Business North / December 2013
CONTRACTING » Trenchmate
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Buddy System ticks all the boxes Karen Phelps A new trench shield just released by Trenchmate is the first product of its type fully certified to New Zealand standards, says Trenchmate regional manager Phillip Murray. Called the Buddy System, the product has been specifically designed to offer an easy shoring solution for small two-person digger projects with holes up to 1.5 metres deep. “The Buddy System has been rated to a SWL 20kpa and tested to 36kpa. “Our product has been designed specifically for New Zealand ground conditions giving our customers real peace of mind,” says Murray. The Buddy System is modular in design meaning panels can be added or removed. This allows the system to easily be fitted in around other services on site saving considerable time and money, says Murray. The system is also unique in that it is made almost entirely from aluminium making it the strongest and lightest shield on the market, believes Murray. The Buddy System is half the weight of the company’s popular Versa range for example. It is fully portable and comes with its own tailormade trailer so it can easily be fitted onto a tow bar to be transported to site. It is also offered as a flat pack if preferred. “Other such systems are designed to be thrown onto a trailer. This means people need a flat deck truck or trailer. With the Buddy System it can be towed by any vehicle with a tow bar.” “All parts, spare parts and servicing of the system is done right here in New Zealand.” This is an important point, says Murray, with many overseas systems taking long periods of time for parts to be shipped and repairs completed. Trenchmate has branches in Auckland, Waihi and Christchurch. Trenchmate is a New Zealand company started in Waihi around 10 years ago by Tom and Raewyn Porter. The company provides specialised shoring equipment, delivery options, onsite help, shield adjustment and advice. Ranges include Trench Shields, Supa Shields and Versa Shields. Trenchmate shields and Versa products are designed for compatibility to provide a range of solutions. For example it is possible to use different strut widths, add extensions or additional shields to accommodate different depths. All options are available either for purchase or hire. “All of our shields are manufactured with a
Trenchmate transport logistics manager, Lance Taupaki, with the new Buddy System trench shield. unique core and twin skins that are reinforced for durability and safety. Both internal and external surfaces are smooth so that little added material (soil) is attached to the shield,” says Murray. “Without this feature the added weight of the soil can increase the weight significantly, as a result making them much harder to move or position.” Trenchmate is supported by sister company, Porter Engineering Ltd. “Because we have our own engineering company this means we can also design one off shoring solutions for customers for unique projects if required,” says Murray. Due to rapid company growth Trenchmate
has recently made a number of changes to its organisational structure with a number of branch and territory managers employed to take care of customers giving nationwide coverage.
Trenchmate employs 17 staff nationwide and there are plans to open a branch in Wellington and a second Auckland branch on the North Shore in the months ahead.
Trenchmate 0800 385 274 www.trenchmate.co.nz
Contact us for temporary road safety and civil safety hires. We hire out road plates, barriers, fencing, VMS boards, traffic lights and portable toilets to keep sites safe and working 24/7. After hour delivery available.
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