Business Central May 2024

32 | Kalós Windows and Doors: CEDA - Regional development T T Sue Russell Quality, service behind business growth Kalós Doors & Windows operates from two sites in Palmerston North and Levin. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Husband and wife Stewart and Alison Hanegraaf own and operate Kalós Doors & Windows, from two sites in Palmerston North and Levin. They bought an existing business in 2016 and quickly put their stamp on it, having set down four founding principles to guide its future – people, quality, systems and service. This decision was obviously the right one given the company’s growth to its current team size of 35 in the Palmerston North factory and 13 in Levin. “Stewart has always loved making things. As a fitter and turner by trade, the opportunity to buy Metro Building Services, was perfect for us. We changed the name in 2021. Kalós is a derivative of the Greek word kallos meaning everything beautiful and good. It’s been a lot of hard work and investment to build it to what it has become today,” Alison says. A strong passion for the couple is in seeing young people, who are not destined to go to University or on to higher learning, given the opportunity to learn a trade and experience the satisfaction of working in an industry as important as construction. “We’re lucky we can take these kids to the next level. Within the company there are growth opportunities in different directions once they have gained experience. We find that really satisfying to see that growth in people and setting them on the path of success.” Both Stewart and Alison say that growth has been fairly organic in nature, driven by wordof-mouth and referrals. A priority has been to make Kalós a good place to work underpinned by a strong team culture. “We have a happy team who feel ownership of what we stand for and the quality of the products we produce. We expect premium quality from them and the team delivers this because they care as much as we do about their work.” This year the company moved into its new factory in The Cutting Way, Palmerston North. The factory houses a state of the art new Quadra from Italy – a considerable investment but one which will future-proof window and door production well into the future. “It is very important to us that we operate the most efficient assembly systems as possible so we can pass on to our valued customers as much of the cost benefits that come with efficient manufacture.” Building window systems, as the couple describe what they create, is an exacting and evolving space, one Alison and Stewart thrive in and with AI and technologies arrive, keeping abreast of new innovation is very important. “How we made windows 10 years ago is different to how we create them now and no doubt that will continue to change with advancements in technologies,” says Stewart. Driving the science that sits behind how window and door technologies work are a raft of regulations governing wind loading, water resistance and thermal integrity. All designed to make the home more energy efficient. “All those parameters have to be designed and engineered into a window and door systems. We talk to our team about the importance of what we do.” Alison and Stewart both know just what it means to clients building their home to see beautifully crafted window and door joinery installed. “It’s a real milestone for them. It encloses the home and makes it look complete and is very exciting for them to experience. We love being a part of that moment for them.” As the business has grown in number of employees the couple have carefully considered its structure, developing a Leadership Programme has been fundamental to the successful transition from a small business to its size today. “We’ve created a middle-management layer to our business with teams of people under the supervision of a group leader. It’s been a positive development as Stewart and I can’t be in contact with everyone everyday,” Alison explains. “We see the Manawatu as a great region and one that is really worthwhile for investors.” We are proud to partner with Kalos to deliver ThermalHeart+ is a range of code-meeting, industry-leading, thermally efficient windows and doors designed and made right here in New Zealand for exactly how we live. aplnz.co.nz | thermalheartplus.co.nz

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