110 | RURAL SERVICES » Bradley’s Engineering Services RURAL SERVICES » Welshy Contracting Two decades deep Bunker House steel sliding doors. Russell Fredric Bradley’s Engineering Services is marking 20 years by continuing to do what it has always done best; keeping rural machinery working while expanding its engineering capability to meet a wider range of fabrication needs. Established in 2006, the Timaru-based business has evolved from agricultural contracting into a specialist engineering workshop servicing the rural sector with machinery repairs, preventative maintenance, custom fabrication and the manufacture of heavy-duty trailers. More recently, its fabrication expertise has extended into bespoke architectural steelwork for high-end residential projects. Owners Richard and Leah Bradley say the business has grown steadily by responding to customers’ needs rather than following a predetermined plan. Leah manages the administration side of the business while Richard oversees workshop operations, allowing the company to deliver projects ranging from routine machinery servicing through to one-off fabrication work. “We’ve always focused on repairs and maintenance for the rural sector because that’s where our experience lies. As opportunities came along, we expanded into custom fabrication and trailer manufacturing, which have become an important part of what we do,” Richard says. Drawing on Richard’s background in large-scale cropping and agricultural engineering, Bradley’s Engineering Services works on a wide variety of farm machinery, including tractors, combines, cultivation equipment, loaders and implements. The business provides workshop-based and on-farm servicing, helping customers prepare machinery before busy seasonal workloads while minimising costly downtime. Alongside repairs and servicing, the workshop fabricates a range of equipment including bale forks, loader attachments and custom-built components designed for individual applications. Its New Zealand-made Centurion tandem-axle trailers have become another specialist offering, built for heavy rural use and tailored to customer requirements. “Our work is incredibly varied. One day we’re rebuilding a piece of harvest machinery, the next we’re fabricating a trailer or designing something completely unique for a customer. That variety is one of the things we enjoy most.” The workshop’s fabrication capability has continued to broaden beyond agriculture. Recent projects have included bespoke industrial-style furniture and architectural steelwork for premium homes throughout the Mackenzie region, demonstrating the versatility of the team’s design and fabrication skills. “One project we’re particularly proud of is the award-winning Bunker House at Mt John, Lake Tekapo. Richard was commissioned to design and fabricate two colossal steel sliding doors for this remarkable property,” Leah says. While the scope of work has expanded, the business has retained the same practical approach and close relationships that helped establish it, she says. “We’ve been fortunate to work with loyal customers who have supported us for many years, and we’re grateful for the confidence they’ve shown in us. We’ve also had opportunities to work with other businesses and clients on some very rewarding fabrication projects, which has allowed us to continue developing our skills.” Reaching the 20-year milestone has provided an opportunity to reflect on how far the business has come, while acknowledging the customers, suppliers and industry partners who have contributed along the way. “When we look back, we’re incredibly thankful to everyone who has supported us. Their loyalty and trust have helped shape the business we’ve built, and we’re proud of what we’ve achieved together.” Diversifying forward Sue Russell When Michael Oliver first came to New Zealand from Newcastle, England, nine years ago to work as an agricultural contractor, he probably didn’t expect that one day he would be helping run a diverse contracting business in Mid Canterbury. Today, Michael is part of the team leading Welshy Contracting, an Ashburton-based business established by Mark “Welshy” Davies. Welshy Contracting has grown into a multi-skilled operation, covering civil contracting, agricultural services, underground services, drainage, earthworks, haulage and machinery work throughout Canterbury and the wider South Island. For the team, that variety is one of the strengths of the business. “There’s definitely a seasonal component to what we do, but because we offer such a wide range of services, there’s usually something to keep the team busy.” Based in Ashburton, around an hour south of Christchurch, the company is well positioned to service Mid Canterbury and beyond. A growing part of the operation is hedge cutting and vegetation maintenance. “We started trimming hedges about five years ago with a McConnel hedge cutter on the back of a tractor,” Michael says. “Last year we invested in an Energreen Athena, which has a 15-metre reach, and that really shifted things into another gear.” Demand has grown to the point where Welshy Contracting is now seriously considering investing in a second machine. “We bought the Athena because we needed something that could really do the work. We’ve already put more than 2,000 hours on it and it has certainly proven its value. “It was a big investment, but it’s been worth it. As far as we’re aware, it’s the only machine of its size operating in New Zealand.” One of the major advantages of the Athena is its mulching head, which cuts and mulches vegetation as it works, leaving considerably less material behind for clients to clean up. Choosing the right machine involved plenty of research. Michael and Mark travelled to Italy to see the equipment first-hand before making the investment. “We had the opportunity to get in the machine and see what it could actually do. That was just over a year ago and we certainly haven’t regretted the decision.” Today, Welshy Contracting has a team of around 15 and its capabilities extend well beyond agricultural contracting. Directional drilling and underground services are another important part of the operation, with the company having worked on fibre and utility installation projects throughout the South Island for many years. Diversification has been a deliberate part of Welshy Contracting’s growth. “Over the years we’ve worked hard to make the business more resilient by building up a wider range of services and working across different sectors,” Michael says. “Five or so years ago, a large part of our workload was fibre installation. When that market slowed down, it made us look closely at where else we could use our people, machinery and experience. “That’s really helped shape the business into what it is today.” When recruiting, Michael says they value people who are comfortable operating different types of machinery and are willing to keep learning. “We’re always interested in people with a broad skill set who can turn their hand to different jobs. We’ll take people on and help train them through things like their Class 5 licence as well. The more skills, tickets and qualifications you have, the better.” Welshy Contracting is also entering a new chapter, with Michael and Mark’s (Welshy) daughter Megan buying into the family business and becoming part of its future. “Welshy tells me he’ll never retire,” Michael laughs. “He’s back doing more driving now, which he enjoys and the handover is going really well. Despite the growth of the business, supporting other local businesses remains important to the team. Michael points to the company’s relationship with Hamish, from Fairfield Mechanical as a good example. “He came knocking on the door one day and asked whether we’d consider putting some work his way. We decided to give him an opportunity and it has worked out really well, benefitting both businesses.” “I’ve got no complaints. We’ve got a good team on board, a good variety of work and enough happening to keep everyone engaged day to day.” And with continued investment in machinery, people and new areas of work, Welshy Contracting looks set to keep building on that foundation. PROUD TO SUPPORT BRADLEY’S ENGINEERING SERVICES a: Cnr North & Latter Streets, Timaru Central | 25 Seadown Road, Washdyke, Timaru p: 03 684 4888 | e: sales@indeng.co.nz www.indeng.co.nz BUILT ON GOOD RELATIONSHIPS Proud to acknowledge the businesses and creative partners who support what we do. Loyal customer for 20 years. James Bradley of Rickwood Creative to showcase our business. 027 359 1448 | bradleysengineering.co.nz Brophy Knight are proud to provide accounting and business advisory services to Welshy Contracting Ltd For accounting and business advice, contact: Greg Wall, Marcus Schoonderbeek, Angus Lindsay or Emma Hastings
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