48 | Patton Engineering was founded in the early 1950’s by George Patton. Many generations building it up ENGINEERING Patton Engineering Sue Russell Sean Perry is Engineering Manager at Hawke’s Bay’s Patton Engineering, based at Whakatu, a settlement between Napier and Hastings. Beginning with the company as a construction project manager, Sean says, he’s enjoying the challenges and demands of the role he’s been recently promoted to. Patton Engineering was founded in the early 1950’s by George Patton. Since then successive generations of the family have worked in the company which today is led by Johno Williams and Andrew Burn. The company offers a comprehensive range of engineering disciplines, including mechanical and structural detailing, fabrication, industrial coatings, stainless, engineering and machining. “We offer a complete tailored design, engineering, site construction, and commissioning service, taking projects through from conception to reality. We work from customer’s design intents to produce a 3D model, from which we engineer and fabricate the working components. It’s extremely satisfying and rewarding work,” Sean says. On its site at 32 Rangitane Road sits another company within the Patton Group, Hawke’s Bay Sandblasting. Patton Engineering offers its services to clients in regions south of Hamilton through to Wellington. Today, the company employs a team of 100 across multi-disciplinary engineering, design, quantity surveying, fabrication, surface treatment, site installation, project management and administration. “We’re one of the largest engineering businesses in this neck of the woods, producing up to 2,500 tonnes of fabricated steel per annum,” says Sean. And while the past few years has bought the challenges of operating through COVID restrictions, finding new ways to work through various restriction levels, Sean says it’s been a very positive time for the company to be creative and resolve conflict with solutions, as highlighted in Patton Engineering’s nomination as a finalist in the 2022 Steel Construction Awards. “We were a finalist in the seismic upgrading category for our work on the historic St James Theatre in Wellington. We were thrilled to be recognised within the industry. Seismic work, by nature, is often very complex and challenging work. It’s a discipline we have many year’s of experience working in and seek to continue to deliver our clients with a cost effective solution.” “We’re one of the leaders in New Zealand for 3D scanning and that’s why we are able to deliver these complex large projects like St James.” The project involved digitally measuring all parts of the building in order to create 3D models of all the structural elements Patton Engineering would design, construct and instal into the building. “It takes millions of data points and a great deal of time is spent using the computer in order to ensure all the structural members created will fit precisely where they have been designed to.” Sean calls this ‘de-risking’ the job, to ensure once engineering commences and ultimately construction occurs, there are no surprises. The company has invested heavily in the 3D scanning and BIM modelling within the engineering & construction sector. “We’re one of the leaders in New Zealand for 3D scanning and that’s why we are able to deliver these complex large projects like St James.” Asked what makes the company tick, Sean says its about the loyalty and capability of the staff. Staff turnover is very low and he knows the company’s ‘open-door’ policy has a lot to do with this. Every problem has a solution. “Our leadership encourages staff to come forward with any issues or concerns. Their input is welcomed.” Expectations on staff performance are high and there’s a company-wide culture of aspiring for excellence. “We have a very strong forecast of work for 2023/2024 whereby clients are looking to book workshop space through direct negotiation. Our portfolio of work is very diverse and that’s just how we like it.” Encouraging the next generation of engineers is also a priority, Patton Engineering is heavily involved with local Hastings Boys High School, bringing aspiring students into the company. “They come into our workshop and we allow them to weld and see the various operations. It exposes them to the engineering and fabrication world. “It’s good for us and the whole sector and a pathway to create opportunities at the business as well as helping us deliver on our projects as the business continues to grow. “Our business will continue to prosper, but it takes the current generation to inspire and educate the future to allow for the legacy to continue,” says Sean. PROUD TO SUPPORT PATTON ENGINEERING! HELPING TO ENGINEER NEWZEALAND 0800478 335 steelandtube.co.nz Steel & Tube has manufacturing, distribution and Tradeshops sites throughout New Zealand. We offer a comprehensive range of steel products, services and solutions for structural fabricators, general engineers, manufacturers, residential/commercial builds and the rural sector. A one-stop-shop for all your steel requirements. • STEEL • STAINLESS • PLATE & COIL PROCESSING • ENGINEERING STEELS Proud to be a key supplier to Patton Engineering
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