Business Central July 2021

76 | Diverse services on offer Hamilton Asphalts Hamilton Asphalts has grown into one of the region’s busiest roading and civil companies. T Sue Russell CONTRACTING L ance Hughes leads a close-knit team of skilled civil construction operatives at Hamilton Asphalts base in Te Rapa, Hamilton. What started out over two decades ago as a pot-hole repair and small driveway business has grown into one of the region’s busiest roading and civil companies, something Lance puts down to seizing good opportunities as these presented. “We started very small but grew steadily. I came into the business with three trucks and a bit of money to invest in our fleet and people. I bought some crucial equipment and started doing subdivision contract work to the bigger earthworks companies,” Lance explains. It was in those formative years that Lance decided to put his hand into doing direct pricing for work and since that time, demand for the raft of services Hamilton Asphalts now offers has grown steadily. Excavation work followed and eventually into high density developments doing multi- plexes and the like. A significant milestone took place when Lance decided to employ a QS and begin tendering for the bigger projects in the region. The core of the management team includes Rodney Francis, who looks after the fleet, Grant Gibbons, Joon Oh & Estian Hattingh, Project Managers, Petrina Pearce, in accounts and administration and QS Kelle Blyth. “I do a little bit of everything helped by a really well organised team.” And since 2016, Hamilton Asphalts has also taken on drainage work. Today, over all departments, the company has a team of 68. “We’re quite unique in terms of our posi- tioning in the market. We’ve built up long- term relationships with a wide range of clients in the commercial and property development sectors.” Asked about plans for the future Lance says there’s an intention to grow a little bit bigger and with the addition of another six to eight operatives the company will be fu- ture-proofed to see its journey through well. The staff are divided into teams, including drainage, kerbing, chip sealing, asphalting, manufacturing and construction crews. “Truck drivers are very hard to come across and good asphalters are also hard to find. Our base crew though have been together 15 years or so, so we’re a strong unit with plenty of experience.” Working in a city and surrounds the size of Hamilton still feels like working in quite a small village Lance says. “When you have been around as long as we have, you find your place in the market and in the services you provide. “It’s maintaining these long-term relation- ships with clients that becomes your back- bone.” Hamilton Asphalts is currently involved in a 500 section subdivision that is being run by Lance’s two sons and his nephew. PROUDLY SUPPORTING HAMILTON ASPHALTS LTD Ph 027 229 8703 | dionnewton98@gmail.com | PO Box 153, Ngaruawahia SUBDIVISIONAL & COMMERCIAL DRAINAGE & WATER RETICULATION Dr Earthworks is a small earthmoving business who focus on providing the best experience and customer service for all our clients. With 15 years experience we are confident that we can service your needs to a high standard WAIKATO'S EARTHWORKS EXPERTS WE SPECIALISE IN A RANGE OF EARTHWORKS SERVICES: Driveway Prep, Concrete Driveways, Metalled Driveways, Re-instating Driveways, Asphalt Prep, House Pads, Shed Pads Site Clears, Farm Work, Lawn Prep, Top Soiling, Contouring sections 027 473 2184 info@drearthworks.co.nz drearthworks.co.nz