30 | REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Marlborough: T&D Construction T T Kelly Deeks Family business stands test of time The Bay of Many Coves Resort in Queen Charlotte Sound remains one of the standout builds for T&D Construction. T&D Construction is a family business that has stood the test of time over the past half century, and will still be here in another 50 years. The business has never lost sight of the essential ingredients for success - quality work, value for money and people. Thompson & Devanny Construction Company was established in 1971 by Roy Devanny and the late Kelvin Thompson. Starting with a staff of three, Thompson & Devanny took on their first apprentice in 1976, a 16- year-old lad by the name of Geoff Morgan. He’s been part of the fabric of T&D and today is joint managing director and credited with driving the company’s growth while staying true to its roots. In March 2000 Geoff and Kelly Thompson took over the reins. The transition was seamless; Geoff and Kelly retained the same belief in quality, honesty, integrity and hard work, those fundamental values that are still intrinsic to T&D today. Today T&D is jointly run by Kelly, Geoff, and Geoff’s son Hadley Morgan. Kelly’s older brother, Shaun is construction manager and the shareholding is split between the two families. The way in which business was first conducted was a world away from today. Pen, paper and typewriters were the main tools of the trade in the office. Tendering was largely to people known to Roy and Kelvin and was all about price and proven track record. Today the requirements are vast and the decisions often made by someone you don’t even know. Stringent compliance for the likes of health and safety has replaced commonsense care and company protocols, and Covid has added another layer of complexity to the health and safety regime. Gone are the old days of block courses for apprentices and working 8000 hours before becoming qualified. Throughout T&D’s growth, the good times and the tough, the business has vowed to never carry any debt. “We think that’s why we’ve survived the ups and downs,” Geoff says. “If you don’t adapt, you’ll be left behind. Construction can be a rollercoaster ride. In any business, you need to be able to roll with the punches and make the hard decisions when required.” The majority of T&D’s work is in the commercial sector. In the early days, much work revolved around RNZAF Base Woodbourne with all the local builders vying for contracts. Times changed as the New Zealand wine industry grew. Marlborough’s first large commercial plantings were made in 1973 and, within a few years, the country’s biggest wine making firms had moved there. Today, working with wineries – about 43 of them in total over the years – makes up about half of T&D’s turnover. “We’re proud of all our work and everyone has their favourites. But among the standouts are Picton’s Waterfront Apartments, and the Bay of May Coves Resort in the Queen Charlotte Sound.” While some things are different T&D’s core values are unwavering, and its mission statement remains unchanged. “It has always been our policy to work in harmony with our clients, giving them assurances of fairness, quality, reliability and service. Putting these policies foremost has allowed “ us to build our business into the reputable company it is today.” The T&D story has had many chapters, and many more are still to be written. “Our fervent hope is that T&D will still be here in another 50 years, led by the next generation and beyond. The future is bright!” • Kitchens, Bathrooms & Laundry • Tools, Paint & Hardware • Frames & Trusses • Doors & Windows • Climate Control • Landscaping • Insulation • Roofs Saxton - Nelson - Motueka - Blenheim 0800 752 236 The region’s leading timber and building materials supplier www.placemakers.co.nz We also supply: PH 03 578 0850 | 47 Grove Road, Blenheim | www.viridianglass.co.nz • Commercial Glazing • Interior Glazing • Balustrades • Glass Pool Fences • Glass Showers & Mirrors • Glass Windows & Doors Certified Plumber, Drainlayer, Gasfitter & IQP Backflow Tester 03 577 6967 office@hpd.co.nz www.hunterplumbinganddrainage.co.nz Neil & Ian are pleased to be associated with T&D Construction We congratulate them on their projects and look forward to working together in the future (03) 579 4445 Blenheim • (03) 319 7878 Kaikoura Our aim is to provide a service to our clients that is second to none e. office@cmelectrical.co.nz www.cmelectrical.co.nz
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