| 75 Anderson Earthworks Two skillsets benefit contractor and clients Anderson Earthworks concentrates the bulk of its time working in the rural sector. T T Sue Russell “The bulk of work is quite weather-dependent. The type of soils across the region make it quite challenging to get around when wet through the winter months.” CONTRACTING Based in the Whanganui region, Michael Anderson’s business, Anderson Earthworks concentrates the bulk of its time working in the rural sector. Michael says he pretty much works on his own, though he has support from an experienced operator he contracts, when demand for the array of services the business offers increases. “I have many very good farmer clients, and fortunately don’t have to travel too far to their farm gates,” Michael says. Before moving into the region in 2016, Michael and family were based in Wellington, where he worked mainly on residential house sites. When the decision was made to move north, he went with a small digger and truck and initially got involved in forestry, working for a contractor and eventually bought a larger digger. When Michael first left school he was fencing for a neighbour and in those days, the processes were mainly carried out by hand. He also spent three years mustering on a large cattle station. Today, Michael offers two skill-sets for his clients – earthmoving and fencing – a combination not always easily found in one rural contractor. He says this gives him two strong strings to his bow. “My clients know that when they engage me, I will take care of all the earthworks around establishing fence-lines and any other earthmoving work they require, and then I will construct the fence itself. They appreciate they are dealing with just one person to get the job done.” Michael says there is a strong rhythm and flow to the work he undertakes throughout a year. “The bulk of work is quite weather-dependent. The type of soils across the region make it quite challenging to get around when wet through the winter months.” The company’s fleet includes a 14-tonne digger and just about the same-size bulldozer. The latter takes care of the fencing work and has a rammer attachment, while the digger carries a plate compactor. “These days, you’re really expected to have the gear.” In July, when asked what he had been working on, Michael said it was a set of sheep and cattle yards, which was work he enjoyed. Michael also intends to grow the company to the point where he can engage a full-time worker; however, he acknowledges these days it is particularly challenging to find an experienced operator that can do fencing as well. “Having these two sides to the business has been great. For me, the earth-moving side has died down a bit these past six months, but the fencing is still full-on.” And the work isn’t always the same either. A couple of years ago Michael says he and another contractor built a kiwifruit orchard from scratch, an experience he really enjoyed. “Being self-employed I tend to have bits and pieces of work come my way through the year, and I have control over when I can do these projects, depending on the weather. My clients are really good; they understand there are some days when you just can’t be out there on a digger.” He looks after the bulldozer’s maintenance himself, but the digger is still under warranty. Projects are priced out on an hourly charge for the most part. Michael says in his situation this is the best way for both his business and his client. “I have been at this work long enough to have a pretty good idea as to how long a job will take and my clients appreciate this.” ANDERSON EARTHWORKS LTD Michael 0277483272 andersonearthworks@outlook.co.nz Rural Fencing • Stock Yards Earthworks • Digger & Bulldozer hire
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