72 | Custom truck work company’s mainstay The backbone of projects are linked to the maintenance, modification, fabrication and installation of specialised additions to trucks. R&H Engineering T T Sue Russell ENGINEERING It’s a real family affair at Papakura Auckland-based R & H Engineering, and as business owner Julie Light says, that culture permeates the company, in its attitude to caring and supporting the entire team, something she believes marks the business with its own special character. “Our son Simon was already working at R & H Engineering when an opportunity to buy the business presented itself,” says Julie. “ It made sense, given engineering is in the family’s blood, and it meant we could seize new opportunities as these presented.” Julie looks after vital Health & Safety, staff relations, and works in the accounts administration space as well. Her husband, John, has been involved in engineering for many decades now, working 25 years at Temperzone before joining the company. Apart from a stint away on his OE, Simon has always worked at R & H. His brother Tim is in the business too – his role is in design and new business And in those years when many companies struggled and failed through the GFC, R & H Engineering demonstrated its grit and commitment to carry on, by being adaptable and pivoting into structural fabrication. This determination is something Julie is very proud of, as it amply demonstrates the professionalism of the business when times are tough. Today, the company engages a team of 13, including John, whose role is keeping the workshop machinery and equipment in top order. “I’ve made sure that those who work for us, work in a space they are happy and suited for,” Julie says. “We have one team member who enjoys repetitive work, and we also have an apprentice in his last year. Another valued employee is deepening his understanding of Māori culture and practices in a course in Rotorua, but he’s asked if he can come back and work here during his breaks, which is really lovely.” When Covid arrived, bringing with it a shortage of materials, the business concentrated on designing and fabricating their own towbars which, Julie says, became really good “bread and butter income” during those critical years. The company is settled in a building they own in a small industrial hub. “When we bought the building it felt like there was plenty of room, but now, with all the work on trucks that we do, it sometimes doesn’t feel like enough,” Julie says. The backbone of projects are linked to the maintenance, modification, fabrication and installation of specialised additions to trucks. One project demonstrated the extent to which R & H Engineering’s ‘out of the box’ thinking really came into its own. “We were asked to build a truck suitable for launching a drone from, with all the specialised gear and spaces this required. It came into the workshop as a truck cab with a bare chassis behind, and we built a complete drone-management unit,” says John. “The drone’s purpose was to take up water pumped from onboard water-tanks to clean tall buildings, “ he says. “It was a wonderfully engaging project, which really showcased what we are capable of creating.” The drone truck, called Sky Walker, has specially engineered spaces for slide-out batteries, the drone itself, which is launched on the platform, and even a large generator as the power source. Julie says these days, specialised truck projects have become the bulk of regular work coming into the workshop. Each one is designed specifically to meet the needs of the operator, from transporters, tippers, arborists trucks and vacuum trucks, to name a few. “I would say 70% of our work is with trucks, and the balance is structural and architectural engineering. When we bought the business in 2005 it was a machine shop; there was very little fabrication.” Julie says it’s been interesting to observe new people join over the years, arriving with an attitude that they know almost everything and discovering as they grow as engineers and fabricators, that there’s so much more to learn and experience. “They’ve grown into such great people, become responsible, married and had children, and its wonderful to see this personal growth and development.” It’s not all hard work either – each Thursday, the team get together to have a ‘games’ session. Whoever wins each week, runs the game the following week. “It’s a good way to have a bit of fun and enjoy each other’s company,” says Julie. For 16 years, one of New Zealand's most reliable fastening suppliers. Unit 4, 103 Cryers Rd, East Tamaki, Auckland 2013 09 272 2203 | sales@boltlink.co.nz | boltlink.co.nz Auckland based with nationwide coverage, we continue to deliver the reliability, expertise and service that defined us from the start. Celebrating a fantastic relationship with R & H since March 2012.
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