| 5 T T Sue Russell Multi-disciplinary approach valued The company now delivers projects throughout New Zealand and internationally. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Utrex “Compliance assessments and completing any necessary remedial requirements has become a large part of our work.” Utrex Ltd are industrial cleaning and engineering specialists with a history spanning 60 years. Originally established as Chemical Cleaning Ltd, the company’s first project involved chemically cleaning the recovery boilers at Tasman’s Kawerau pulp and paper mill. The business later became part of ICI, which subsequently divested its New Zealand and Australian operations—these became known as Orica. When Orica exited the sector in 2007, Utrex’s current owners purchased the chemical cleaning division, forming the company as it is known today. Headquartered in Mt Maunganui, close to major transport routes, Utrex also operates a facility in New Plymouth servicing the Taranaki petrochemical industry and other sectors. The company now delivers projects throughout New Zealand and internationally, including Australia, Asia, and the Caribbean. Its team of 11 full‑time employees services industrial markets such as dairy, pulp and paper, food processing, and oil and gas. Director Vaughan Hanna says the business has experienced steady growth, a trend that has continued this year. Increasingly, Utrex’s work centres on engineering assessments of Class 8, 3, and 5 tanks in line with regulatory requirements. These assessments often lead to mechanical repairs, fitting, welding, hydrotesting, pneumatic testing, design, consulting, and project management to complete the required work scopes. “Compliance assessments and completing any necessary remedial requirements has become a large part of our work,” says Vaughan. While the sector is competitive, Vaughan notes that Utrex’s size is an advantage. “Being small makes us nimble and very responsive to changes in the services the market demands. We’re probably 50% chemical cleaning and 50% engineering and construction, and often the two are linked. Much of this stems from the inspection work.” General Manager Megan Stacey adds that finding staff with extensive experience around chemical systems can be challenging. Vaughan agrees, noting the team’s commitment: “We’re always very busy in winter, which is the off‑season for the dairy sector. What I’m most proud of is that we bend over backwards to deliver turn‑key services, and we have very good, loyal staff.” Pre‑commissioning of plant and shutdown maintenance are core services for Utrex. These often require a multi‑discipline approach, including degreasing, acid cleaning and passivation of plant and equipment, and maintenance of process and steam‑raising technology. However, shifts in New Zealand’s industrial landscape—such as the closure of the Marsden Point refinery, looming gas shortages, and reduced production in the paper industry—have led to downsizing across major sectors and their support services. This has contributed to a smaller chemical cleaning market. “Given the shifts across industry, our flexible skill set enables us to seek further opportunities. I think we’ve adapted well to these market conditions and continue to deliver excellent service to our valued clients,” says Vaughan. Engaging across multiple sectors helps Utrex maintain a competitive edge— something more important now than ever. Both Vaughan and Megan agree the company is well positioned to diversify, while continuing to prioritise strong, long‑term client relationships. Commercial & Industrial Residential Custom Projects Maintenance & Repair Stainless Steel Fabricators, Welders and Fitters based in the Waikato Continuous Stainless offers onsite and mobile stainess steel fabrication, welding and fitting services of a high professional standard. Whether its industrial, commercial, residential or customised, we can fabricate and install. info@continuousstainless.co.nz www.continuousstainless.co.nz CONTACT OUR TEAM ABOUT YOUR PROJECT TODAY. PROUDLY 100% PRIVATELY OWNED AND OPERATED IN NEW ZEALAND. With over 60 years of experience in the country’s industrial chemical cleaning market. OUR SERVICES INCLUDE: • Industrial Chemical Cleaning • HSNO Compliance • Design & Construction of Bulk Chemical Facilities • Shutdown & TAR Management • Equipment Rental 07 928 0052 admin@utrexltd.com | utrexltd.com
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