| 57 T T Hugh de Lacy Connections keep the work coming in The company has a solid inventory of equipment that includes diggers ranging in size from 1.4t to 14t, a Bobcat, a truck-and-trailer unit and various smaller vehicles and implements. Precision Earthworks CONTRACTING Building retaining walls has proved a more interesting occupation than carpentry for Roy Wykes and his Auckland company Precision Earthworks and Retaining. Based in the Auckland suburb of Swanson, Precision Earthworks and Retaining has established itself as the preferred contractor for both civil and residential works across the wider city, and has built up ongoing relationships that have sustained it since it began in 2019. “We found a style of work we’re good at, and really enjoy doing, and we’ve connected with some strong organisations that have kept the work flowing for us,” Roy says. “We’ve been flat out, but even more so, we’ve kept busy by recently employing a quantity surveyor.” Having begun his career in the building industry by completing a carpentry apprenticeship with the Marlborough Sounds company Baywood Homes in the late 2000s, Roy became more interested in large motorised machinery while driving sugar-cane harvesters out of Townsville in Northern Queensland. “I stayed there for seven years because it was a really good place with a top boss and good mates,” he says. “I came home in 2014 and went to work for AC Diggers until it shut down, and that got me started in the earthmoving industry.” From there, he cemented his knowledge and skills with Active Contracting Ltd (ACL) in Auckland before feeling he was ready for a new challenge, and formed Precision Earthworks and Retaining with two mates. In January 2021, he bought out his business partners through a partnership with his wife, Paigan, and since then the couple have further grown and developed the business, while also juggling the responsibilities of a young family. The company has a solid inventory of equipment that includes diggers ranging in size from 1.4t to 14t, a Bobcat, a truck-andtrailer unit and various smaller vehicles and implements, all operated by a staff of 10. Relationships are what Roy regards as the key to the business, with its mission statement being “hassle-free earthworks and retaining solutions”. He believes having a positive relationship with the individual right at the start goes hand-in-hand with on-site success. His networking skills have come in handy in growing the company, an example being when he was called to price a job at one site in Auckland where he met the construction manager of the site next door, Hardeep Singh of the Cheema Construction Group. With mutual contacts vouching for Roy and his team, Hardeep was quick to bring Precision Earthworks and Retaining on board as earthworks contractor for the new Burger King and Popeye’s fast-food outlets that were being set up in the Queen City, the latest one being in Papatoetoe. Since then, Cheema has been a major client. Precision Earthworks and Retaining is also involved in flood and cyclone repair and rectification projects, as well as an 11-lot residential sub-division in Mount Eden, which includes site preparation and retaining walls. Although Precision Earthworks and Retaining has remained busy over the past year, Roy has noticed a lot of potential clients busy pricing projects, despite some lingering caution. “People seem to be holding off till next year, because there seems to be some doubt in the market still despite falling interest rates, though there are certainly positive signs going forward.” For over 37 years City Pavements have provided quality service in laying Asphalt for driveways, carparks, tennis courts and footpaths across the Auckland region. We also carry out Asphalt repairs andmaintenance on existing Asphalt surfaces. We are very pleased to be working alongside Roy and his teamat Precision Earthworks. (09) 636 6385 | www.citypavements.co.nz | o ce@citypavements.co.nz • Bulk aggregate supply • All grades of ready mix concrete • Fencing and retaining wall timber • Posts and poles • 6 Wheeler, Artic and Truck & Trailer Hire • Concrete Placers • Concrete Pump Hire Proudly supporting Precision Earthworks 021 525893 shane@smtlogistics.co.nz
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