26 | DEVELOPMENT NZ Strong Group: Wattyl Development T T Karen Phelps Adding value for win-win outcomes Early contractor involvement enabled NZ Strong to add key value from the outset. Auckland-based construction company NZ Strong is making significant progress on a new warehouse and distribution centre for Wattyl in Hamilton. The project, commissioned by Stride Property with Wattyl as the tenant, began in October 2024 and is currently at the halfway point, with completion scheduled for November. Joe Cutter, project manager at NZ Strong, says early contractor involvement enabled NZ Strong to add key value from the outset: “We assisted with the slab designs, changing these to a post tension slab system, which also removed a one-metre gravel raft, which was a cheaper, quicker alternative. Also offering advice on methodology to make the project practical and easier when it came to buildability,” says Joe. One of the major challenges faced was the ground conditions at the Wickham Street site. The entire area consists of peat material, necessitating the installation of 2604 timber piles throughout the building footprint before construction could commence. These nine-metre piles were driven into the ground to improve stability. Joe says the construction team employed innovative techniques to improve efficiency on the project, including erecting the steel frame before the precast panels, eliminating the need for temporary propping, and allowing for more efficient panel production. Currently, the steel frame is erected, precast panels are installed and work is progressing on the building envelope, including roofing and cladding. For NZ Strong, this project represents an opportunity to also establish new relationships in the Hamilton area, with hopes of securing additional work in the region. “We have formed good strong working relationships with Stride and project managers RCP. The project is going well – on time and on budget,” says Joe. The Hamilton project is part of NZ Strong’s wider growth strategy while maintaining its core vision: to be the most trusted and respected construction company in New Zealand. “Our aim is to build long-term business relationships with our clients and all other parties we deal with. We do this by adding value to projects and ensuring win-win outcomes for everyone involved,” explains Joe. A key aspect of the company’s success has been its strong leadership team, with Chris Hunter, John Overton and Lyndon Evans taking the reins around a decade ago. Together, they offer a combined total of over 130 years’ experience in the building sector. The company boasts a team of approximately 70 staff, with considerable in-house technical expertise, including registered architects, design and services managers, project managers, quantity surveyors, site managers, engineers, CAD/BIM technicians, programmers, and specialist construction support personnel. Health and safety has always been a priority for NZ Strong. It was one of the first construction companies in New Zealand to gain certification against the worldwide health and safety standard ISO 45001, and in 2018 it achieved triple ISO certification. Sustainability is another cornerstone of the business’s 20-year success story. The company implements sustainable practices in its day-to-day operations, and encourages clients and suppliers to do the same. www.gwe.co.nz 1150 Victoria Street, Hamilton 3240 0800 933 727 | 07 838 3119 Geotechnical - Environmental - Land Development Water/Wastewater/Stormwater Providing Expertise in Geotechnical and Environmental Engineering • Site Investigations, Slope Stability, Liquefaction and Lateral Spread Assessments • Foundation, Stormwater, Wastewater, Pavement, Retaining Wall Designs • Subdivision, Land Development, Earthworks Fill Control GWE are proud to be providing Geotechnical Consulting Services to this project.
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