| 33 T T Russell Fredric Big Jet Master investment allows for growth Supported by a pilot vehicle, the Jet Master eliminates the need for road crews to work near moving vehicles. Central Otago: Central Otago Machinery Services REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT SAFETY PPE, WORKWEAR, WORKBOOTS, BRANDING, HI-VIS & UNIFORMS Proudly supporting Central Otago Machinery Services 0800 666 900 218 Glenda Dr, Queenstown www.remarkablestools.co.nz For all your tools & safety gear Central Otago Machinery Services (COMS) ongoing focus on innovation and cutting edge equipment has led to the purchase of two $1.5 million Jet Master road maintenance trucks. The company provides niche civil, roading-related and sandblasting services with specialised machinery and has become a preferred contractor in the Queenstown Lakes District and Cromwell regions for the type of work it does. Director Joseph Du-Noyer started the business eight years ago. As a diesel mechanic by trade, he discovered a need in the area of sandblasting for cosmetic refurbishment on machinery that he was purchasing in New Zealand and from overseas. After looking at existing sandblasting services in and beyond Central Otago, he could not find a service or facility for sandblasting that met his needs and that was environmentally acceptable. “I imported a dustless sandblasting machine from Europe which was the first in New Zealand. It’s environmentally friendly because it uses recycled glass media and water. That makes it really safe to blast with. It reduces the environmental impact massively.” For roading and associated work, the sandblasting is supported by vacuum sweepers to remove the slurry residue and leave the surface clean which has been a massive game changer for this type of service, Joseph says. COMS subsequently gained work, including from Queenstown Lakes District Council and Fulton Hogan, undertaking road line removal, while the machine can be used for many applications including blasting materials, concrete aggregate exposure, oil stain removal and graffiti removal. “The feedback we get is that our clients are really happy with it.” COMS now has four of the Quill Falcon sandblasters which are supported by Johnston or Scarab vacuum road sweepers, of which the company now has eight, where needed “Ever since the rules have changed around safe excavation, the hydrovac trucks are leading the way now. You can’t just dig blind with a digger anymore because there’s that risk of striking an underground service.” for sandblasting operations on roading, pavement, or for general sweeping work. The sweepers are also equipped for hydro excavation, an alternative to manual trench excavation that makes it possible to accurately and safely locate underground services such as gas, water, electric, phone, and fibre optic cables. Demand has been “massive” Joseph says. “Ever since the rules have changed around safe excavation, the hydrovac trucks are leading the way now. You can’t just dig blind with a digger anymore because there’s that risk of striking an underground service.” COMS also operates three snow ploughs and the Jet Master trucks, a mobile road maintenance unit, are its latest purchase. The machine produces its own warm mix repair material which is then applied to the road from controls inside the cab of the truck. “It’s the latest and greatest. It repairs potholes, edge break on the side of the road and reseals patches all using the one truck, all done from a joystick in the cab with one operator.” Supported by a pilot vehicle, the Jet Master eliminates the need for road crews to work near moving vehicles, is much more efficient and reduces the labour cost. With the business’ growth it has been a busy eight years, and Josephs fiancée Fiona Hamilton is a key person who handles administration and health and safety. Despite its success, Joseph has never aimed to have a large business, but has simply focused on targeting niche markets. “The innovation probably comes from my mechanical background. I just try to keep ahead of the game as much as we can. I feel like every service we provide is well needed and a right fit for the area we live in. “You should be constantly trying to change and upgrade; I think that’s what we pride ourselves on the most.”
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