Manufacturing | Steel Shed Systems
Manufacturing | Tanker Solutions
Steeled for success Watching an idea come to life; that’s the satisfying experience Steel Shed Systems customers enjoy when their designs become attractive and strong buildings. The team at Steel Shed Systems has been budgeting, designing and engineering rural, industrial and commercial buildings throughout New Zealand for four years. The company has five regional operators who are all part-owners and directors of the national company.
Specialist fuel system design, welding and vehicle fabrication makes Tanker Solutions a winning choice
“We were frustrated with the franchise arrangement that dominated this construction method,” explains managing director Mike Tracey. “It wasn’t driven by people who understand design and customer service, which is what builders want on a day to day basis. We brought this construction system into the mainstream building contracts arena.” All the partners are building contractors and builders. Attentive customer service sets this company apart. Its specialised design software means customers can see their building come to life, allowing them to become actively involved in design decisions, all before they commit to a full building contract. A budget is run alongside the project design, to ensure the client is kept up-to-date with the costs along the way. And the tricky bureaucratic process is handled for you — Steel Shed Systems works hand-in-hand with councils and utilises engineers and planners to ensure its clients have a fully-compliant building.
Super steel
The Tanker Solutions answer to bulk grain cartage.
The company also has the expertise to undertake a wide range of light engineering work with access to independent certifying engineers when required. An example of a recent Tanker Solutions project is the six four-axle trailers for Hooker Pacific it built in the last half of 2010. These trailers have gone into Hooker Pacific’s fleet to transport Caltex and Z Energy (formerly called Shell) petroleum all around the country. There are now 13 staff members, including the four original men who started with the company in 2007.
Mark Wilkin’s goal is to consolidate the company’s position in the market. “In 2011 and beyond I want to solidify what we’re currently doing, improve service to existing customers and look to increase our customer base.”
Steel is a fantastic building material from a number of different perspectives. Firstly, it is flexible. Like a blade of glass that moves in the wind, it moves with forces like earthquakes and strong gales.“I expect engineers will be calling for our lighter weight steel systems in rebuilding Christchurch because it is light, strong and doesn’t require much ground strength,” Tracey says. While steel has been used successfully for hundreds of years, Tracey believes it is the material of the future. “Our systems are able
to carry extra loads like gantry cranes and suspended ceilings — all put in place without specialised engineering. Smarter designers and architects are using these systems. Steel will continue to be used because it is recyclable, it can be used many times over.”
Recent projects Steel Shed Systems has designed and built numerous attractive buildings around the country. “One thing we’re trying to do to set ourselves apart is in the design and architecture of our buildings. There are columns and features, making them pleasing buildings to the eye. “We like to be challenged in our work and we enjoy being able to engineer unique architectural design features — something a little out of the ordinary — and finish it to an exceptional detail.” A recent successful design was a building for a school and church group in Wanganui. “It was originally designed in concrete and structural steel but the project got too expensive for client. So we came in and designed it with lighter weight steel and innovative petitioning systems. We were able to design and quote well within their budget.” In the Wellington area, the team is currently building with structural steel a factory for an engineering firm in the Hutt. “We’ve got two large gantry cranes running in it and concrete tilt panels. It’s a factory, but constructed in structural steel. It’s completely functional for the client’s requirements.” Expansion is on the horizon for this company, which already has offices in centres around the country. “I’d like to see us expand the brand,” Tracey says. “We aim to work closely with more designers and architects so that they can see how this system benefits their clients.” Steel Shed Systems 155 Otaki Gorge Road Otaki T (06) 364 7749 E miket@steelshedsystems.co.nz www.steelshedsystems.co.nz — Advertising Feature
Tanker Solutions PO Box 13318 Johnsonville 6440 Wellington T (04) 237 4555 F (04) 237 8265 E mark@tankersolutions.co.nz www.tankersolutions — Advertising Feature
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www.wellingtontoday.co.nz July/August 2011 | 33