| 59 “Much of our work is connected to the electrical industry... though we take on a variety of work – things like pedestrian rails and balustrades for clients in the roading infrastructure industry.” ENGINEERING Grainger Engineering Innovative firm set for further expansion Grainger Engineering offers a comprehensive range of metalwork services, from custom designing and fabrication to high-end finishes in powder-coating, painting or HDG. T T Hugh de Lacy Almost 30 years after coming out of his time as a metal fabricator, Dan Woodcock graduated to business ownership when he bought Hamilton’s Grainger Engineering from its founder two and a half years ago. Dan completed his light engineering fabrication apprenticeship in Hamilton, and then stayed in the city working in a succession of metal-industry roles such as leading hand and workshop manager. He is now putting his decades of experience into running Grainger Engineering, delivering fabrication work in mild and stainless steels, and in aluminium. Acquired in partnership with wife Fiona, Dan’s company offers a comprehensive range of metalwork services, from custom designing and fabrication to high-end finishes in powder-coating, painting or HDG. The company was founded by Bill Grainger in the 1980s, and Dan, who had produced work for him at various times, stepped up with an offer when he heard Bill was looking to retire, which he has since done. “I met Bill at a time I was with another employer, and when I heard he was wanting to get out of the business, Fiona and I saw the chance to become independent,” Dan says. Initially, he worked by himself after buying Grainger Engineering, but within a couple of months he was in a position to hire his first tradesman, and since then his staff has grown to six, including himself, two tradesmen and an apprentice. “Much of our work is connected to the electrical industry, with clients who assemble the likes of switchboards in the cabinets we make, though we take on a variety of work – things like pedestrian rails and balustrades for clients in the roading infrastructure industry,” he says. “With our skilled tradesmen we really take on anything stainless steel, mild steel or aluminium related.” A recent Grainger Engineering project was fabricating four big aluminium cabinets for a wastewater plant being installed for the Hamilton City Council, and such infrastructural projects are of increasing importance to the company strategy. “I started out with the goal of making a growth step-up with the business every month, and I succeeded in doing that until the last couple of months when things have gone into a bit of a lull. “It won’t last for long; there’s talk of businesses growing again in response to interest rate cuts and the like, and after a couple of years of steady growth, despite the economic downturn, I’m confident we’ll be back in expansion mode again soon.” In fact, Dan is currently on the lookout for another tradesman to join Grainger Engineering, and he expects to have a lot of choice: the last time he advertised for one he got a hundred applications, most of them from overseas, which presented some difficulties in verifying qualifications. Also on the cards, possibly as early as next year, will be a move to larger premises because the company has outgrown the 300sqm rented property it currently occupies. “That’ll be the next growth step-up,” Dan says. TRUST QUALITY INNOVATION 021 249 2626 www.graingerengineering.co.nz Hamilton's Aluminium and Steel Powder Coating + Sand Blasting Experts Any shape, size and application. We assist with all commercial and industrial powder coating and sand blasting (also known as abrasive blasting). From surface preparation and pre-treatment right through to the powder coating of your items, have everything done from start to finish under one roof. Enhance your aluminium and steel surfaces. Our tools, methods and workshop easily accommodate large size and quantity items. 07 847 8794 info@hipc.co.nz 12 Belfast place, Frankton, Hamilton
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