Business Central December 2021

| 43 Kāpiti: Steel-It Market challenges are met head on T Kelly Deeks Steel-It manufactures high-quality, cost-effective steel framing from its business hub at Paraparaumu. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Innovative Engineering Specialists Agents for Hydraulink Fluid Connectors Distributor Agent for BOC Gases 46 Riverbank Rd, Otaki, Kapiti Coast 06 3647444 info@riverbankeng.com www.riverbankeng.com S oaring timber prices and a dwindling supply are bringing New Zealand’s construction industry yet another reason to try New Zealand manufactured steel framing and the variety of design possibilities it presents. Setting the standard in steel frame con- struction, Steel-It manufactures high-quality, cost-effective steel framing from its business hub at Paraparaumu. Steel-It framing uses Axxis steel, manufactured by New Zealand Steel in Auckland using locally mined iron- sand. This means a steady supply of steel and stable prices, as well as bearing none of the impact of global shipping delays can cause to a business. Steel-It director Trevor Moss says the shortfall in timber supply in New Zealand has people looking for alternatives, and steel is a great one to consider. “Steel framing is cost effective and 70% lighter than timber framing, so it can be easily handled by the builders,” he says. “Our light gauge steel in 6m frames can easily be carried by two men. In addition, all utility holes are pre-punched in the factory, saving hours of time for the plumber and electricians. A sim- ple grommet is placed in the hole top allow the threading of cables and pipes. Since the steel is galvanised, you don’t have to worry about the weather. You can stand the frames one day and clad them the next.” Steel won’t warp or twist since it doesn’t absorb moisture, so building with steel will result in straight walls, square corners, and flush surfaces for the life of your home. Steel frames are also an environmentally friendly option because they are 100% recycla- ble, they do not require treatment with chemi- cal preservatives, and are non-flammable. Steel-It’s production facilities include CNC roll forming machines and CAD software, that combine to create precision engineered steel frames with minimal tolerances of 1mm or less. “The builders are loving it,” Trevor says. “It will take a couple of builds for builders to come completely on board, but once they get converted, some say there is no way they will ever go back to timber frames. The only difference is you’re changing your tools from a drop saw, hammer, and nails, to a drill and a pair of tin snips.” “Once the building is built, no one would know whether it was framed with steel or timber. With its Kapiti business hub, Steel-It offers a one-stop-shop solution for residential and commercial clients. Here, three companies work together as one to make their clients’ construction journey a smooth and transpar- ent experience. “Our design firm LGSC provides for clients from concept to consent, while manufacturer of thermal break, RBoard, provides a practical solution for builders. Our three businesses work closely together to ensure each project is as seamless as possible.” Steel-It continues to grow and has recently added a night shift to get through the latest hump of demand growth. “It will take a couple of builds for builders to come completely on board, but once they get converted, some say there is no way they will ever go back to timber frames.” With this additional shift, Steel-It is man- ufacturing 12 to 18 tonnes of steel framing each month, and with three to four tonnes required to build your average home, is really responding to the demands of our housing crisis. Steel-It operates in a diverse market which continues to change as more and more peo- ple are priced out of the market for existing homes. From tiny homes built on family land, to lifestyle buildings on lifestyle blocks, and even a current four storey apartment block project, Steel-It offers a stronger, straighter, cost effective, long lasting, and environmen- tally friendly alternative to timber frame construction.