| 13 T T Sue Russell Servicing the trades and providing trade training Far North ITM is now embarking on developing a training programme through the frame & truss plant. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Far North ITM “Our aim is to offer a wide cohort of customers the products and advice they need to get the job done.” Danielle Moa, managing director of Far North ITM says it’s the years of hard work and careful strategic thinking that have brought the business, operating in Mangonui and Kaitaia, to the positive space it is in today. “We bought the business in February 2012. It was a business about to close. We came in on the back end of it and picked it up,” Danielle says. That original entity was Mangonui ITM, which changed its name to Far North ITM. Five years later, the Kaitaia store was established, providing product and service delivery straddling both coasts. Then five years ago, another business was set up, manufacturing frames and trusses to support the construction of more homes – desperately needed in the district. “Out two ITM stores are 35 minutes apart, giving much greater access to our product and service offering. Both stores predominantly service the trades, with a strong DIY market in the Mangonui area,” says Danielle. The district has a large number of old baches, hence the priority, among many, to service owners doing up their beachside homes. “We also ensure our rural customers are well-served with their needs. Our aim is to offer a wide cohort of customers the products and advice they need to get the job done.” As a key employer in the region, Danielle says Far North ITM plays its part in providing people of all levels and experiences with opportunities to gain meaningful employment, and to grow valuable skills toward a career path. “We take entry-level staff through a three- or four-month induction process, so they have a good picture of how this business operates. Learning how to interact with customers in meaningful ways has an important part to play as well. We also rely on our valued suppliers regarding specific technical information for our team to pass on to customers.” Far North ITM is now embarking on developing a training programme through the frame & truss plant, which will incorporate the builders and possibly iwi. Danielle says the whole impetus behind this initiative was to grow their own tradies in the Far North. “If we can start their journey in the building realm by first completing their training in the frame & truss plant, they can come out 18 months later as a qualified truss fabricator level 3. Through this, trainees have learnt to build the bones of a house and have the opportunity for site visits as they put the finished product in place on-site. This gives them a good understanding of how the finished product is put together. “Once this training is completed, they could pick up an apprenticeship with a builder. Work still needs to be done in this area with BCITO on the cross credits to reduce the time in apprenticeship.” Far North ITM also focuses on New Zealand-made products as much as possible, and where possible, sources some of its timber from Northpine, another Northland business. “Everything we do is about the roll-on effect to the local economy and community living in a region we hold a great deal of pride in and want to see it flourish.” Danielle says having hands-on owners operating the company is key. “You have customers dealing with the person who can make the decision, boots on the ground. It’s not going through a big corporate ladder to the person who can say yes or no. We think there’s credibility in that, and accountability.” With a clear determination to not only see Far North ITM continue to thrive and evolve, but also see the community it serves go from strength to strength, Danielle believes the business is well poised to take up future opportunities to grow and add value. “We’re certainly committed to doing everything we can to ensure this business continues to serve its customers and other businesses it supports really well. “We take pride in that.” 0800427 663 steelandtube.co.nz WE’VEGOT ITCOVERED Steel & Tube offers a comprehensive range of roofing products, services and solutions for residential and commercial builds. Fromnuts and bolts through to roofing, reinforcing and floor decking, we’ve got it covered. Talk to one of our specialists today to find out howwe can help with your project. A one-stop-shop for all your roofing and steel requirements.
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