58 | REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Simcox Construction T T Kelly Deeks Work with a bigger purpose in mind Simcox’s core capabilities have evolved significantly since its early drainage contracts in the 1980s. Simcox Construction has been a key player in Marlborough’s civil construction sector for more than 35 years, but dig a little deeper and you will find a business whose purpose extends well beyond roading, drainage, and subdivision development. Regional manager Sean Walsh says Simcox is proud to be part of the Isaac Group, a unique blend of civil construction and conservation with deep roots in the South Island, and a vision equally focused on people, planet, and performance. “While we’re out here building infrastructure and supporting regional growth, everything we do ultimately serves a bigger purpose,” Sean says. “The profits from our construction work feed directly back into staff development and training, and then conservation through the Isaac Conservation and Wildlife Trust.” The trust owns more than 1100 hectares of protected land at Peacock Springs, just outside Christchurch, and participates in breeding programmes for endangered native birds in partnership with the Department of Conservation. Every year, species like pāteke/brown teal, kakariki karaka/orange-fronted parakeet, and whio/blue duck are bred at Isaac’s custom-built aviaries – not for tourism, but for reintroduction into the wild. It’s a legacy that began in 1950 when Sir Neil and Lady Diana Isaac founded Isaac Construction with a vision to build both infrastructure and environmental goodwill. That founding ethos carries through to Simcox’s operations today, with seamless alignment of values since Isaac acquired Simcox in 2018. “It wasn’t a takeover so much as a meeting of minds,” Sean says. “Simcox was already a values-based, family-oriented company, and the transition into Isaac ownership allowed us to scale up while retaining that culture.” Simcox’s core capabilities have evolved significantly since its early drainage contracts in the 1980s. Today, the team of more than 50 offers expertise in infrastructure construction, earthworks, roading, quarrying, three waters, river and flood protection, civil structures, surfacing, and traffic management, supported by in-house plant and materials from the locally owned Barrack’s Quarry. Major projects across the region have included subdivision developments, flood- recovery efforts, and infrastructure partnerships with Marlborough District Council and Port Marlborough. “Whether we’re working on an urban intersection or a sensitive coastal site, we have the backing and the expertise to make sure environmental values are considered every step of the way,” Sean says. This community-first approach is also evident in how the company treats its people. “The business wraps its arms around our team,” Sean says. “There’s always support, there’s training without budget caps, and opportunities for our younger staff to grow into leadership roles.” It’s a philosophy that has helped Simcox weather the recent downturn in the Marlborough economy, particularly the slowdown in viticulture-related infrastructure, due to global wine oversupply and softer export markets. “We’ve come through a challenging 12 months, but we’re in a really strong position with a capable, enthusiastic, and youthful team. We’re seeing more opportunities to extend our skill sets into adjacent areas and continue strengthening relationships with clients who trust us to deliver.” The Simcox team remains actively involved in the Marlborough community, sponsoring local organisations, including conservation projects, sports teams and charities. One long-term conservation partnership is with the Te Whanau Hou Grovetown Lagoon Restoration Project, where Simcox has donated time and materials to improve access to the track network across the site, including the building of boardwalks. Certified Fencing Contractor Farm & Lifestyle • Stock Yards Commercial & Security Pool & Tennis Courts Residential Vineyard Development Mike - 021 416 798 Brad - 021 416 703 rennerfencing@hotmail.com www.rennerfencing.co.nz FENCING CONTRACTORSNZ CERTIFIED FENCER RENNER FENCING C O N T R A C T O R S WE SPECIALISE IN... • INDUSTRIAL SITES • TENNIS COURTS • DRIVEWAYS • DRAINAGE • PATHS • CARPARKS CONSTRUCTION LTD ASPHALT & Talk to us about any job, no matter the size Working with Simcox since 2016 0274 222 176 | 021 547 684 | 03 541 0385 | 19 McPherson Street, Richmond, Nelson 7020 | www.asphaltconstruction.co.nz jarod@asphaltandconstruction.co.nz | jason@asphaltandconstruction.co.nz | johnny@asphalconstruction.co.nz PROUD TO LAY
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