in the top ten finalists, for the central North Island region. Back in 2019, Todd Sutton, another apprentice then training with Richards Construction, won the regional title and represented it at the national event. “We have always had apprentices in training. Right now we have two apprentices on board and we make a point of keeping in touch with many of our former apprentices who have gone on to enjoy very successful building careers.” Richard says the approach taken to apprentices is still ‘fairly old school’. They are signed up to undertake a four-year pathway of 8000 hours. Acknowledging that for many, an apprenticeship can be completed in three years, from experience, having that extra year in training brings additional value and better outcomes. The company motto used to be: ‘We build chook houses to churches’. Residential building is now the main focus of the company along with light commercial projects. “I have just finished a new home in Marton with a lot of lovely features such as timber floors, nice open plan spaces, a very high stud and lots of windows,” says Richard. ”I worked closely with the clients, inputting into the initial design of the home alongside the draftsman and the whole project went very well.” We pride ourselves on providing our customers with great service, value and a vast product range. You can depend on us to 'see you right' for all your building needs! www.itm.co.nz/marton Central ITM Feilding P: 06 323 3400 A: 1537 Waughs Road Central ITM Marton P: 06 327 5458 A: 40 Racecourse Avenue SHAUNMCDOWELL 027 244 8866 5 7 Bowen St, POBox 229Marton 4741 06 327 7949 Fax 06 327 7949 careys.j@xtra.co.nz • Kitchens • Stairs • Splashbacks • BathroomUnits Carey’s Joinery are proud of our work history with Richard’s Construction and look forward to supplying quality joinery projects in the future • Wardrobes • Shop Fitting • Interior Design
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