46 | ENGINEERING IFC Steel dispatch@liftnshift.co.nz • • • • • • • • • • 03 922 9682 Proudly supporting with their workwear IFC Steel Limited New technology transforms processing The Ficep CNC beamline achine allows IFC Steel to process heavy beams with multi-axis precision, cutting complex profiles, holes and end shapes with far greater speed and consistency than manual methods. T T Karen Phelps IFC Steel has strengthened its position in the Top of the South engineering sector after investing in advanced CNC beam-processing technology, enabling it to take on more complex structural steel projects across the region. Based in Hope near Richmond, it has transitioned from general engineering origins into a specialist provider of construction-ready steel for large-scale commercial developments, with advanced beamline automation setting it apart. The business, led by Charlton Brownrigg, evolved from the long-established ET Engineering, which he acquired in 2018. Since then, it has expanded workshop capacity, broadened its structural steel offering, and rebranded to reflect its focus on issued-for-construction components. “The intention has always been to build capability that supports larger and more technical construction work while keeping services local and responsive to demand,” says Charlton. A key driver of this shift has been its investment in a Ficep CNC beamline system designed specifically for structural steel beams. The machine allows IFC Steel to process heavy beams with multi-axis precision, cutting complex profiles, holes and end shapes with far greater speed and consistency than manual methods. It integrates directly with digital design models, reducing set-up time and material waste as well as improving repeatability across large batches. “Unlike many systems in the wider industry that focus on plate cutting, this beam-focused technology opens the door to significantly larger and more complex structural jobs,” says Charlton. “It enables us to transform raw structural steel into precise, construction-ready components efficiently and at scale.” One of its most significant recent projects was the Nelson Hospital Emergency Department expansion, a category 3 build requiring strict compliance and documentation. IFC Steel completed around 25 tonnes of structural steel fabrication and installation, working closely with main contractor, Naylor Love, to align with a tight production schedule. Charlton says it was a highly controlled environment with extensive quality-assurance requirements. “We had to produce detailed procedures and documentation to meet the standards, but it demonstrated we can deliver critical infrastructure efficiently,” he says. Another major undertaking is the New World Stoke redevelopment, a staged supermarket rebuild that involves maintaining operations in the existing store while construction progresses. The project involves approximately 160 tonnes of steel, and has required careful sequencing to meet strict time constraints as new sections are built, occupied, and old areas demolished. Charlton says the complexity lies in the staging and timing, rather than the steel volume alone. “Each phase has to align perfectly so the store can keep trading throughout the build,” he says. IFC Steel also works closely with other local engineering firms, providing processed steel components so they can expand their own capabilities without needing similar capital investment. Charlton says this collaborative model strengthens the regional industry and helps retain specialist work within Nelson, reducing reliance on external suppliers and improving supply chain resilience across projects. He says he aims to continue growing IFC Steel’s CNC-driven structural steel capability and pursue larger commercial projects across New Zealand, as well as maintaining strong regional partnerships. He also intends to further invest in digital fabrication technologies and workforce training to support long-term expansion.
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