26 | REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Britkin Industrial Construction T T Karen Phelps Coolstore delivered despite setbacks The Hastings coolstore development project for GEK Property Nomineesis indicative of Britkin Industrial Construction’s commitment to excellence and innovation in the face of challenging circumstances, says Britkin’s managing director Richard Kinnear. The construction phase coincided with an unusually wet summer, characterised by incessant rain and culminating in Cyclone Gabrielle resulting in around 29 workdays lost. Despite these adversities Britkin managed to experience only a minor delay in the project’s handover timeline, says Richard. He puts this down to an exceptionally dedicated team, willing to work weekends and after hours to deliver the project to the client’s deadline and requirements. The inception of the project was marked by GEK Property Nominees’ approach to Britkin to take part in the tender with the eventual building to be leased by Sunfruit Ltd. “From a tendering perspective, the project showcased Britkin’s ability to optimise costs and innovate beyond initial budgets. We transformed an envisioned plan into a reality that both exceeded expectations and saved money. This dynamic interplay between vision and execution underscores Britkin’s distinctive place in the construction industry,” says Richard. The coolstore spans an impressive 7700 square metres and comprises four large coolstores and twelve controlled atmosphere (CA) stores. The construction involved a blend of materials, including stainless steel, concrete panel, XLam insulated engineered panels and long-run COLORSTEEL cladding. The integration of specialised machinery and equipment further added to the complexity of the undertaking. A canopy measuring around 2000 square metres and an expansive 5500 square metres of yard space also formed part of the project. Approximately 15,000 square metres of concrete was involved in the overall project encompassing both the building and the yard. To adhere to strict harvest-related deadlines, Britkin operated under a turnkey solution approach. This meant that it received plans and was tasked with sourcing and supplying equipment, ultimately ensuring operational readiness. Key delivery dates included 1 March and 10 April this year with the canopy and other areas earmarked for completion by 1 June. Kinnear attributes the project’s successful execution to the strong relationships Britkin maintains with its suppliers, enabling them together to navigate any challenges. With the magnitude of this project, a team of approximately 100 professionals was at the heart of its execution. The challenges posed by the weather necessitated a shift in Britkin’s operational methodology, departing from its usual phased approach. Instead, a greater number of workers were deployed simultaneously, allowing them to recoup lost time. “The successful completion of this coolstore development project reflects the ability of Britkin Industrial Construction and its wider T T To page 28 team to deliver under duress while maintaining excellence and adhering to timelines. It is a testament to collaboration with both clients and suppliers. The project has gone incredibly well and everyone is very happy with the result.” Britkin Industrial Construction: A Legacy of Excellence in Industrial Development With a string of successful projects that have left a mark on Hawke’s Bay and beyond, family-run business Britkin Industrial Construction has become synonymous with quality, efficiency and innovation. Led by siblings Barbara Brittin and Richard Kinnear, Britkin has earned its place as a market leader in large-scale industrial development. The roots of Britkin Industrial Construction trace back to the pioneering spirit of their father Gordon. With a background in construction and project management, Gordon laid the foundation for the company over a decade ago. It was his vision and expertise that guided the inception of Britkin, shaping it into the force it is today. Richard, who joined the business in 2015, brought with him a wealth of experience from his previous venture, a family timber business called Firmwood. His background in assisting the horticulture industry is invaluable to Britkin’s clients. Barbara brings important accountancy and financial skills to the business. A significant turning point for the family was its expansion into ownership of coolstores. This strategic move was under- “The successful completion of this coolstore development project reflects the ability of Britkin Industrial Construction and its wider team to deliver under duress while maintaining excellence and adhering to timelines. “ Richard Kinnear of Britkin Construction Ltd on the left and Mike Patton of Patton Engineering Ltd. Commercial, Residential & Civil ph. Andrew 021 076 1202 e. andrew@build100.co.nz ph. Harvey 021 401 175 e. harvey@build100.co.nz Proudly supporting Britkin Construction since 2013
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