| 17 T T Russell Fredric Company grows its presence in region Waikato Steel Fabricators (2015) isnone of the largest structural steel fabricators in the Waikato region. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Waikato Steel Fabricators During the past three decades Waikato Steel Fabricators (2015) has become one of the largest structural steel fabricators in the Waikato region. Its work extends from simple jobbing and batch production to providing structural elements in many significant buildings and structures not only in Waikato, but elsewhere in the North Island and even Australia. In 2015, D & H Steel Construction, one of the largest steel fabricators in New Zealand, strategically acquired a 51% shareholding in Waikato Steel Fabricators (WSF). This has created additional capacity for both companies and enabling it to take on far larger projects, greatly enhancing WSF’s overall capacity and service to its clients. WSF commercial manager Tertius Terblanche says this relationship has grown from strength to strength and both companies are committed not only to producing excellent outcomes on projects they collaborate on, but also to strengthening the New Zealand structural steel fabrication industry. Tertius and his colleagues are passionate about New Zealand fabricated structural steel being specified in buildings rather than it being imported, for the good of local businesses and economies as well as contributing to the national economy. “The market is currently very tight and very tough. Us as New Zealand steel fabricators are feeling the pinch from imported fabricated steel from overseas. That is really something we are trying to fight as hard as we can, just to make sure that we keep our own New Zealand fabricators and erecters and steel fabrication companies alive.” “We put a lot of focus into making sure that we provide the utmost quality product to our clients.” WSF predominantly provides structural steel for commercial and industrial structures such as warehouses, high-rise and civic and government buildings which is “our bread and butter”, but also has a legacy in residential structural steel and a variety of metal work including balustrades and handrails. “Since the earthquakes in Christchurch we’ve also become specialised in earthquake strengthening fit-out so we’ve done a heck of a lot of earthquake strengthening in the Waikato district to existing buildings.” Significant buildings WSF has more recently been involved in include The Pā at The University of Waikato. A striking multifunctional building of considerable presence and significance that can seat up to 600 people, The Pā is a new centre for students, staff and the wider community and, at $90 million, is the largest capital project in the university’s history.i “That project was around 650 tonnes of structural steel,” Tertius says. “In that we covered new steel and earthquake strengthening. There was also timber and structural steel interfacing, it was a massive achievement for the Waikato and for us.” “It’s a lovely building and a lovely art piece of cultural significance to the country.” WSF is involved in Hamilton’s Union Square, a new 23,000 square metre office and retail complex being developed by Fosters that includes five new architecturally buildings and 350 car parks. “We’ve built two buildings out of four that is currently there; one was a multi-level office building with about 450 tonne, [of structural steel] the other one was a six level car park. “We’ve been involved with quite a few of the bigger developments in Hamilton post-covid.” One of WSF’s most recognisable projects and its largest ever was providing structural steel for Te Awa Mall at The Base in Hamilton in the early 2000’s. 07 847 2074 • www.lhtgroup.nz enquiries@lhtgroup.nz Branches in Hamilton and Tauranga Proudly helping Waikato Steel Fabricators Ltd get their work and yours from A to B! Providing transport services for the greater Waikato and Bay of Plenty areas. With our extensive fleet of flatdecks, swingli�s, curtainsiders and hi-abs, we have the truck for you. Give us a call today to book your job. e. admin@sqa.co.nz p. 03 381 1670 m. 021 941 860 Consultancy Services Materal conformance reportng Fabrcator thrd party audts Weld procedure development Welder qualfcaton testng Procedure qualfcaton testng Weldng nspecton Inspection Services Structural steel nspecton QA programme development Thrd party nspecton Qualty assurance Rope access nspecton Hull thckness surveys NDT Services Radography Ultrasonc testng Magnetc partcle nspecton Lqud penetrant nspecton Eddy current testng Remote vsual nspecton
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