54 | Demand behind plans for new factory One of the ‘out of the box’ projects successfully completed was the supply of climbers for the Orangutan population at Auckland Zoo. George Grant Engineering T T Sue Russell ENGINEERING Janani Grant, Contracts Director at Papakura-based George Grant Engineering Ltd, has a history that tracks back 20 years of the 33 years the company has been operating. Starting as an apprentice in 2004, he recalls a major milestone in the company’s journey when it moved premises in 2009, to a custom built workshop and in the process doubled the staff from 30 to 60+. “When the GFC happened we took the opportunity to streamline our processes and today we’re operating at around 65 staff, with five of us in the office, about 30 on site and a further 30 in the workshop,” says Janani. GGE occupies a 4000m2 factory and plans are well underway for the next move to a 10,000m2 facility. The core services GGE offers clients is in the fabricating of structural steel members for commercial, industrial, civil and infrastructure projects. Janani says the move to an even larger space they currently occupy will provide an opportunity to iron-out a few production bottle-necks that occur from time to time, given the existing space limitations. “We’re very focussed on improving service efficiency and the proposed factory is well positioned to service both the Auckland and Waikato markets.” Efficiency of machinery used in the workshop is a constant priority, with the recent upgrade of the robotic coping machine. Janani says the core strengths of the business are an ability to service multiple sectors of the market, including some rather ‘out of the box’ projects, such as supplying climbers for the Orangutan population at Auckland Zoo. “We built a prototype from the design we were supplied and then after some refinement, we proceeded to fabricate and install 13 of these climbers. My kids get a kick out of knowing Dad’s company made the climbers each time we visit the zoo. “We also delivered the O-lines which large steel pylons joined by heavy ropes to form an aerial course for the Orangutans and Siamangs. This is another project where our innovative thinking introduced a lot of value for our customer where, by moving a joint in the column, we were able to reduce the amount of work needing to be carried out at height. This reduced the amount of time the cranes were required on site and made erection much safer and easier” Janani explains. And with a change in ownership a focus for Janani and two other directors is to put in place a framework, a new set of values, for the business. “We’re about encouraging pride, innovation and growth for staff, the business and our customers alike and we have defined our purpose as “Building Success” GGE has been engaged in a significant project with Apollo Projects in Wiri; the construction of a 22,000m2 warehouse which will involve fabrication of 912 tonne of steel to be erected in 4 months. Thinking outside the square is a constant opportunity seized, as in the case of the Auckland Hospital project the company is currently engaged in. “We came up with a way we were able to create a jig for the guys casting in the plates; a spreader beam which spaced out the brackets for K braces to the right dimension. This significantly reduced the chance or error and misplacement of the brackets which would have resulted in costly downtime and remedial work. Instead we are able to install the Full K brace in one unit which has cut our site time down by more than 70%.” Such is demand from the various sectors they serve that GGE hasn’t had a full shutdown for 5 years now. “We know our reputation rests with the quality of our team working on the ground, backed up by the best support we can offer as management.” Janani says they are especially proud of the fact that, among the staff, the company has over 10 people who have been with the company more than 10 years with 4 staff having served more than 15 years on the tools. Underpinning the success of the business are three pillars; Quality Assurance, Environmental Management and stringent attention to Health & Safety. “Regardless of the size and budget of the project we’re involved in, our systems deliver the same high quality and attention to detail we’ve built our reputation on.” “We know our reputation rests with the quality of our team working on the ground, backed up by the best support we can offer as management.” PROUD TO BE ASSOCIATEDWITH GEORGE GRANT ENGINEERING Also the most comprehensive range of purlins and top hat sections manufactured in New Zealand. 24-26 Trugood Drive • P: 09 273 2820 • E: orders.akl@metalcra roo ng.co.nz Visit us online at www.metalcra roo ng.co.nz Suppliers of an extensive range of roo ng and cladding pro les, metal tiles, metal fencing and composite ooring. Phillip Lowe - 021 279 6748 | admin@challengercontracting.co.nz challengercontracting.co.nz STEEL, CONCRETE WORK, ASPHALT WORK AND WELDING WORKS FOR COMMERCIAL PROJECTS. Steel - Structural steel erection; welding services for modifying and strengthening installed arc gouging, steel drilling and gas cutting are also provided. Concrete work - Core drilling, grouting, concrete cutting
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