14 | Business with a positive charge Proton Electric services industrial plants throughout Hawke’s Bay, and further afield as the jobs demand. Hawke’s Bay Business Awards - Proton Electric T T Virginia Wright REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Based in Onekawa in Napier, Proton Electric Ltd specialises in all aspects of industrial electrical service, installation and maintenance, including contracting, servicing, automation, instrumentation, and anything else associated with industrial electrical plant operations. The company was established eight years ago by Aaron Wallace and Robert Severinsen when they decided to set up their own business with a clear focus on the things they valued in the workplace. “We wanted to build and develop a business where we had a great team culture, where our staff felt valued and where we could build a team from the ground up to become Hawke’s Bay’s leading electrical services provider,” explains Aaron. If the number of apprentices that have chosen to stay with them once qualified is anything to go by, they have succeeded in what they set out to do, and because their staff stay with them they have successfully built up exactly the sort of skilled industrial team they envisaged, with a full-time staff of 15. Unsurprisingly, given the current economic climate, they are not in a growth phase, but they are determined not to go backwards either. “We’ve worked extremely hard to build the business up to where it is now so what we’re doing this year is diversifying,” says Aaron. Previously, their work base would have been 80% large-scale industrial projects and 20% the ongoing service and maintenance work for the expanding, long-term customer base that came with them. They are now targeting more servicing and maintenance jobs, especially with businesses they have already done installation work for, working to broaden their offerings to companies with multiple plants in the district. It’s a strategy they decided on two years ago when they could already foresee an approaching lull in large-scale projects and wanted to be ready for the challenge of quieter times without having to downsize. Proton Electric services industrial plants throughout Hawke’s Bay, and further afield as the jobs demand. “We have completed project work all over the North Island, and as far afield as Brisbane, Australia. A key strategy is collaborating with other companies and service providers, wherever they are, to expand our capabilities and offerings in areas such as robotics and automation,” says Aaron. Last year, Proton Electric was a finalist in the Hawke’s Bay Business Awards and found the whole experience a valuable one. “The one-on-one time with the judges gave us the opportunity to take a really good look inwards, to see where we’re at and get a feel for any areas needing improvement, as well as what we’re doing really well,” says Aaron. “We discovered there is a lot to celebrate and we have set a solid foundation for the future growth of Proton Electric.” One thing Aaron and Rob are clear on is that they will continue to put time and energy into the business structure as they expand, to make sure they take their staff with them and provide not only jobs, but also career opportunities. “It’s a win-win for us, because it means our staff stay with us long term, and they have the opportunity to strengthen their skill-set and further their careers,” Aaron says. “As the business grows we want our people to have the opportunity to grow with it. Our amazing team is our strength and nothing’s off the table.” When Rob and Aaron were deciding on a name for their new business, they chose proton over electron because protons are positively charged. It’s easy to see that Proton Electric and its owners are living up to their name. Delivering high-quality electrical services that keep your operations running smoothly. DWB Electrical guarantees quality workmanship delivered to industry standards, in an efficient and punctual manner. 027 456 4652 don.dwbelectrical@gmail.com www.dwbelectrical.co.nz EXPERT ELECTRICAL SERVICES INHAWKE’S BAY Commercial & Industrial Specialists Data Networks & Wi-Fi Systems Audio-Visual Design & Installation Servicing Waipukurau, Hawke’s Bay, and beyond. Contact us today! www.ruahineelectrical.co.nz COMMERCIAL INDUSTRIAL DATA & WI-FI AUDIO VISUAL
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