Business North May 2021

| 53 CONTRACTING Connell Contractors Connell - embracing the challenges T Richard Loader Connell Contractors has just completed extensive pylon foundation work at the Turitea Wind Farm in the Tararua Ranges. “The sectors where we choose to work are highly compliant and regulated because they are in very dangerous environments.” M ulti-award winning civil construction specialists Connell Contractors thrives on bespoke projects that embrace challenge, complexity and frequently involve a high level of danger. Founded by Dave and Margo Connell in 1985, the company’s organic evolution has taken it from operating solely in the world of three waters to adding the power sector to its impressive portfolio. Lester Foxall joined the team as Chief Executive Officer in 2015 bringing with him extensive experience and key networks in the energy sector. Formerly general manager of Tasman Design & Civil, Lester says his experience in the energy sector aligned perfectly with the experience and expertise Connell had built up over the years. “We gained a lot of traction working in the energy arena in a short space of time. “Our core disciplines are now the three waters and the power sector that extends into sub disciplines including structures and renewable energy.’’ Operating throughout the North Island, Connell Contractors has its headquarters in Hamilton with satellite yards in Auckland and New Plymouth. The company’s core clients are City, District and Regional Councils; service providers such as Electrix, North Power, Unison, ABB, Ventia along with transmission and distribution com- panies like Transpower and Vector. “Our projects are all hard, bespoke, com- plex work,” says Lester. “We undertake a diverse range of pro- jects including deep bespoke drainage often involving sheet piling and dewatering. We build pre-cast structures for the power sector and foundation pads for pylons, work in hydro dams and wind farms. “We’ve just completed extensive pylon foundation work at the Turitea Wind Farm in the Tararua Ranges, New Zealand’s biggest wind Farm.” In one of Connell’s current projects for the Hamilton City Council the team is working six metres deep in challenging ground conditions removing up to one million litres of ground- water per day. “The sectors where we choose to work are highly compliant and regulated because they are in very dangerous environments. “Our staff are required to be certified to work in ‘live switchyard’ environments and the drainage crews need to be ‘confined spaces’ trained.” Connell Contractors focus has not just been on establishing itself in the power sector; the directors have also made it a priority to empower its people. “It’s the people and the retention of good, highly skilled people, that has been at the core of our success and that’s largely driven by our investment in those people. Training them, paying them well and giving them a variety of work to keep them engaged with the business.” All sixty-five staff on the team are mul- ti-skilled with specific skills ranging from drain- layers, digger operators, concrete placers, steel fixers and licensed builders. “There’s a real synergy between the two disciplines and our multiskilled staff can easily transition between both.” Lester adds that the company’s core values are based on old-fashioned values including honesty, integrity and commitment. “It’s who we are, but it also paves the way for other companies we want to work with. If those same values are as important to others as they are to us, then that paves the way for a great working relationship.” Looking to the future Lester says there’s a lot happening within renewable energy and the company sees real opportunity for greater involvement. “It’s a reflection of where the world is going so I believe we’re going to see a lot more demand for projects of this nature. “Our skills are certainly transferable and, as long as tenders for these projects aren’t awarded on lowest price, that area certainly fits with our strategic plan.” P: 09 275 9906 E: sales@concretec.co.nz www.concretec.co.nz Concretec are proud to support Connell Contractors Suppliers of panels, beams, stairs, balconies, columns and other precast components • Metal • Hiab Ph: 09 426 5901 - SILVERDALE