| 45 T T Rosa Watson Growing market for specialised products QMD owner Gareth Quarterman – “Our main market is in small-to-medium production runs of high-quality products for designers and those looking for more specialised work.” MANUFACTURING Q Metal Designs A wide range of materials handling equipment also available from Richmond Workbench Castors Make your workbench mobile! Our easy to use castors lift your bench of the ground so it can be moved with ease. Adjustable Feet & Inserts Used for levelling equipment on uneven surfaces or raising equipment off the ground. Heavy Duty Castors Medium Duty Castors Plate castors available in a range of wheel types for all kinds of surfaces and load requirements. These castors are often seen across logistics, road transport, manufacturing & exhibition services. Mini Series These castors are small and tough. Perfect for light duty furniture and D.I.Y. projects. richmondnz.co.nz nzsales@richmondnz.co.nz 0800 61 71 81 Castors for All Applications Sco� Machinery Proudly Suppor�ng Gareth and the team at Q Metal Designs Sco� Machinery, supplying current and future machinery and machining capabili�es for keep it in New Zealand manufacturing Press Brakes & Guillo�nes Centre Lathes Turret Milling Machines Bespoke manufacturing outfit Q Metal Design has found a growing market for its hand-made furniture and components that meet the needs of those looking for something unique, or in smaller runs. The North-West Auckland-based company manufactures a wide range of products using CAD/3D modelling, jig building, multi-materials usage, welding, fabrication, engineering, timber work, composite, and 3D printing. Q Metal Design (QMD) owner Gareth Quarterman said the main edge his business has over other manufacturers is flexibility. “We’re a small business who can cater to individuals with custom projects, as well as larger manufactured orders for business-to-business. While a small company, QMD is competitive when it comes to small batch runs. “We’re happy to take on jobs that would otherwise head overseas allowing New Zealand stockists to buy local and in smaller quantities, rather than having to bulk buy from overseas suppliers and find storage.” Gaining experience in blacksmithing as a farrier for 33 years, Gareth started QMD to combine his passion for metal work and design in 2020 after designer friends commissioned him to produce custom metal works. Now a team of three, QMD prides itself on the diversity of work they create. The first big contract for QMD was producing disc golf baskets for NZ company RPM Discs. “I had been doing one-off fabrication and the odd commissioned job, when I was approached about the RPM contract.” RPM was able to further their products and satisfy the home market, as well as become competitive internationally, Gareth said. “That contract continues to grow, along with the products’ reputation – they are sold all around the world.” The contract allowed Gareth to build his team and manufacturing business. “I’m not limited to one sort of work. Our main market is in small-to-medium production runs of high-quality products for designers and those looking for more specialised work.” “We’re happy to take on jobs that would otherwise head overseas allowing New Zealand stockists to buy local and in smaller quantities, rather than having to bulk buy from overseas suppliers and find storage.” Gareth said he enjoyed collaborating with design teams and local companies. “It’s known that I can do straight manufacturing, but I can also do bespoke one-off pieces as well. I think that’s a great service. “We are happy to work alongside companies to help bring their design to life and make it a market ready product. We can be flexible and that’s starting to count a lot more for local companies. They accept production costs might cost a bit more, but being Auckland based, we can accommodate the New Zealand market. The clients we have also know our lead times are competitive and they don’t have to order huge numbers, so they’re not having to stockpile. “Working with local designers and retailers we can come up with some products that work for them.” Projects include producing a “very ornate, almost baroque” balustrade for a curved, double wing European-style timber staircase, and altering and restoring a pair of wrought iron gates that date back to 1860 and were purchased from a private collection from Sothebys London. With the workload growing, Gareth said this year was looking positive and the company was looking to expand. “We might have to start looking for a bigger space. It was big enough a year ago, but who knows. When the time comes, we’ll be looking for something in the same area.” QMD has grown through word of mouth, social media and online architecture marketplace Archipro, which Gareth said had been a great way to makes connections.
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