34 | Eastbridge Ltd T T Karen Phelps Major slip remediation well on track Eastbridge was tasked with manufacturing 15 primary steel girders and an assortment of steel bracing. “Our niche in the market is specifically steel bridging, so for us, it was a mid-sized job. It shows we have the resources, skills and ability to deliver projects fast when required.” T T to page 36 REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT New Zealand owned & operated with more than twenty years experience in the cutting industry. Proudly supporting Eastbridge Ltd 06 879 4690 andrew.ayre@cncprocut.co.nz www.cncprocut.co.nz www.laserdynamics.co.nz Napier-based company Eastbridge has had a busy 2023 delivering steelwork solutions for a range of large-scale projects including the State Highway 25A Taparahi Slip Remediation. It was a critical initiative to rebuild a section of State Highway 25A that had suffered a catastrophic collapse following a major storm event earlier in the year as a result of Cyclone Gabrielle. The road’s collapse disrupted a key travel route through the Coromandel ranges, significantly impacting people’s ability to commute meaning Eastbridge was under pressure to deliver the steelwork in an extremely tight timeframe, says company general manager Jayden Mellsop. Contracting to McConnell Dowell and Fulton Hogan joint venture Eastbridge was tasked with manufacturing 15 primary steel girders and an assortment of steel bracing and loose plates. The steel girders were 18 to 30 metres long weighing up to 20 tonnes each. “What made this project particularly challenging was the availability of steel plate, which typically involves a three-month lead time,” says Jayden. “Fortunately we were able to draw on materials in stock, allowing us to streamline the plate procurement process and quickly set the project in motion. We could also reallocate resources and run our workshop 24/7 to expedite the production. In four months we’ve turned around a mid size steel bridge in New Zealand, which would normally take double that time.” He says the project itself wasn’t particularly technically challenging for Eastbridge because the design was reasonably straightforward and traditional with no time consuming special features: “Our niche in the market is specifically steel bridging, so for us, it was a mid-sized job. It shows we have the resources, skills and ability to deliver projects fast when required.” Another significant project in 2023 as a result of the cyclone was KiwiRail’s Bridge 217 project in which Eastbridge played a significant role. This project became essential after a cyclone severely damaged the rail bridge between Napier and Hastings at Awatoto. Track and embankments were washed away and Bridge 217 lost piers and spans due to the floods. Jayden says the significance of the rail bridge being able to reopen extended beyond the immediate region. It benefits not only Hawke’s Bay but also cargo owners throughout the North Island who rely on Napier Port and its international shipping services to move their goods to and from global markets. This makes Napier Port is a vital gateway for international trade, and reinstating the rail line connection added resilience and value to the entire supply chain. Eastbridge collaborated with United Civil Construction, fabricating steel components and assisting in on-site installation. This collaboration facilitated the swift erection of a temporary bridge, which enabled KiwiRail to reopen the rail line, restoring vital transportation links and promoting the movement of imports and exports through the Port of Napier. Specialising in the fabrication of steelwork for bridges, towers, poles and general infrastructure projects, Eastbridge unique position in the market comes from its unwavering focus on quality and skill, says Jayden. In the pursuit of maintaining these high standards people are key. Eastbridge invests significantly in training apprentices, ensuring a consistent influx of highly skilled staff. Typically the company has between 10-15 apprentices on staff at any given time. This dedication to cultivating talent extends beyond its own workforce and Eastbridge is a strong advocate for supporting the broader industry, contributing to the development of skilled professionals in the field.
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