70 | The secret to smooth concrete pouring Central Concrete Pumps is Central Otago’s longest-standing pumping company, still proudly family owned and operated. Central Concrete Pumps T T Alexia Anderson CONTRACTING When Ian and Sue McLellan moved to Central Otago in 2001, they introduced a service that would change the way concrete was poured across the region. Central Concrete Pumps was launched with a single 21-metre pump, and today boasts three specialised pumps across its fleet, making the art of pouring concrete a streamlined process. The business was a bold move for the couple, coming after Ian’s 25-year career in the marine industry. “I was looking for a change and I wanted to work for myself,” Ian says. A passing comment from his father-in-law prompted him to investigate concrete pumps while still living in Auckland. Three months later, the couple had sold their house, packed up, and moved back to Central Otago. Their new venture was something they embraced wholeheartedly. Ian recalls arriving in Queenstown on August 3, 2001, and pumping concrete for their first job the very next day. “So many builders down here still were using wheelbarrows, so it took a while to change their mindset,” he says. More than two decades later, Central Concrete Pumps is Central Otago’s longest-standing pumping company, still proudly family owned and operated. Along the way, Ian and Sue built a reputation for innovation, resilience, and family values, with Sue herself operating a pump for almost 10 years. In a male-dominated industry, she won over skeptical builders, not only with her skills, but also with home-baked rhubarb cake. Today, she remains an integral part of the company as admin manager. Their son, Ken, joined the business in 2018 and is now the operations manager, ensuring the next generation keeps the company moving forward. Central Concrete Pumps has also welcomed Tinashe, who joined 18 months ago with eight years of pumping experience in South Africa. The company operates three pumps – a 16-metre, 21-metre, and 33-metre – each requiring careful operator training, as every machine behaves differently. However, good equipment alone is not enough. “A good operator is a person that is happy, calm, patient, happy to go the extra mile for the customer, and respects the people he is working with because they can all have good and bad days with concrete,” Ian says. A strong mechanical understanding is also vital, as breakdowns can happen, and when there’s concrete on board, he says: “We don’t have a lot of time to muck around.” Working in Central Otago brings its own unique challenges, from intense summer heat above 30 degrees, to winter frosts of minus five. Despite the demands of the job, community involvement has remained a priority. Central Concrete Pumps has contributed to projects such as Cromwell’s new Memorial Hall, built alongside Naylor Love, and the Cromwell Lions’ emergency helipad, which are all initiatives that hold special meaning for the district. The company’s work spans commercial, residential, and civil projects, reaching anywhere concrete is needed, but trucks cannot directly access. That flexibility has kept them in steady demand as Central Otago continues to expand. Looking ahead, Ian is confident the region’s growth will keep the industry strong. “We’ve seen huge growth in Central Otago over the last 24 years, and we believe this growth won’t slow down. Too many people now know our secret down here, of how good this place is.” PROUDLY SUPPORTING CENTRAL CONCRETE PUMPS Visit www.sheds.co.nz Free call 0800 94 33 77 BRICK LAYING SCHIST STONE BLOCK LAYING OAMARU STONE TILING Covering all of Central Otago and Southern Lakes FINANCIAL STATEMENTS • TAX & GST RETURNS • CASHFLOW FORECASTS BUSINESS STRUCTURING 51A Russell Street, Alexandra 9320 | 03 448 6994 info@doddzone.co.nz | www.doddzone.co.nz Contact us for all your concrete needs! Lachie 021 0247 4611 lachie@mcleanbuilding.co.nz Tane 027 5277 167 office@highlandsscaffolding.co.nz House & Shed fl oors • Patios • Driveways • Steps
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