| 55 Riverlea Group Innovation drives firm forward The family-owned business, founded by Basil Dunn, has grown into a major outdoor products manufacturer and wholesaler. T T Bernadette Cooney MANUFACTURING Nearing their first complete year in a new facility within Northgate Industrial Park in Horotiu, manufacturing wholesaler Riverlea Group continues to epitomise New Zealand manufacturing success fused with innovation, tradition and values-driven leadership. The family-owned business, founded over 30 years ago by Basil Dunn, has grown into a major outdoor products manufacturer and wholesaler, supplying retailers like Placemakers, Mitre 10, ITM, and Bunnings. Today, Basil’s sons, Laurie and Kerry Dunn, lead a team of 75 staff in producing worldclass storage/garden sheds and roofing and cladding products, tailored for the New Zealand and Australian markets. Mid last year, Riverlea Group consolidated its Hamilton operations under one roof in an 8856sqm facility set on a 28,000sqm site. With a 13-metre stud and a 6.3-tonne gantry crane reducing the need for forklifts, the facility also includes 960sqm of modern office space. The move was a response to the company outgrowing its original 2015 building. “For the first time, the whole team is under one roof,” says director Laurie Dunn. “It’s made a massive difference to collaboration and efficiency, and the staff love it.” Since then, Riverlea Group has also distinguished itself with its people-first approach. This year the business introduced a company-wide profit-share scheme and open-book management, allowing all staff to see financials and share in the success they help create. “The whole point is, if you’re open with your team and share in the uplift in profit with all the staff, then it’s beneficial to the business and its people,” says Laurie. “It’s a powerful motivator.” This values-driven philosophy has drawn attention beyond the business itself. “We had around 100 business owners and Waikato District Council personnel visit recently for a conference, and they really picked up on how values-led we are.” Its new premises showcase the company’s own roofing and cladding solutions under its Armorsteel brand, combined with the company’s metal roll-forming capabilities. Armorsteel has become a major growth area for Riverlea Group, offering high-quality long- run roofing and cladding systems designed for New Zealand’s unique conditions. With a focus on innovation and cost-efficiency, Armorsteel provides a compelling value proposition to the construction sector, says Laurie. “We’re playing our part in helping to lower construction costs in New Zealand through innovative sourcing, whilst offering a high-quality product.” Alongside Armorsteel, another established brand is its Duratuf sheds and cabins range, known for its tough timber frame construction and customisable design. A change in building legislation that allows construction of a 30sqm structure without consent has opened new possibilities for landowners, including lifestyle block owners. “That rule change has been a game changer for us, enabling us to develop a whole new range of products that meet a need in that space,” says Laurie. In addition to these core brands is the Greens wheelbarrow range, an icon in New Zealand’s construction landscape. “The Greens brand turns 50 this year and Mitre 10 turned 50 last year, so they’ve evolved as brands alongside each other, and continue to perform well.” Manufacturers of New Zealand’s largest range of innovative soft edging material & tools, for use with profiled metal roof flashings and ridging. Physical Address: 630 Devon Rd. New Plymouth. Phone: (06) 759 1290 www.edgingsystems.co.nz 0800 224 759 | sales@bbi.net.nz | www.bbi.net.nz Plywood Timber Proud partner of Riverlea Group i The Solution Sellers to help businesses ncrease efficiencies, reduce costs and become more sustainable. Attwood’s...Thinking Outside the Box Since 1953 and supporting Riverlea Group for over 30 years
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