Business North November 2021

| 69 “Having the larger premises means we can accommodate larger machines and undertake larger projects.” MANUFACTURING Absolute Stainless Diverse product range from new workshop T T Richard Loader Absolute Stainless’s Sue and Simon Mehrtens (left) stand proudly beside the golden cupola for the new Hundertwaaser Building, featuring a large gilded aluminium dome and stainless steel ball on top. VULCAN IS PROUD TO SUPPORT ABSOLUTE STAINLESS LTD 110 PORT ROAD, WHANGAREI C elebrating twenty years in business in October this year, Whangarei based Absolute Stainless has established a polished reputation for quality craftsmanship, timely delivery and good customer service. Specialising in the fabrication of aluminium and stainless products for the commercial, marine and residential sectors, the compa- ny’s range of projects is diverse and often designed for the high-end market. Brass and copper is also becoming a favourite of high-end architects and discern- ing clients looking for something just a little different, and the team at Absolute Stainless is happy to oblige. The driving force behind Absolute Stainless is husband and wife team Sue and Simon Mehrtens. After gaining extensive knowledge working in the marine/boat building industry in Perth, Western Australia, Simon returned to New Zealand, where he continued to work in the marine industry in Whangarei. After seeing a gap in the local market for high quality stainless fabrication, Absolute Stainless was born in 2001. Initially working out of a small shed, in 2019 the business was relocated to a new purpose built workshop in Logyard Road, Port Nikau, Whangarei. “The workshop is now large enough to fit all the machinery that we need to get the work done,” says Sue. “There are bigger doorways and a covered area out the back and there is a really large yard. Having the larger premises means we can accommodate larger machines and un- dertake larger projects.” Sue says the benefit of working in the com - mercial, marine and residential industries is that if one industry is experiencing a down- turn, the others will be busy. “Currently the commercial sector would be our largest industry with many large and var- ied jobs from commercial kitchens fitouts fab - ricating benches, shelves and extractor units; the manufacture of handrails and balustrades in public facilities; custom made level-entry drains; drink fountains, custom flashings and internal guttering’s. “We were very proud to have built the Golden Cupola for the new Hundertwaaser building,” says Sue. “That’s a large gilded aluminium dome with a 1200mm diameter stainless steel ball on the top of it. That was an awesome project to get.” Absolute Stainless’s talented team is cur- rently building the Rolling Ball Clock that will take pride of place in the Whangarei town basin. Measuring 6m x 4m by 2.5m high and encased in a glass structure with a distinctive curved roof, balls roll around the clock on polished stainless steel rods that indicate the time. Working on all sized vessels, including super yachts, either doing maintenance and repairs or producing new fittings, Absolute Stainless’s marine products includes bow rails, hand- rails, ladders, rocket launchers, bow rollers, bollards, bimini supports, rod holders and specialised brackets and various items for the galley. “Our residential work includes interior and exterior fittings for customers in town, as well as in rural and coastal environments. We do a lot of custom flashings, chimney caps, bench tops, shower trays, handrails and many other interesting things.” With a talented team of tradesmen and apprentices and a supportive vibe within the workshop, Absolute Stainless has forged a relationship with many repeat customers look- ing for a unique custom made job, but always with quality in mind.