64 | Wilton Contracting T T Sue Russell Innovation keeps company thriving The vast majority of the company’s work is concentrated on the Waikato region. CONTRACTING Luke Orr, of Hamilton-based Wilton Contracting, says the opportunity in 2020 to merge with a plaster boarding and stopping company has been pivotal to securing the business’s success, given it is now able to offer the whole suite of interior decor services – painting, plastering and Gib-stopping. He describes business at the moment as “wavy”. “It’s certainly a tough market out there; however, we’re pretty nimble in our approach. As the residential market contracts, we’ve found work in the commercial space and we’ve just started offering metal batten install as an additional service we can provide to our clients,” Luke says. Part of the WCL Group, Luke says an exciting development is the addition of a soon to be commissioned machine that will offer customers a bespoke timber pre-coating service. “We’re looking forward to offering this service, which will provide customers with the ability to have their timber pre-coated in our factory before arriving on-site. Especially when you’re looking at subdivisions, for instance, and having their fencing panels pre-painted, then just assembled on site will save significant time.” As Luke explains, a person can by a load of timber from say Bunnings, and organise for it to be sent directly to the factory for coating, then sent on to the site. “We’re the only company in the Waikato who will be offering this service. The machine is currently being assembled in Auckland, and we expect it to be commissioned and fully operational June 2025.” One of the reasons why Wilton Contracting has navigated the economic waves so well is that it is always looking for opportunities in the future. “You simply have to keep looking at new, innovative ways to offer customers added value products and services,” says Luke. However, if requested by their clients they will travel further. And having retirement village developers as clients is certainly a valued string to the company’s bow. “Because we offer the full package, from the clients’ point of view, they’re just dealing with one business for the majority of their interiors work, so when you’re talking about the scale of retirement villages, that’s a cost and efficiency benefit.” Ryman Retirement Villages is a long-standing customer, and over recent weeks Luke and some of the team have been busy at the new Ryman Cambridge facility. The scale at which WCL Group operates means it can offers employment opportunities to entry-level staff. “Across the group we’ve just hired six apprentices,” says Luke. “We’re working in with Whatukur, part of Waikato Tainui, helping these young people get into the work force and get into a trade. We decided to invest in local people and try to help them. Under this scheme we’ll have six young people starting each year, gaining valuable qualifications.” Following a two-month trial period, a discussion is had with the young person, to establish if this is the path they want to follow. “If they’re happy, and want a future in the trade, then we’re prepared to sign them up,” Luke explains. Luke is a great believer in young people taking up a trade, because regardless of what else they may choose to do in employment, once they’ve got the skills and qualifications it’s something they can always return to. He remembers some wise advice his now retired uncle offered him regarding running a business. “He said that in a recession or down-turn there’s always opportunities. You get growth in down-turns when you approach the challenge with the right attitude and go looking for these opportunities.” Luke says being based in the Waikato is very positive for the company. “The whole region is going to take off. You just have to look at Te Awa Lakes and development at Ruakura, and in towns scattered around the Waikato, to see there’s plenty of opportunity ahead.” Director - Jamie Powell jamie.powell@pkfh.co.nz 1026 Victoria Street, Hamilton 3200 07 839 2106
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