52 | ENGINEERING Meco Engineering T T Karen Phelps ‘Planning to pivot the business’ Meco Engineering is under new ownership and managing director Stephen Knox says he plans to instigate changes that will benefit the company’s customers. “While our core services will remain the same I’m planning to pivot the business into a more collaborative development of projects. It’s about getting involved in projects early on, assisting with concepts and designs to ensure the best outcome for the client,” he says. This shift represents a significant departure from the traditional approach where engineering firms are brought in later in the project lifecycle. Stephen’s vision emphasises upstream engagement, allowing Meco to assist clients with their project outcomes from the ground up. With over two decades of international and local New Zealand experience across design, construction and fabrication businesses, Stephen brings a wealth of expertise to the 71-year-old company including expertise in the early contractor involvement approach with an extensive background in concept and solution development within complex structural engineering projects. His international exposure has provided valuable insights into global best practices, which he’s now adapting to the New Zealand market context. “I’ve been on both sides of the fence so, when done well, I have seen the value in this for clients,” he says. “Too often, projects run into costly complications that could have been avoided with better collaboration from the outset. Our role is to bridge that gap between concept and reality.” The new approach has already yielded positive results, with Meco Engineering securing several large structural projects now starting. Stephen says these wins validate the new strategy and demonstrate market appetite for this more integrated service model. “We have taken on temporary works and more complicated aspects of recent structural projects and had some exciting outcomes,” explains Stephen. “The complexity doesn’t intimidate us - it energizes the team.” Established in 1953, Meco Engineering’s comprehensive services span the core business of structural steel fabrication, light fabrication and metalwork, repair and maintenance services and general engineering services. The company’s seven-decade heritage provides a solid foundation of technical expertise and market relationships upon which Stephen is building the next chapter. Stephen’s vision emphasises upstream engagement, allowing Meco to assist clients with their project outcomes from the ground up. “We aim to provide a one-stop engineering shop,” explains Stephen. “We can assist clients from concept stage through to fabrication and construction, for domestic, commercial and industrial projects. With our love of challenges and a solution-based approach we confidently tackle jobs of any size. This comprehensive capability set differentiates Meco from competitors who may specialise in only one aspect of the engineering process.” One of Stephen’s primary challenges has been implementing mindset change within the company’s team of over 20 staff. “It’s been a cultural reset to get everyone on the same page, aligned and heading in the same direction,” says Stephen. “We have a great friendly and capable team here. Strategic focus has been crucial for the path ahead.” The transformation requires not just new processes but a fundamental shift in how the team approaches client relationships and project development. Professional development and upskilling initiatives have been central to this cultural evolution, ensuring the team has the tools and confidence to engage with clients at the conceptual level. Stephen has invested in training programs and mentorship opportunities to elevate the technical and communication capabilities across the organisation. The company maintains rigorous health and safety standards, complying with New Zealand and Australian requirements. It holds memberships with Gold Sitewise and BeSafe Taranaki along with national SCNZ membership and compliance. Stephen says these credentials underscore Meco’s commitment to operational excellence and provide clients with confidence in the company’s professional standards. He says the company’s legacy, coupled with fresh leadership and strategic direction means that Meco Engineering is ready to tackle increasingly complex projects while maintaining its reputation for quality and innovation in the engineering sector. Based in New Plymouth, expansion, both outside the region and even across into Australia, features prominently in Stephen’s vision for the company. “Meco Engineering is well-positioned for its next phase of growth both domestically and further afield. At Meco we are excited to see what the future holds and building a team and culture of excellence.” 0800 755 0311 | admin@taranakipowdercoating.co.nz | taranakipowdercoating.co.nz TARANAKI LTD. We deliver expert powder coating for a flawless, durable finish on virtually anything.
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