| 81 T T Hugh de Lacy Expansion strategy Riverbank Engineering is a one-stop-shop for customers in the roading, construction, farming and horticulture sectors. ENGINEERING Riverbank Engineering 2021 Ltd Already established for over 40 years servicing the Kapiti, Horowhenua and Greater Wellington areas, Otaki’s Riverbank Engineering is entering an expansion phase after spending $200,000 last year launching its Computer Numeric Controlled (CNC) precision machining division. Founded in 1977 by Nigel and Justine Pritchard, and bought out by Dean Roberts and his wife Michelle three years ago, Riverbank Engineering employs a dozen skilled staff, including engineers, design and hydraulic technicians. The machining and fitting team alone boasts more than 75 years’ experience, while other staff have in excess of 200 years combined experience. Equally at home in the hydraulics, mechanical engineering and machining sectors, the company, located close to State Highway One, also houses a huge stock of engineering supplies, making it a one-stop-shop for customers in the roading, construction, farming and horticulture sectors. But the big push is into the structural and precision engineering sectors, with the new CNC gear including a sophisticated lathe and machining centres capable of producing both one-off bespoke items and production runs that will be launched early this year. In addition, the company uses a CNC plasma cutter allowing custom profiling of steels up to 32mm thick. “We’ve got an upgrade under way in our entire marketing strategy, which will include bringing in a couple more skilled engineering staff,” Dean says. The expansion strategy has been prompted in part by a decline in demand from the horticulture industry, with many market gardeners selling up or amalgamating their properties. A more positive influence has been the closure last year of a large local structural steel company leaving a gap in the market. An immediate result of Riverbank Engineering’s strategy has been securing the structural steel sub-contract with Downer Construction for a clip-on walkway hitched to the SH1 bridge just south of Otaki. The structural steel items which support it are still being designed in Australia, but building is expected to get under way in the first half of the year. Elsewhere Riverbank Engineering is fabricating and installing the living roof shelter structures for Paraparaumu Transport hub, steel portals and beams which will be erected and assembled within a three-storey building in Mt Victoria, Wellington and, closer to home, will be commencing work on the steel structure for a luxury home in Paraparaumu. Dean’s background in engineering began with his apprenticeship at Renold Gears (UK), leading to college (ordinary and higher certificates) and finally a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering degree from Manchester University in England, coming to New Zealand 17 years ago with no job or housing arranged started to contract for Dexion at Wingate, Lower Hutt. His particular skills lie in the power transmission, design and mechanical engineering areas. He settled in Paraparaumu, where he remains, making the short daily commute to Otaki to run Riverbank Engineering. The demand for precision structural engineering in the area is strong, Dean says, among both smaller building companies such as Matai Homes, BMK Builders and Eller Construction along with larger companies, the likes of A1 Homes, Focus Projects and McMillan Lockwood, all of which are regular Riverbank Engineering clients. Health and safety was a big factor in the company’s operation even before Dean took it over, with the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) in 2015 awarding it the tertiary level of its ASNZS 4801 qualification just two years after gaining its secondary level certification. Dean says that he regards health and safety as a central part of the company’s culture, with “that culture starting from the top.” Big ups to Riverbank Engineering the specialist manufacturers of welded steel mesh for guarding, protection and security www.wi reandmesh . co . nz WIRE & MESH LTD 04 298 7091 www.nulook.co.nz office@nulookkapiti.co.nz Proud supporters of Riverbank Engineering 2021 Ltd Call us today for a free quote...
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