| 119 “It shows we can do anything from a letterbox up to a multi-storey building.” T T Karen Phelps Versatility underpins strong upward trajectory The 1315sqm, two-storey building is a full design-and-build, developed in close collaboration with the client. BUILDING Gibson Construction With the rural sector entering a long-awaited upswing, Gibson Construction is preparing for one of its busiest periods in recent years. After several challenging seasons for farmers, a higher payout and renewed confidence have triggered a surge in demand for sheds, infrastructure and on-farm building projects. The Te Awamutu-based company, which has long been a recognised leader in rural construction, is now gearing up to meet the increasing workload. “Farmers are starting to spend again, which is good as they’ve had a few lean years,” explains Blair Atkinson, who leads the company alongside business partner Brent Bird and operations manager Hayden Pryor. “With the payout up and the sale of Fonterra companies putting money in farmers’ pockets this is creating a lot of work for us.” Two new cow sheds in Central Hawke’s Bay are about to begin, with more scheduled in Te Kuiti and Putāruru, alongside a number of shed extensions planned for when herds are dried off. The company is also continuing to build feed pads, effluent systems, silage bunkers and implement sheds, drawing on more than two decades of rural expertise. That diversity of work has underpinned the company’s resilience during slower economic years. Blair says its broad range of services spanning rural, commercial and residential construction has allowed it to remain steady even when some sectors have softened. As evidence of this, at present one of Gibson Construction’s major commercial projects is a new purpose-built facility for Devoy Panelworks in Te Awamutu. The 1315sqm, two-storey building is a full design-and-build, developed in close collaboration with the client. Six months of design work preceded the build, which will take another six months to construct and will house a panel workshop, paint shop, office block and an undercover outdoor area. Blair says the project is a strong example of the company’s capability and the breadth of work it can deliver. “It shows we can do anything from a letterbox up to a multi-storey building,” he says. Gibson Construction is also active in the residential market with a new home under construction in Pirongia and its own housing development about to begin in Kihikihi, five minutes south of Te Awamutu. One site is being subdivided into four, and the company will build four 130sqm standalone, single-level homes aimed at firsthome buyers. Each will sit on a section of approximately 450sqm and offer three bedrooms, an ensuite, a separate bathroom and a 1.5-car garage. Construction is expected to begin early next year, and Gibson Construction welcomes enquiries from potential purchasers. Founded by Pat Gibson in 1998, the company has expanded significantly since its early days. Blair and Brent began their careers as apprentices with the business, becoming equity partners in 2006 and 2008 respectively before taking over the company fully in 2013. nother shareholder, Hayden Pryor, now oversees operations. Over the years the company has grown rapidly completing projects across New Zealand. This growth was recognised nationally when Gibson Construction won the Central North Island Deloitte Fast 50 award for Fastest Growing Services Business in 2015, placing 30th overall in New Zealand. Today the company employs up to 20 staff and trusted contractors depending on workload. Professionalism, strong project management and a commitment to quality remain central to how the company operates. It handles everything from design concepts through to final construction, offering seamless processes and transparent communication to ensure stress-free experiences for clients. Blair says the goal is to maintain the company’s strong upward trajectory, strengthening its team and cementing its position as the go-to builder for residential, commercial and rural projects across the region. Mon-Fri 7.00am - 5.30pm Sat 8.00am - 5.00pm P. 07 871 3288 W. www.waipahire.co.nz Proudly supporting Gibson Construction Insignia Design & Architecture: We believe that great design enhances lives TE AWAMUTU
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