66 | PlaceMakers Westgate • Fast, reliable turnaround that keeps your schedule on track • Accurate plans & measurements so you’re not fixing someone else’s mistakes • Dedicated On Road kitchen consultant covering Auckland to Mangawhai • Install options that save your time on-site 0273236049 | kenneth.calvo@placemakers.co.nz Kenneth Calvo On Road Kitchen Consultant Why Tradies Back PlaceMakers Kitchens WESTGATE 547-557 DON BUCK ROAD • (09) 815 6800 THE HIGH PERFORMANCE MULTIPURPOSE SOLUTION... every Tradie should have. • BRANZ Appraised • ± 50% movement capability • UV resistant • Paintable • Solvent-free MS SEALANT EXPERTS IN SEALANTS, FOAMS & ADHESIVES PM Soudal AD - 60x126.5mm.indd 1 19/03/2026 11:20:34 am Please contact our specialists on 0800 800 349 or visit the website unitedsteel.co.nz Delivering products you can trust. New plant doubles capacity PlaceMakers is expanding its core trade range across the Auckland region, identifying areas to bring in new products and ensure adequate volumes for trade customers. T T Karen Phelps PlaceMakers is taking significant steps to strengthen its trade services in Auckland, with the opening of a new frame and truss plant set to double its capacity and enhance efficiency for builders across the region. Andy Wintle, PlaceMakers Westgate Branch Manager, says the company now operates as One Auckland from Mangawhai to Pukekohe. “We used to be independently run and have our own separate setups. Now we’ve got one system, deliver from the closest branch and pricing is consistent across the region,” he explains. “The benefit for customers is they have one account across all branches, which makes things easier. Deliveries are now quicker and more efficient. Account managers can operate across all branches, reflecting the company’s customercentric approach. “PlaceMakers is very trade-based. We’re a trade-oriented business assisting largely builders and construction companies. We see our business as a real partnership between us and our customers to play our part in ensuring their projects are a real success,” he says. The new frame and truss plant, located on Cavendish Drive near PlaceMakers’ existing South Auckland facility, is scheduled to be operational by mid-2026. Andy says it will bring efficiencies and cost control, resulting in better pricing for customers. “We can produce frames a lot quicker, so waiting time is reduced. It gives us more flexibility to meet clients’ needs.” PlaceMakers Frame and Truss is the largest producer of frame and truss in New Zealand. It aims to deliver comprehensive solutions for builders. Frames are clearly marked and stacked in sequence, truss plans are colour-coded for easy placement, and all site plans are weatherproofed and supplied with the iconic builder’s pencil. Technical support is provided and the company can source specialist products when required. All deliveries are protected against moisture and placed on site by experienced drivers. Alongside the new plant, PlaceMakers is expanding its core trade range across the Auckland region, identifying areas to bring in new products and ensure adequate volumes for trade customers. “We’ve always worked hard to nurture close relationships with our builders and made sure to listen to their needs,” says Andy. “Coming out of the Covid period, we’re investing in ranges and our stores to back our commitment to SME builder customers with dedicated account managers and carrying the right volumes and ranges these customers want.” The company’s trade-focused digital tools support this strategy. A trade app and online portal allow customers to order products, book deliveries and view quotations. “In store we can also scan the customer, scan their product, push go and they are done. This means they don’t have to go to the counter to get their products processed,” says Andy. The Northern branches include Westgate, New Lynn, Wairau Park, Albany, Silverdale, Warkworth and Mangawhai and benefit from around 40 account managers, a dedicated on the road kitchen consultant and a large fleet of trucks from hiabs to tippers for deliveries. Andy says that the team’s knowledge and efficiency are central to the company’s service. “We have a real depth of experience in our team so we can often find special products when requested, secure the best price for our customer and then get it to them on time.” With housing growth booming in key areas including Silverdale, Mangawhai, Warkworth, Milldale, Westgate and Kumeu, Andy says PlaceMakers is well-positioned to meet the increasing demand to help builders succeed across Auckland. RETAIL
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