Business North September 2020

70 | Volume 19 | Issue 3 businessnorth MARINE » Q-West Boat Builders “We’re careful in our selection. It’s not only about their skills and qualifications but just as much, if not more so, about their work-ethic.” Boat building firm keeps on growing The Q-West team: leaders in the New Zealand boat construction sector. Sue Russell C olin Mitchell has been with Q-West Boat Builders, based in Whanganui, for almost as long as the company has existed and in the role of chief executive these past three years. Carrying this history Colin has seen a lot of de- velopment and change within the company in terms of capability and the services it offers. “At the moment we have a staff of about 25 and we also engage a large number of subcontractors on our projects.” The aspiration was always to grow into New Zea- land’s boat construction sector leader across a wide range of vessels, from pleasure craft, catamarans, commercial fishing and charter craft of all types and sizes and ferries through to high speed craft each built to world-class performance standards. To achieve this the company’s large facilities on the banks of the Whanganui River, include its own 150-tonne slipway and three workshops of a size capable of constructing vessels up to 40 metres. Currently the company is well underway on building another vessel for Whale Watch Kaikoura. Q-West has been engaged in building passenger craft for this company since 1999. “Whale Watch has, for many years undertaken a programme of replacing its existing fleet, upgrading each vessel to improve the passenger experience and comfort and increase the number on board,” Colin explains. The current build will be capable of accommo- dating 100 passengers on each voyage out to the trench which sits a short distance of the Kaikoura coast. Driving the key design elements was the desire to construct a boat with the best possible platform in terms of stability. Q-West, based on its refit experience of the cur- rent Whale Watch fleet, suggested improvements to enhance passenger comfort such as; natural air ventilation systems (providing positive fresh air to the entire cabin) and a ride control system (making the ride more comfortable and minimising nausea). Q-West also suggested changing the internal seating to enable it to be cleaned easier, and other engineering upgrades to minimise maintenance. Colin says the ability to deliver on time and on budget has been key to the company’s success. “We work with government organisations, such as defence, coastguard, and the police and for agencies all over the world.” While work is continuing on the latest craft for Whale Watch Kaikoura, other projects are keep- ing the team busy, including construction of three 12m rigid hull craft for the police to use at the American’s Cup regatta and the refit of a 14m foil assisted catamaran previously built by Q-West. This craft is being modified to design and test hybrid propulsion systems. The extensive refit, working in conjunction with one of New Zealand’s most iconic propulsion suppliers, offers Q-West a unique opportunity to install a complete hybrid propulsion system. Recently the company received funding - as part of the Government’s Provincial Growth Funs - to relocate from its current situation east of the port, to inside the port facility. “This will afford us a much greater capability to lift vessels out of the water up to 300 tonne,” says Colin. Colin is proud of the company’s track record with retention of staff and the high skill-set the team carry across all the disciplines involved in building boats. “We’re careful in our selection. It’s not only about their skills and qualifications but just as much, if not more so, about their work-ethic. “Finding good people can be a challenge but our standards are very high. If you can get someone who has a good attitude and prepared to work hard, then they will fit well with our culture.” For more information, please call 07 827 4142 or email Craig.Gosnell@camfil.com For A ll You r GL ASS & GL AZI NG Re quirement s Quali ed Sta Glass Cutting New Glazing Mirrors Furniture Glass Shower Glass Leadlights Plastics Cat/Dog Doors All Insurance Claims Handled Re-glazing Double Glazing Splash Backs Re-puttying Clearshield Glass Treatments Aluminium & Timber Window & Door Maintenance Windscreens UV Reducing Film/Anti-fade Free Quotes SAVE EN E RGY W IT H SAVE ENERGY WITH TO EXISTING WOODEN OR ALUMINIUM WINDOWS DOUBLE GLAZING For All Your GLASS & GLAZING Requ Proud to work with Q-West irements Also servicing Raetihi, Ohakune, Waiouru, Taihape, Marton, , Bulls & Ohakea 24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE 0800 80 63 34 Email: sales@centralglass.co.nz www.centralglass.co.nz 55 St Hill St, Wanganui (Next to the Opera House) Waverley