Business Central December 2021

| 61 Meta Engineering has designed and manufactured specialised timber processing gear in the form of a double-edged planer and edge trimming saw. ENGINEERING Meta Engineering New premises set to bring growth Sue Russell Proud to be a supplier to Meta Engineering Inglewood. Cnr of Egmont & Oropuriri Rds New Plymouth | Ph: 06 755 2510 Email: sales@npss.co.nz | Website: www.npss.co.nz We provide daily deliveries & cut to length Mild steel, Aluminium & Stainless Steel • Mild steel • Aluminium • Stainless Steel • Valves • Fencing products • Reinforcing • Dairy Fittings • Fastenings Suppliers of R ichard Smith established Ingle- wood-based business Meta Engineering in 2017, having worked for many years in Australia in the mining sector. “I was growing increasingly dissatisfied with the work in the mines and realised the job was turning into just getting a pay cheque, so it was time for me to look at any new opportu- nities and when the opportunity to lease this building from Falcon Engineering came up, I jumped at it,” Richard says. He was able to purchase some existing plant in the building and, since this founding, 4 years ago, has steadily grown the business to where it is today – with a team of 7 full-time staff and 5 casuals. Asked what, if any, areas of engineering the company specialises in Richard says they do just about everything, from machining, fabri- cation, profile cutting, CNC machining, manual turning and milling and general repairs to name a few and servicing a large number of sectors, including timber processing and agriculture. “We do specialise in the high-end manufac- turing of equipment but we also have local contracting companies. We have just bought some specialised boring equipment and now do on site machining.” Richard says he’s pleased with the current size and scope of the business and is not in any hurry to grow any bigger. “If you get too big you lose the family feel.” And on a day to day basis, while overseeing the business, finding, and pricing new work, Richard is also actively involved on the tools; a situation he is happy with. He also takes care of most breakdown work that comes through the workshop doors. Experiencing a COVID lockdown for the sec- ond time is something Richard and the team weren’t expecting, however the systems to cope are in place, so any necessary essential jobs are able to be processed. Meta Engineering has designed and man- ufactured specialised timber processing gear in the form of a double-edged planer and edge trimming saw and when not working on bespoke design and manufacture projects, there’s always plenty of ongoing repairs and site maintenance work to be carried out. All the firm’s equipment is painted with Resene Automotive & Light Industrial Paints. “We have found Resene to have great knowledge and service,” says Richard. “The finish is always top quality while being very durable and easy to apply, leaving our cus- tomers Impressed with the finished look.” When Business Central spoke with Richard, he had just signed off one of two apprentices the business employed. Asked for opinion as to the training pathway apprentices experiences these days, Rich- ard says that it really comes down to the quality and breadth of day to day learning opportunities an apprentice experiences that determines the outcomes. “I think the appren- ticeship programme works well with a good balance between supervision by the assessor and day to day work experience.” Richard appreciates the quality of his team, who he says really are the strength of the business. “I have a fantastic office manager who really runs the place. I enjoy working with the team everyday.” Ahead is a move into new premises in Ingle- wood that will really set the business up well to cope with growth in demand. “The opportunities I’ve been given so far have been wonderful, but to now be in a posi- tion to own my own building will really cement this business well into the future.” Working in a provincial town brings oppor- tunities also to support the community. Meta Engineering is involved in sponsoring several clubs and events, including Special Children’s Event, Inglewood Squash Club, Wanganui Boat Club and Daffodil Day, and the soon to open Inglewood Lions MiniPutt. “We do specialise in the high-end manufacturing of equipment, have just bought some specialised boring equipment and now do on site machining.” With an extensive range of premier re nish coating systems and 13 branches throughout New Zealand, Resene Automotive and Light Industrial are the coating experts at your door. Do you need Industrial Protective Coatings? Resene Automotive and Light Industrial o er extensive technical support to our customers. Our team of specialists aim to provide you with the best customer service and expert product support. Coatings Experts at Your Door 0800 108 008 www.reseneauto.co.nz