90 | Mitchell Construction: Hillcrest Normal School T T Karen Phelps School upgrade showcases expertise The Hillcrest Normal School upgrade involved converting some areas of the school into teaching space and upgrading toilets. BUILDING For many years Mitchell Construction has been a trusted partner for the Ministry of Education, undertaking projects in early childhood centres, schools, and other educational institutions across the Waikato and Bay of Plenty regions. Its expertise spans a variety of projects, including classroom upgrades, administration buildings, gymnasiums, and auditoriums. Company owner Colin Mitchell says that Mitchell Construction ensures minimal disruption to school activities while delivering high-quality construction making it a desirable contractor for these types of projects, which span from small to large. A recent project that demonstrates the company’s capabilities in this area was at Hillcrest Normal School, a three month project converting some areas of the school into teaching space and upgrading toilets. Colin says this project was smaller scale but a larger six month project is at Mangakino School, which has involved an extensive remodelling of the existing school with the interior stripped back to the framing and roof and a complete refit undertaken. This has included new wiring, plumbing, insulation and a new deck and canopy among other things to modernise the school. Established in 1987 by Colin, Mitchell Construction has gone from strength to strength specialising in education, light commercial construction, earthquake strengthening and housing modifications for disabled individuals. It is a strongly family owned and operated business. Colin’s wife Denise plays a pivotal role in the administrative side of the company. Daughter in law Natalie, works on administration, compliance and health and aspects of the company, while Colin and Denise’s daughter Nicole, handles site health and safety audits, ensuring the wellbeing of both employees and clients. Meanwhile Colin and Denise’s sons Bradley and Jared, who both served their apprenticeships with the company, work as project managers, focusing on quantities and administration. Grandchildren and children of Colin and Denise’s extended work family also often gain work experience within the company. The family atmosphere not only includes blood relatives but also the team of around 50, which include many long term staff. For example Paul Findsen has been with the company since inception and runs the overall office assisted by office manager Nicola Will. Builder Harry Van Den Berg has also been involved since the start of the business plus a number of staff have been with the company for 25 plus years. This multi-generational business creates a sense of trust and familiarity with people, says Colin, especially important when dealing with clients in the company’s major sector of government and local council projects. “People like to know they are talking to the boss,” says Colin. “It’s a more direct connection, which makes for an easier communication experience.” Mitchell Construction operates in the greater Waikato area and beyond, depending on the project’s scope. The company has also carved a niche in commercial fit-outs, working across sectors like retail, hospitality and offices. It offers comprehensive project management services ensuring a seamless and timely delivery for clients. The company’s commitment to seismic safety is evident in its expertise in earthquake strengthening. In the wake of the Christchurch and Kaikoura earthquakes, Mitchell Construction has been actively involved in making buildings safer through repairs, facades and steel reinforcing. Mitchell Construction’s commitment to community welfare is further exemplified through its housing modification projects working closely with the Ministry of Health and Enable NZ. These modifications, ranging from handrails and ramps to extensive renovations for showers and kitchens, aim to facilitate independent living for individuals with disabilities. Mitchell Construction is adaptable, undertaking everything from small modifications to renovating entire properties. The company also does a lot of on-going work for Interlink Modular buildings, which are made in a factory in Auckland then transported to site. Mitchell Construction completes the site works, lifting of buildings onto site and finishing works for projects all over the central North Island and Auckland, even including Great Barrier Island. Fire Alarm Testing / Service Proud to be associated with Mitchell Construction Passive Fire Protection Office Tauranga 3/16 Curly McCleod Way, Mount Managanui
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