| 19 Wānaka: Freeman Roofing - Wānaka REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Newest machinery in region Wānaka Roofing has rebranded under the Freeman Group and is now called Freeman Roofing Wānaka. T T Ange Davidson Wānaka Roofing has strengthened its position in the resort town’s bourgeoning housing market by rebranding under the Freeman Group, a family-owned roof and rainwater products manufacturer that was founded in Nelson in 1956. Now called Freeman Roofing Wānaka, to standardise the Branch names and network by location, the company continues to provide top-quality steel roofing products and services that match Central Otago’s unique climate and conditions. Freeman Roofing Wānaka has the only roll forming production facility in Wanaka and supplies both their clients and the open market with New Zealand made steel products. Branch Manager Glen Rudhall says the company’s manufacturing plant has the newest machinery in the region and its products are in demand as the housing market continues to grow. “There’s a crazy amount of building happening in Wānaka which is a good problem to have. We focus on new builds and architectural builds and a few housing companies,” says Glen. “Clients come to us with their housing plans and we produce what they need for roofing, cladding and rainwater. We cut to length so we’re also able to get involved with bespoke projects like art works, pool houses and anything else that needs quality steel,” he says. “Clients ordering materials really appreciate being able to come in and talk to the people who are making it.” Working with a New Zealand owned but locally operated company ensures supply plus local knowledge about council regulations around colour and product. Some products such as unpainted Zincalume® and lighter colours are restricted in some areas of the Queenstown Lakes District due to their visual impact on the environment. Simply put, Freeman Roofing Wānaka turns large coils of flat steel into corrugate or five rib roofing iron and cuts to measure. Materials such as Colorsteel® are extremely sought after as it is manufactured and painted in New Zealand by New Zealand Steel. The variety of roof profiles, colours, and rain products can change the look of a build and in Wānaka, the wider Alpine Tray is popular with high-end builds. The supply shortages experienced during Covid showed the benefits of using a locally produced product and while there was the production capacity, shipping became the issue. “When there were massive shortages of products such as Cedar cladding, many people changed their plans and went for steel. It was great to see a locally produced product solve the problem and demand went through the roof,” says Glen. “Steel is New Zealand made and very hard wearing and weather resistant. It is reusable, and ultimately, recyclable. It’s an incredible product.” Freeman Roofing Wānaka employs seven staff and like many businesses in the area, it is challenged by staffing. There’s plenty of work but not enough accommodation to support people moving into the lakeside town. “Everyone wants to move to Wānaka, but it can be really difficult due to the lack of housing.” he says. “There’s a crazy amount of building happening in Wānaka which is a good problem to have.” 03 344 6090 richard@nutsandboltsandscrews.co.nz Proud to support Freeman RoofingWanaka
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