Business South June 2021

62 | Tuffnell Drainage CONTRACTING Firm grows to meet growing demand Tuffnell Drainage provides an efficient service and quality results for residential, commercial, and civil drainage and excavation projects. P I P E L I N E S H V A C M E C H A N I C A L F rom small beginnings in Ellesmere in 2002 to now, an authorised contractor for Ashburton, Selwyn, and Christchurch City Councils, Tuffnell Drainage provides an effi- cient service and quality results for residential, commercial, and civil drainage and excavation projects. Warwick Tuffnell set up his firm in South- bridge after completing his drainlaying apprenticeship in Christchurch. By 2004, residences in Southbridge and Rakaia Huts needed to be connected to a new public retic- ulated sewerage scheme and have their septic tanks decommissioned, and Tuffnell Drainage was on hand. This massive project was a milestone for the fledgling drainage firm, establishing Tuffnell Drainage as the local drainage experts and setting a trajectory towards future success in civil and infrastructure projects. A decade later, Tuffnell Drainage was com- pleting more and more projects outside of Ellesmere, and in the interests of finding and retaining staff, relocated to the more central Izone in Rolleston. Warwick and his wife Carmen purchased a section and set up a purpose-built yard to accommodate an ever-growing range of ma- chinery, equipment, and staff. “We are very lucky to have built up a dedicated and skilled team who make our business what it is today,” Carmen says. Tuffnell Drainage has developed relation- ships with several large Canterbury companies who continue to rely on the drainage expert’s ability to provide the service and high quality workmanship they expect. For commercial clients, Tuffnell Drainage provides all types of sewer and stormwater design and installation. “Our experienced foremen have undertaken a wide variety of projects which means we have the knowledge and experience to com- plete jobs efficiently and to a high standard,” Warwick says. “Our large range of plant and machinery allows us to undertake all types of commercial work, and we always look forward to working with clients to provide the best possible ser- vice and finished product.” Tuffnell Drainage also has a friendly and trustworthy residential drainage team which provides all sewer and stormwater require- ments as well as water and underground ser- vice trenching for new homes and alterations. The excavation division provides competitive pricing for siteworks, foundations, slab prep, and driveways. In rural situations, Tuffnell Drainage’s expe- rience in the installation of all types of septic tanks, treatment plants, and effluent disposal systems ensures a professional job that meets the necessary criteria and all relevant docu- mentation is provided on completion. Tuffnell Drainage has recently become an approved installer of the Aquacomb system, an innovative new rainwater management system consisting of a series of interconnect- ed pods installed under foundations, decks, or driveways.Also this year, Tuffnell Drainage has added a water blasting and drain clearing di- vision, Tuff Blast. Taking over the service from another local contractor, Tuffnell Drainage has purpose built its own jetting truck complete with CCTV, and a water blasting trailer set up for smaller jobs. Kelly Deeks