| 47 MANUFACTURING Darryl Smith Stainless Fabrications P 09-6341071 or 0800 BUMPER M 0272-102829 E sales@bumper.co.nz W bumper.co.nz Proudly celebrating 79 years in business 1947 - 2026 Bumper Replacements (NZ) Ltd are proud to support Darryl Smith Stainless Fabrications. Marine Food & Packaging Architecture Extensive experience in Custom Sheetmetal Fabrication Steel Fabrication Stainless & Aluminium 09 266 8774 estimator@dssf.co.nz 28 Westbrook Ave, Takanini, Auckland, 2105 dssf.co.nz Precision in Every Curve, Quality in Every Metal From architectural landmarks to custom marine fittings, 30+ years of expertise makes us the industry leader in precision tube bending and rolling. If you can design it, we can shape it. Get In Touch 09 589 1840 | stainlessbending@xtra.co.nz T T Karen Phelps Delivering bespoke engineering solutions Today Darryl Smith Stainless Fabrications focuses on bespoke light metalwork with an emphasis on architectural fabrication alongside food and packaging industry work. Darryl Smith Stainless Fabrications is celebrating its 45th anniversary this year, with the long-established Auckland-based engineering business also marking a new chapter as the next generation formally takes the helm. What began in 1981 in a humble cowshed has grown into a specialist stainless and metal fabrication company delivering architectural, industrial and marine work across New Zealand. Founded by Darryl Smith, the business was built from the ground up, with its first workshop later constructed on the same site where it still operates today in Takanini. Following Darryl’s sudden passing last year, son Ben assumed the directorship and ownership of the company, ensuring continuity and guiding its evolution into a new phase. “It is a legacy and I’ll carry the company on as usual,” says Ben. “It’s quite a milestone to reach the 45th anniversary. We’ve always taken pride in what we do, delivering quality and meeting delivery dates.” Darryl initially trained with Burns Ferral Ltd and built his early career in food equipment manufacturing for hotels and restaurants before establishing his own owner-operated business. In its early years, the company specialised in marine fabrication, producing components for launches and yachts including bow rails, tanks, exhaust systems and fittings. As the business expanded, its work diversified into dairy, food processing, architectural metalwork and general fabrication, establishing a reputation for quality and reliability across multiple sectors. Over time it became known for its versatility and ability to deliver bespoke solutions. Ben joined the company around 25 years ago, completing his apprenticeship there after leaving school. He spent approximately a decade on the factory floor before moving into drafting and design, where he introduced in-house design capability to the business for the first time. He also took on contract management responsibilities, gradually stepping into broader operational leadership. Today Darryl Smith Stainless Fabrications focuses on bespoke light metalwork with an emphasis on architectural fabrication alongside food and packaging industry work. This includes balustrades, staircases, screens, gates, wall cladding, tanks, benches, pipework and marine-grade components, with finishing options such as powder coating, galvanising and electro polishing. Recent projects include stainless steel lintels and mild steel powder-coated balustrades for Saint Kentigern through Aspec Construction, along with balustrading currently underway at the University of Auckland. Last year it also delivered stainless steel handrails and a chiller enclosure featuring architectural mesh at the university. Other notable work over the years includes a louvred stairwell balustrade feature for May Road School in Mount Roskill with Stryde Projects, and custom architectural gates and entrance features at Longroom in Ponsonby, where alloy water-cut panels were finished in powder coat to meet a bespoke design brief. At Page Point in Howick, the company fabricated railings, elliptical handrails and rigging wire infill panels in 316 stainless steel with an electro-polished finish, chosen for durability in coastal conditions. The workshops are divided into three main areas: stainless steel/aluminium fabrication, CNC waterjet cutting and a mild steel fabrication workshop. Its machinery includes a 250-tonne CNC press brake, industrial guillotine, punch and shear equipment, large stainless steel bead blasting booth and a 2kW handheld laser welder enabling low-heat, high-precision welding across a range of materials. The transition also reflects a broader family involvement in the business. Ben’s sister Krystle runs Auckland Waterjet Cutting, which is co-located on the same site and owned jointly by the siblings. The operation provides CNC cutting services for Darryl Smith Stainless Fabrications as well as external clients, strengthening the group’s overall manufacturing capability. “We’re a family business and our customers deal with us direct,” says Ben. “We’ve been here for 45 years and we’re here to stay.”
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