32 | Westlake Frames & Trusses T T Karen Phelps Proudly local with quality reputation TIMBER INDUSTRY The thing that makes the manager of Westlake Frame & Truss Michael Woodrow most excited is looking out to the manufacturing floor and seeing New Zealand product get made in a New Zealand factory by New Zealand staff for a New Zealand market. Parent company Westlake Timber Ltd is a proudly local independent privately owned company specialising in the manufacture and supply of prefabricated frames and trusses, structural steel and structural loose timbers from a custom built manufacturing facility at Belfast Business Park in Christchurch. “We have been operating in the Canterbury region since 1997, establishing a loyal client base, with a solid reputation for quality product and timely service,” explains Michael. “We supply residential and commercial clients throughout the South Island.” The company has become market leaders in the production of prefabricated frames and trusses manufactured solely in New Zealand Oregon (Douglas Fir) timber, Laminated “Clients have direct access to our factory, which means a quicker response providing more detailed understanding of the product being supplied.” Veneer Lumber (LVL) and Radiata Pine with all timber sourced from FSC certified forests New Zealand wide. Posi-Strut metal web floor trusses are also produced, which are strong, lighter and easier to install than conventional lumber. Other advantages include the ability for longer spans for simplicity in running services through open truss beams. When the custom built manufacturing facility was constructed around two years ago it was significantly modernised with heavy investment in new equipment including an automatic computerised razor saw. It now operates with two truss pressing beds and an automated framing line resulting in huge efficiencies taking the already high quality up yet another notch. Westlake Frame & Truss is a MiTek NZ accredited manufacturer and members of the New Zealand Frame & Truss Manufacturers Association (FTMA). Director and owner of Westlake Frame & Truss David Fleming, who also owns independent timber, hardware and building supply store Hamptons ITM located at 151 Ferry Road, says the two companies work closely together to deliver great outcomes to clients with projects spanning housing, commercial, apartments, alterations and insurance work. “We are independent and as such have to cater very closely to the market demands,” he says. “Clients have direct access to our factory, which means a quicker response providing more detailed understanding of the product being supplied.” “We can assist with pre-empting any issues,” adds Michael. “Personal contact is key and we encourage close communication between the detailing people, designers and builder to identify any potential issues and problem solve before product is manufactured and delivered to site to result in a seamless project. Nothing is too much trouble and we have the flexibility to make adjustments as required.” Michael, a qualified detailer who started off his career making trusses and has moved from the ground up to his present position understands all facets of the industry, which is another real advantage for Westlake Frame & Truss clients. He is supported by a highly skilled team of around 20, including one staff member who has been at Westlake Frame & Truss for 25 years, meaning a lot of experience in-house. This team is supported by a team of around 26 at Hamptons ITM who can help organise and deliver product to clients who order via that business arm, especially those who need other products as well to complement their building project. David says the goal for the future is simple: “To keep growing to satisfy our customer base and strive to deliver excellence in everything we do.” Ample capacity for all your residential and commercial builds. Try us rst for a competitive estimate on your next build! 17 Frank Coxon Road, Belfast, Christchurch
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