| 89 JOINERY Mastercraft Kitchens By Healey Yo u r c h o i c e Proud to Support Mastercraft Kitchens by Healey LAUNDRIES BATHROOMS KITCHENS RECEPTIONS HOSPITALITY 14 Bisley Street, Palmerston North. t 06 355 5971 www.counterconcepts.co.nz T T Sue Russell Culture and craftsmanship the key to satisfaction Most of the showroom has been updated in the past year to make sure current colours and products are on show for clients. With a rich history designing, building and installing bespoke kitchens and household joinery projects, family-owned Mastercraft Kitchens by Healey was established in 2003 by Peter and Sue Healey. Bringing a combined 50-plus years of experience in the Manawatū in 2009 the couple decided that it was the right time to partner with nationally recognised Mastercraft Kitchens. Today, the Palmerston North business is led by General Manager Kristine Holmes who says that by concentrating on what they know and do best, the business has grown to a team of 35 skilled employees based in its showrooms and factory in Keith Street. “We offer a 10-year craftsmanship guarantee and stand by every kitchen we design and build,” says Kristine. The quality of Mastercraft Kitchens by Healey’s work, and the quality of its workplace culture was recognised two years ago when Kristine accepted the Myles Sellers Memorial Award in recognition of an outstanding culture. “The last couple of years have been tough but we’ve always been a family business and strive to live those values every day. “We put great emphasis on supporting work-life balance, job security, teamwork, high standards and having fun. “All these things contribute to what makes us so special. Fifteen of our employees have been with us for over 10 years and seven of those are closer to twenty years.” Today, Kristine says 85% of their work is generated for group home builders’ new builds. She says that over the years builders, knowing the quality of their work, have approached Mastercraft Kitchens by Healey to undertake their kitchen, scullery and cabinetry work, growing the business’s reputation and market share along the way. Along with Mastercraft Kitchens by Healey, the family also own and operate Mastercraft Kitchens Kapiti, though the manufacturing takes place at the Palmerston North site. “We have also picked up retirement village work, so there’s plenty of variety and challenge which we really enjoy.” In the factory a team of 15 joiners, including an apprentice operate advanced CNC machinery and Kristine says the lead-in time now for projects is about six months, such is the demand for their work. “Our team will come out and look at the existing kitchen and offer really sound, practical ideas to inspire the new design. Customers find this process really helpful and engaging.” “We’ve had three apprentices graduate in the past few years. “The qualification framework has shifted given the nature of machinery now used and the trade is known as cabinet-making. It’s a very good qualification to have.” Asked to recall some special projects Kristine says they’ve completed a couple of really lovely country kitchens. “There’s also the Awa Park Development in Feilding and surrounding areas. “There are five showhomes and we’ve designed and built the kitchens for four of these. There’s certainly positivity out and about in our region.” Another service offered to customers is a kitchen revamp. These can be challenging projects and Kristine says the team love nothing more than to transform what is arguably the most important room in a house. “Our team will come out and look at the existing kitchen and offer really sound, practical ideas to inspire the new design. Customers find this process really helpful and engaging.” Most of the showroom has been updated in the past year to make sure current colours and products are on show for clients. “We also have a new consult room set up for clients to use our virtual reality software to view their kitchen design before final sign off.” Kristine says when renovation jobs are engaged, the intent is to pair a particular project to a specific designer. “Our team of seven designers also like the challenge of a lower budget project always aiming to give ‘bang for their buck’ in the process. They really use their abilities and nous.” While specialising in custom kitchen creations, the team’s expertise extends throughout the home, designing and building bathroom vanities, laundry cabinets, wardrobe systems, office and study areas and bespoke garage storage units.
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