72 | Busy firm continues to grow Mild steel, galvanised and electroplated steel, aluminium, stainless steel and most other steel alloys can be powder coated. Hamilton Industrial Powdercoating T T Sue Russell “It’s amazing how powder baked onto metal transforms the appearance of these products and really finishes them off.” CONTRACTING Jason and Porscha McIndoe purchased Hamilton Industrial Powdercoating four years ago, however the history of the business extends back a good 30 years. “It was a solid business and the former owners were ready for retirement, so the opportunity made sense for lots of reasons,” says Jason. One is its central location, just off Killarney Road, in one of Hamilton’s commercial/ industrial precincts and within easy access of roading networks. The substantial 1300sqm building, was another good reason to buy the business, with all its existing infrastructure in place. In all, a team of 10 work in the business, including specialised powdercoater applicators, while one is engaged full-time with the sand-blasting service, also housed onsite. There’s a strong client base who use Hamilton Industrial Powdercoating services regularly. Jason says each month around 140 businesses come through their doors to get product of all shapes and sizes powdercoated. “We’re fortunate in that we haven’t really experienced much slowing down in trade.” A focus since taking over is that equipment has been upgraded, with the sand-blaster facility added to the array of equipment. “Within a year of taking over, we had tripled the volume of work going through the workshop.” While Jason oversees the workshop, Porscha takes care of the administration systems to keep the operation ticking over well. Jason admits it’s taken a while to get all the business systems in place. Asked about the process of becoming proficient at powdercoating, Jason says it’s possible to become skilled in a relatively short timeframe, though an eye for detail is important. The process involves applying electrically statically charged powder through special guns on to metal products. “It’s this charging that enables the powder to stick to the metal surface it’s being applied to. It then gets baked at 210°C. The process works on all ferrous material.” Mild steel, galvanised and electroplated steel, aluminium, stainless steel and most other steel alloys can be powder coated. Because of the heating process to bake the powder on, softer materials like plastic, rubber etc. cannot be powdercoated. Jason says there have been some interesting fun-filled projects Hamilton Industrial Powdercoating has been involved in, such as projects from Hamilton Boys’ High School where students in the technology department design, produce and build go-karts and scooters which arrive at the factory for powdercoating. “It’s amazing how powder baked onto metal transforms the appearance of these products and really finishes them off.” The aim is for a three- to five-day turnaround time Jason says. “Our equipment allows us to powdercoat large batches, saving time and ensuring consistent results. We take real pride in the consistent quality of work we achieve for customers.” Jason says he’s busy with the current level of demand for their services and can only imagine when the current ‘recession’ ends, just how much busier they could potentially be. “It would mean growing the company bigger, and the size we’re at, with the way the workshop is structured fits us very well.” Sand-blasting services are offered to those customers who have booked in product for powdercoating. Jason says that keeps this arm of the business busy enough. Jason and Porscha each agree that since taking over the company, they’ve worked hard alongside their team of dedicated employees to realise its full potential and deliver the best possible outcomes to their valued customers. Laser Cutting | Fabrication | Production • Celebrating over 50 years in business • Proud to support Hamilton Industrial Powdercoating 07 847 7896 www.supremesheetmetals.co.nz 288 Kahikatea Drive, Frankton, Hamilton PO Box 15 253, Dinsdale, Hamilton 3240
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