66 | Mike Downs Contracting T T Karen Phelps Celebrating 25 years of growth... One of the firm’s long-standing relationships is with the van Ash family at Quarry Hill and, above, Redmund Spur developments. T T Top team - page 68 CONTRACTING Mike Downs Contracting is marking its 25th anniversary this year, celebrating a quarter-century of growth, adaptation, and community-focus. Founded in 1999 by Mike Downs, the company has become a key player in urban street renewal and land development across the Canterbury region. “I wanted to go out on my own and spend more time managing projects rather than being stuck behind a desk,” says Mike citing his reason for starting the business after working in a senior management position for Fulton Hogan. He considers that this desire for hands-on involvement has been a driving force behind the company’s success and longevity. The firm’s story is one of strategic evolution and resilience in the face of significant challenges. For the first 12 years, Mike operated as a project manager coordinating a group of subcontractors. However, the Canterbury earthquakes of 2010 and 2011 prompted a pivotal shift in the business model. “If you didn’t own diggers and trucks and employ staff directly, it was very difficult to run a business as there was so much demand,” Mike explains. Seizing an opportunity, the company acquired Earthworks & Paving, renaming it Earthworks & Paving 2012 Ltd. This move allowed the firm to take on larger projects and respond more effectively to the region’s construction needs. The post-earthquake period was a time of both opportunity and challenge. Mike says it was a hard time as workflow was so stop-andstart. “A lot of projects were put on hold until people had certainty over what was happening and then things really took off. It was very busy,” says Mike. Despite these hurdles, Mike Downs Contracting played a crucial role in Christchurch’s recovery and subsequent development. The company’s impressive portfolio includes over 100 urban street renewal contracts and involvement in more than 30 subdivisions for private developers. The company has also undertaken driveways, tennis courts and commercial projects. Some of the key, high-profile projects over the years include the urban streetscape redevelopment of New Brighton Marine Parade and on-going subdivisions in Rolleston and West Melton. One of the firm’s long-standing relationships is with the van Ash family at Quarry Hill and Redmund Spur developments. “We’ve developed hundreds of sections on that land for the family over 25 years,” says Mike proudly. “It’s an upmarket, high-quality development with fantastic views.” Throughout its 25-year history, Mike Downs Contracting has maintained a focus on building strong relationships with clients, subcontractors, council and staff. Mike attributes much of the company’s success to this approach: “If you treat people well, it works well for everyone.” Looking to the future, Mike remains optimistic about the prospects for Christchurch and Canterbury. “You always go through peaks and troughs in this industry, and I’m confident about Christchurch and Canterbury. “It’s a great place to live and there will continue to be strong demand for new housing and roads and subdivisions.” In the past few years, having bought out other shareholders, Mike and wife Jo are in the process of merging Mike Downs Contracting into Earthworks & Paving 2012, marking a new era for the company. Mike says the company is well positioned for future growth, having recently employed an engineer and established a strong management team. “We have learned a lot in the past 25 years in business,” Mike says. “We can see that when things get going again, we are going to grow. We have the structure in place with our management team to expand the business. All it will take is the next big project and we’ll push the go button.” Ben 027 575 6666 office@cattermolecontracting.co.nz www.cattermolecontracting.co.nz Christchurch Proudly supporting Mike Downs Contracting Cattermole Contracting is an earthworks contracting business, based in Christchurch and Canterbury. We specialise in all things ground construction for both residential and commercial clientele. From vehicle crossings, driveways, sports courts, footpaths, carparks, siteworks, drainage and more.
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