50 | Naki Structural Engineering T T Kelly Deeks Reputation drives company success “We’ve worked with so many businesses and people over the years that when we decided to go out on our own, there was already a huge amount of support and trust from clients.” REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT A passion for engineering and a combined 60 years’ experience in the industry has led Taranaki brothers Nick and Andrew Wells, along with their father Steve, to launch their own business, Naki Structural Engineering. Less than a year into operation, the family-run company is already carving out a reputation for quality workmanship, strong client relationships, and a deep commitment to their local community. When it comes to experience, reputation, and trusted relationships, few new businesses can boast the foundations of Naki Structural Engineering. The family-run company is already in demand, thanks to its team’s deep roots in the Taranaki engineering sector, and a long list of loyal clients built up over decades. Steve spent years managing a successful engineering company in Whitianga before returning to Taranaki, while Andrew spent 20 years at Taranaki Engineering, and Nick honed his skills at Taranaki Engineering and Pace Engineering. Together, they have worked on everything from small fabrication jobs to seismic strengthening, multi-storey apartment buildings, and large-scale plant maintenance. “Our family has been involved in engineering for as long as I can remember,” Nick says. “We’ve worked with so many businesses and people over the years that when we decided to go out on our own, there was already a huge amount of support and trust from clients. “That’s been the biggest driver for us – relationships we’ve built over 20-plus years. People know us, they know the standard we deliver, and that’s been key to getting this business off the ground.” The family’s reputation for quality and reliability is helping the fledgling company grow quickly. Today, the trio is all hands-on in the business, working alongside employees, Jared and Gerard, and a network of trusted contractors. “We’re small but mighty right now,” Nick says. “The three of us have worked together for years and there’s a real rhythm – we know how each other thinks, and we’re always on the same page on a job.” That deep experience and trusted relationships have brought Naki Structural Engineering a steady stream of work. The company is already looking after Holcim Concrete’s plant maintenance in New Plymouth and beyond, providing ongoing maintenance for Waste Management, and working closely with City Care Water on truck refits and maintenance. On the construction side, they are strengthening ties with companies like Chris Bell Construction, where their track record on structural steel for multi-storey and architectural buildings has helped them build relationships and secure repeat work. Community support is another hallmark of the Wells family. Naki Structural Engineering has already helped a local service station recover after a ram-raid, by installing bollards and a custom security door, and is pricing work for multiple schools around Taranaki. “The family’s vision is to scale up Naki Structural Engineering before taking over a much bigger workshop set up perfectly for our operation, but we need to be a bit bigger first,” Nick says. “We want to get to eight staff within the next eight months and eventually grow to about 15 staff. “That would allow us to step off the tools and focus on pricing and management while creating opportunities for the next generation of engineers.” They are also keen to bring more Māori into the trade. “Andrew and I whakapapa to Ngāti Maniapoto in King Country. We know there’s talent out there and we’re set up to train people in-house,” Nick says. 027 320 6932 kris@katerecoatings.co.nz NewPlymouth 93a Katere Road WE OFFER: Intumescent Coatings | Thermal Arc Spray Mobile Site Work | Abrasive Blasting Industrial Coatings
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=