| 37 T T Kelly Deeks Meeting deadlines a critical factor The business has invested in new machinery, skilled staff, and innovative manufacturing processes to meet rising demand. Wanganui Reinforcing Supplies “Residential work is looking stronger as Wanganui continues to grow, and commercial is starting to pick up, so that’s all positive.” CONTRACTING Wanganui Reinforcing Supplies is building on years of steady growth and expanding its capabilities and client base across the region. Owner Steve Gibney says the business has invested in new machinery, skilled staff, and innovative manufacturing processes to meet rising demand, while maintaining its hallmark personal service. “Since I bought this business about seven years ago, we’ve moved to bigger premises, invested in more machinery, added more people, and expanded our client base,” Steve says. “What we have now, compared with when we started is maybe five times bigger.” When Steve took over, the business had a small client list and just one staff member. Today, it employs four and has grown its workload by roughly 80%. While some of the original clients were retained, most of the business now comes from long-term relationships built across the Wanganui construction sector. “We don’t really advertise,” Steve says. “Most of our clients I know personally. I’m born and bred in Wanganui, and we’re always building relationships. “We focus on timing and meeting deadlines, because that’s critical for most of our clients. “Another point of difference is our adaptability. On larger projects there can be some grey areas in the plans. “We go on-site, see the issues, work them out with the crew, and get them fixed fast. That personal, quick response is something a big corporation can’t match.” Efficiency has also been a key focus for the company. A new CNC stirrup bender has reduced the time needed to process certain steel components from eight hours for two operators to just one hour, running unmanned. “We’ve made big efficiency gains with just one machine,” Steve says. “ “Our next step is expanding into reinforcing mesh. We’ve invested in a CNC mesh welding machine and are just about set up. Traditionally, we would buy mesh from steel merchants and resell it, but now we will manufacture it ourselves. There’s been a lot of capital outlay and ongoing training, but it will allow us to deliver even more value to the local construction industry.” Wanganui Reinforcing operates in a sector that has faced challenges over the past 18 months, with both residential and commercial construction slowing and wider market pressures affecting consistency. Steve says the downturn has been difficult, but signs of growth are appearing. \“The key for us is consistency. One good month and three slow months make planning hard,” he says. “Residential work is looking stronger as Wanganui continues to grow, and commercial is starting to pick up, so that’s all positive.” Training and experience remain a core focus. It can take six months to get a new staff member fully trained, and a year before they can confidently operate on-site. Steve says the team’s expertise, particularly with the new mesh business, is central to Wanganui Reinforcing Supplies’ growth and local contribution. “All of us will train together on the new machine. There’s a learning curve, but it’s an exciting addition for the local market,” he says. “Our aim is to be reliable, responsive, and technically skilled, while keeping the personal service that sets us apart.” 27 Heads Road,Wanganui | 06 343 1401 (24/7) www.actiondrainage.co.nz Asbestos, Plumbing, & Drainage Specialists Residential & Commercial • Asbestos Removal • Groundworks • Drainage • Plumbing • RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • EARTHQUAKE STRENGTHENING Cnr Hinau and Rogers Streets, PO Box 489, Whanganui Phone 06 344 5087 Mob 027 438 4211 Email: office@gempep.co.nz www.shanestonebuilders.co.nz Phone: 06-3477-007 Shane: 021 242 0099 Proudly supporting Wanganui Reinforcing Building High Quality Homes Across the Whanganui region. Proudly Supporting Wanganui Reinforcing 0210 223 6711 office@hardyconstruction.co.nz www.hardyconstruction.co.nz
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