| 55 T T Richard Loader Family firm supports staff and clients Precut Construction operates two plants in Kainga, between Belfast and Kaiapoi, with a team of 15. CONSTRUCTION Precut Construction For the last three decades, the dedicated team at Precut Construction have specialised in providing prefabricated frames and trusses to North Canterbury’s residential builders, and stretching their reach into the West Coast, Kaikoura and Central Otago. The business was founded by Chris Miller when, working as a builder, he recognised the opportunity to reduce construction costs by pre-cutting and nailing frames and trusses, ready for site delivery and erection. Evolving from one small factory, a concrete pad and a team of three, Precut Construction now operates two plants in Kainga, between Belfast and Kaiapoi, with a team of 15 that includes carpenters, detailers, and quantity surveyors, and remains family owned and operated. While general management and responsibility for getting the product to site on time is now in the hands of Chris’ son Brad, Chris continues to be heavily involved on a day-today basis, providing all quotes, and a steady hand on the ship. “Dad and I believe being a family business is pretty important for both our customers and clients. It makes it personal. Any staff can come to us with any sort of issue and they will get the help they need. Dad really does go over and above to take care of everyone, and I think that’s a reflection of the support and opportunities he got when he was starting out in business.” Brad tells the story about a builder that went out of business a few years ago, leaving a couple of clients high and dry with half-built homes, and lost investment. “Dad felt for those people, and made the call to provide frames and trusses at cost, and also got the support of other businesses to help finish the homes. This year, one of those clients has come back to us to do another build, so it’s about building and establishing relationships. What goes around comes around.” While builders and building companies are Precut Construction’s primary customer base, there are also occasions when ‘mum and dad’ clients arrange their own frames and trusses. “That saves them a bit of money, and we always like to look after them,” says Brad. “A lady built a house through us in Mt Pleasant, and now she’s building another one, using us.” Focusing on the residential market, and predominantly using radiata and engineered products, Precut Construction’s range is anything from a 60sqm tiny home, right through to highly architectural homes including a builder’s own 668sqm home. “We’re currently supplying frames and trusses for the retirement village in Amberley, and supplying a lot into the Bellgrove subdivision in Rangiora.” Technology has also played an increasing role, with Spida software used to automate the saws. The project is detailed in the office, and sent to the computer for cutting. The assembly and nailing of the individual components remain a manual process. “There’s a lot of experience on the factory floor, with one guy coming up to 20 years’ service, and another couple not far off 10 years’ service. Three team members also have their Frame and Truss trade qualifications.” 27 ACCENT DRIVE, EAST TAMAKI, AUCKLAND FREE CALL 0800 424 234 INNOVAFIBRECEMENT.CO.NZ Proud Supplier of Fibre Cement to Precut Construction Building better together 03 526 7436 prolamnz.com Supporting Precut Construction and the building industry to design and buildwith strength, confidence and ease with premiumengineered timber solutions.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=