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March 2016 Business South
CONTRACTING » Balcrom Engineered Concrete Solutions
Bridge project a coup for company Kim Newth With much fanfare, Dunedin’s Lookout Point Bridge was opened for traffic in late November 2015, marking the completion of a $45 million highway improvement project and a significant feather in the cap for an Otago company, Balcrom. Working out of plants in Balclutha and Cromwell, Balcrom manufactures high standard precast and prestress concrete products for the commercial, residential and rural sectors. Working with Downer, Lookout Point Bridge was one of the biggest projects of 2015 for the company’s Balclutha plant. The bridge was part of a major project that saw the highway through Caversham Valley extended to four lanes, significantly boosting safety for this busy highway corridor. Balcrom’s team of 25 at Balclutha is gearing up for another busy year ahead with new commercial projects on its books for Dunedin and Invercargill, as well as contracts for farm buildings, including feeding sheds. The Cromwell yard, which employs 15 staff, has a strong focus on residential projects and makes panels with architectural finishes, including woodgrain finishes, exposed aggregate and coloured concrete. “Our Balclutha yard is more focused on civil and commercial work, although having said that, we have just finished a house in Balclutha that was on Grand Designs using top end architectural finished panels,” says Balcrom director Phillip Bates. While still a comparative newcomer, having been operating for only four years, Balcrom has built a solid track record. Past contracts include the Highlands Motorsport Park, Fonterra Edendale, Invercargill Prison and Emersons Brewery. It has recently completed the Mitre 10 Mega building in Frankton (precast products) and is currently working on the adjacent PAK ’n Save building (panels and flooring). Balcrom also made a prestressed concrete flooring system for Countdown supermarket at Queenstown’s Five Mile retail centre for Naylor Love Construction and Felton Road Winery for Breen Construction. As well as servicing clients in Southland and Otago, Balcrom sells precast product into the Christchurch market, such as flooring and flat slabs. Phillip says precast concrete has a number of pluses including how its components are made, in controlled conditions and to tight tolerances. “Compared to traditional building systems, the speed of the build is much faster and you can achieve a high standard of finish. Once it’s up, it’s up for life.” Integrated into the manufacturing operation is a skilled design team. Their combined expertise enables Balcrom to
Balcrom specialises in precast concrete panels with architectural finishes. make virtually anything in concrete, from dog bowls to large panels. “We can offer design assistance and show people how to get the most out of using a precast modular building system. For example, we can do panels that have insulation built in. We can give people some good alternatives if they want to build warm and quiet homes.” Balcrom’s concrete polishing services for flooring are another popular option for new contemporary homes and commercial projects, such as in foyer areas. The company offers a range of specialised products, including the Premaloo, a pre-finished toilet of up to three cubicles. “We have another three to go in Otago, one in Waimate and are looking at doing a few more for campgrounds. It is a very versatile product that can be adapted to include showers along with toilet facilities.” Balcrom is a member of the Precast Association of NZ and Site Safe. It is committed to best practice at its plants and has a strong commitment to effective health and safety.
“Compared to traditional building systems, the speed of the build is much faster and you can achieve a high standard of finish. Once it’s up, it’s up for life.”
ReoXpress Ltd are proud to be Reinforcing Steel Supplier to BALCROM at both Balclutha and Cromwell locations.
ph: (03) 417 9777 reoxpress.order@calderstewart.co.nz Specialising in supply to INDUSTRIAL & COMMERCIAL projects throughout OTAGO and SOUTHLAND.
ULLRICH
www.composite-nz.co.nz
A L U M I N I U M
• Aluminium Extrusions • Rolled Products • Fasteners • Cladding Pleased to supply
Balcom Engineered Concrete Solutions Ph: 03 453 0679 Fax: 03 453 5958 391 Kaikorai Valley Road, Dunedin www.ullrich.co.nz
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Proud to support Balcrom Engineered Concrete Solutions Sawmill: (03) 203 8520 A/H (03) 208 4051 Email: office@ngaheresawmill.co.nz
Customised broadband solutions for businesses and farms. Services designed, built and maintained by a small dedicated team of data networking professionals using cellular, copper, fibre and radio technologies.
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Suppliers of the Thermomass insulated concrete panel system Protected mass will enhance thermal performance of concrete in both summer and winter. Concrete can now compete thermally with light weight building systems.
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Balcrom Engineered Concrete Solutions 29 Leslie Hills Drive, P.O. Box 8480, Christchurch 8440, New Zealand Telephone (03) 348 8015, Mobile 021 353 408 Email: alan@composite-nz.co.nz