52 | Innovation underpins growth The group’s capabilities now span structural steel fabrication, mechanical maintenance projects, surface protection systems, seismic strengthening and architectural metalwork. ENGINEERING Patton Engineering T T Karen Phelps “Our mission is to challenge the status quo, invest in our people and technology and lead the way with innovative engineering solutions.” A series of acquisitions and the launch of a new business have seen Patton Engineering establish itself as a complete solution provider for all things steel, says engineering manager Sean Perry. “This is part of our aim to diversify as a business,” he says. “We only used to work in Hawke’s Bay, but saw that to grow as a business we needed to work in other regions.” The acquisitions of Tilly’s and Steel E.D. – now called Tilly & Patton and Steel E.D. & Patton – have been complemented by the launch of Patton Asbuilt, a seismic- strengthening specialist division that completes the group’s comprehensive service offering. Tilly & Patton provides a design and manufacturing service throughout New Zealand, specialising in sheet metal products and components. Steel E.D. & Patton offers a complete fabrication service from concept to completion. Sean says Patton now operates from Taupo to Wellington, and has even completed work for high-end homes in Queenstown. The expansion has seen the group grow to approximately 200 employees across its operations. The diversification reflects the company’s commitment to meeting evolving customer demands alongside maintaining its 70-year heritage in structural steel fabrication. With its origins as a machine shop, founded by George Patton in 1952, the business has continuously adapted to changing industry requirements. “Our mission is to challenge the status quo, invest in our people and technology and lead the way with innovative engineering solutions,” says Sean. The group’s capabilities now span structural steel fabrication, mechanical maintenance projects, surface protection systems, seismic strengthening and architectural metalwork. This breadth allows it to serve clients from concept through to completion, eliminating the need for multiple contractors, says Sean. Currently, Patton Engineering is delivering several high-profile projects across New Zealand. The company has completed shop drawings, steel fabrication, surface treatment and on-site installation for the wellness hub at Te Puna Hapori in Wanganui, with the project two-thirds complete and scheduled for completion this year. It is also undertaking cyclone rebuild work at Pan Pac Forest Products in Hawke’s Bay, where administration offices were destroyed during Cyclone Gabrielle. Additionally, it is conducting mechanical work at Heinz Wattie’s and Ravensdown, and completing the new Quest Hastings development. In Wellington, the company has nearly finished work on Te Whare Whakarauika, the Wellington Town Hall, a grade 1 listed heritage building approaching 120 years old. Other Wellington projects include a new block at Newlands College and the Sir Mark Dunajtschik Mental Health Centre. Sean says a commitment to technological advancement underpins its expansion. Equipment investments include the PeddiBlast shot-blasting system, the PeddiWriter automatic layout marking machine, and various CNC machines that deliver precision while reducing costs for clients. “t Patton Engineering we’re committed to continuous improvement and staying at the forefront of technology is key to our efficiency,” says Sean. “By embracing innovation we save time and reduce costs for our clients, all while delivering the highest-quality results.” The group operates from a state-of-the-art 12,000sqm facility in Whakatu with capacity to process 2500-3000 tonnes annually. Its workforce includes over 35 qualified fabricator welders, in-house welding supervisors and internal welding inspectors, ensuring quality control throughout production. Quality assurance remains paramount, with the company holding AS/NZS ISO 3834 certification for welding-quality systems and ISO 14001 environmental standards. It also has Steel Fabricator Certification and SSC Chartered Membership, demonstrating its commitment to industry best practices. Sean says maintaining strong community connections is important, including providing work experience opportunities for Hastings Boys’ High School students. “It’s about giving the next generation insight into heavy manufacturing and fabrication to help bridge the skills gap,” explains Sean. He says the group’s vision remains focused on excellence and community contribution. “Our future is to continue to deliver a quality product on time at a good price. Also to continue to grow for our staff and our community so we can contribute back positively.” Powered by Tekla Structures & FARO Technologies Precision. Speed. Confidence.
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