| 89 T T Kelly Deeks Steel construction meets region’s needs Commercial work remains a growth area for the company, with businesses seeking durable, cost-effective steel structures for warehousing, workshops, and storage. Kiwispan Mid Canterbury BUILDING Kiwispan Mid Canterbury is gearing up for a stronger year ahead, with owner Justin Quaid reporting a lift in enquiries across the region as confidence slowly returns to the rural, lifestyle, and commercial sectors. After a quieter period through 2025, Justin says the signs are pointing in the right direction for 2026. “The past year has definitely been a bit flat, but enquiries have picked up and people are starting to talk about their projects again,” he says. “Some of the bigger jobs aren’t fully locked in yet, but they’re in motion. It looks like this year will be better.” Justin took over Kiwispan Mid Canterbury in September 2024 after almost two decades running his own construction company. With extensive experience in residential, and a decade working in commercial building, he saw Kiwispan as the ideal way to align with a trusted national brand while expanding into a broader market. “I wanted the support of a strong, reputable brand, and Kiwispan has that,” he says. “Everyone knows the name, and the network behind it is really solid.” That nationwide network is one of Kiwispan’s major strengths, giving owner-operators access to proven systems, engineering expertise, and a product range suited to regional needs. Justin says no two Kiwispan licensees operate in exactly the same way, with each tailoring their approach to their market. For Mid Canterbury, that market spans lifestyle, commercial, and a strong rural sector. “There are still some big farms in Mid Canterbury, and farmers are looking to invest again,” he says. “Dairy is performing well, milk prices are up, and Fonterra shareholders have seen positive returns. That’s a big driver for Ashburton’s economy.” Lifestyle customers are also a major part of the business. With more people moving into the district and residential growth continuing steadily, Justin says demand remains strong for high-quality, low-maintenance steel sheds. “We get a lot of people on 4000sqm lifestyle blocks, who want a decent garage, somewhere tidy and modern to put the boat or the caravan,” he says. “Steel is a great option because it doesn’t shrink like timber and it stays looking good.” On the rural side, the most common builds include workshops, hay sheds, wintering barns, machinery storage, truck sheds, and horse arenas – all benefiting from Kiwispan’s clear-span engineering. Commercial work remains a growth area for the company, with businesses seeking durable, cost-effective steel structures for warehousing, workshops, and storage. “We’ve got the capability to cover everything from small sheds to large commercial buildings,” Justin says. He credits the quality of the product as a major point of difference. Kiwispan uses heavy-gauge steel, engineered brackets, robust fastenings, and wider clear spans than many competitors. “It’s a strong, tidy product for a fair price,” Justin says. “The engineering team is excellent, and the guys we work with really know what they’re doing.” Efficiency is another focus. Justin is proud of the company’s fast turnaround on plans, straightforward consent process, and consistent build quality. “We work hard on delivering good quality and solid communication,” he says. “Time frames are important to customers, and we want people to have a smooth experience from design to handover.” With confidence improving and opportunities emerging in rural, lifestyle, and commercial segments, Justin says Kiwispan Mid Canterbury is well positioned for the year. “There’s definitely movement again,” he says. “We’ve got good enquiry, we’ve got a strong product, and we’re ready for a busy 2026.” RENOVATIONS · NEW BUILDS · COMMERCIAL 027 501 6511 www.quaidcon.co.nz Quaid Construction are proud to work along side Kiwispan for residential and commercial projects. QUAID CONSTRUCTION CO. At Quaid Construction we understand the process of building can be complicated, which is why we take the time to talk to our clients and find out what their needs really are and guide them through the process. 0800 432 583 0800 GDC LTD Email o ce@gdcgroup.nz Web www.gdc.net.nz Your trusted team for Civil Earthworks Locals Supporting Locals Proud to Support KiwiSpan CONTACT US TODAY 0800 432 583 RURAL, COMMERCIAL, RESIDENTIAL
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