56 | Built on the back of quake repairs BM Contracting has built its reputation on delivering reliable, safe, and efficient solutions for both residential and commercial developments across the wider Christchurch region. SECTION BM Contracting T T Kelly Deeks Christchurch-based civil construction and drainage specialist BM Contracting is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, marking a decade of successful projects, steady growth, strong client relationships, and an unwavering focus on quality. Founded by director Ben McConochie, BM Contracting has built its reputation on delivering reliable, safe, and efficient solutions for both residential and commercial developments across the wider Christchurch region. The 10-year milestone was marked in September, and Ben and his team of 14 celebrated at Cup Day, alongside a few long-term clients. “It’s been a huge 10 years,” Ben says. “We started on the back of the earthquake rebuild, doing subcontracting work for Downer and Fulton Hogan, completing repairs on the wastewater and stormwater network, whilst also building a strong residential development team specialising in drainage and earthworks.” The company’s expertise was further tested in Kaikōura after the 2016 earthquake, where BM Contracting spent three years supporting the recovery. The team worked on culvert and road repairs for Downer, as well as rail projects for KiwiRail. With a crew of 20 based in Mount Lyford and Kaikōura, the project was a demanding but rewarding experience. “The whole operation was so well organised after the Christchurch rebuild. Everyone had learned so much, and it was something everyone involved could be really proud of,” Ben says. By the time Covid hit, BM Contracting had grown to 25 staff. At that point, Ben sold the subdivision arm of the business to a Nelson company, a strategic move that allowed him to focus more closely on Christchurch projects and his growing family with wife Chloe. Ben himself is originally from Nelson, where he completed his apprenticeship before moving to Christchurch for rebuild work. When his employer withdrew from Christchurch, he chose to stay and establish BM Contracting. “What started with just me quickly turned into a growing team,” he says. “At first I used temp agencies to source our staff, but since then all of our staff have come through word of mouth – friends, family, and people we’ve worked with before. Of our current team, eight of them trained under me. It’s been 20 years since I started my own apprenticeship, so it’s really fulfilling to give back and see them stay on with us.” Talk to us today, the feature profile experts Phone: 03 983 5500 waterfordpress.co.nz PROFILE YOUR PROJECT... • Branded PPE, Uniform and Workwear • Branded Merchandise and Customer Gifts • Branded Beer and Wine Proud to supply and support BMC with their Workwear and Branded Beer Contact Us Ph: 021 722 778 E: info@nzbrandco.nz www.nzbrandco.nz CCC Approved Drainlayers and Civil Contractors Today, BM Contracting is focused on drainage and civil works across Christchurch, from Rolleston to Rangiora, and in the central city. Its team of qualified drainlayers and civil contractors are CCC-approved and experienced in everything from pipe bursting and trench repairs to foundation preparation and ground dewatering. Looking ahead, Ben says the company isn’t chasing major expansion, but instead focusing on quality, staff retention, and maintaining its fleet of modern machinery. “We’ve got a really skilled and experienced team, some of whom have been with me since day one,” he says. “We replace our machines every three to five years so our guys have the best equipment to work with. That’s a big part of why they stick around.” With Christchurch continuing to expand, and demand for both residential and commercial developments showing no sign of slowing, BM Contracting is confident the next decade will be just as strong. “There’s no other city in New Zealand with this much flat, developable land,” Ben says. “We see a lot of growth still to come, and we’re looking forward to being part of it.”
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