PlaceMakers - All trussed up and ready to grow

PlaceMakers - All trussed up and ready to grow in the Waikato and Bay of Plenty

As New Zealand’s largest supplier of building materials, PlaceMakers is significantly expanding its operations in the Waikato with the development of a new frame and truss manufacturing plant situated at The Boulevard, Te Rapa.

The new plant is part of PlaceMakers’ national Frame & Truss plant optimisation and consolidation plan designed to provide quality regional manufacturing services to supply its stores locally.

PlaceMakers’ Frame & Truss plant will be industry-leading in terms of equipment, systems, processes and people.

The new plant will serve a wide geographic region and will drive efficiencies across the board:
Investment in state-of-the-art technology means industry leading levels of accuracy and ‘component marking’ that will make it easier and quicker to build with PlaceMakers Frame & Truss.
This new plant markedly increases PlaceMakers Frame & Truss network capacity and further underpins PlaceMakers’ reputation as the largest Frame & Truss operation in New Zealand.
The new plant’s location means that PlaceMakers can now service the industry’s frame and truss requirements from South Auckland through to Rotorua.
While staff numbers will remain at the same levels for the time being, growth will deliver more jobs.
PlaceMakers is committed to the environment and developing sustainable building practices. The new purpose built facility will utilise “green” building initiatives, such as daylight harvesting, energy efficient lighting and water saving systems all designed to minimise PlaceMakers’ carbon footprint.

PlaceMakers National Manager of Manufacturing, Robert Grimmer says the company has been upgrading and optimising the frame and truss network in preparation for the upturn in building.

“Our increased capacity and innovation in this area has delivered a product that reduces manufacturing time, reduces waste and our industry leading cutting and marking capability saves time for builders on-site. PlaceMakers investment in technology has meant a reduction in waste timber by 40 per cent compared to 2010.

“Capacity across the national network has been increased by 25 per cent and as the industry runs hot, it’s important that we keep our customers building by delivering on time and in full. We’re operationally ready and despite having record manufacturing months this new plant will provide significant increased capacity to accommodate future growth in the region,” he said.

PlaceMakers General Manager of Human Resources, Brendon Mills says having more capacity is one thing but diligent health and safety standards are something that PlaceMakers is passionate about.

“We are proud of our safety record in an industry that can easily cause injury. We have reduced our incidences of injury to employees and contractors by 65 per cent – a record low – over the past five years. We take our ‘Home Safe Everyday’ vision very seriously and our employees know that their safety is paramount,” he said.

PlaceMakers is also pleased that as the plant gears up and the market grows, the new plant is highly likely to result in further employment opportunities in the region.

PlaceMakers will advise the confirmed opening date later this year.

PlaceMakers Frame & Truss services and supports PlaceMakers outlets in Huntly, Hamilton, Te Rapa, Morrinsville Te Kuiti, Thames, Whitianga and Mt Maunganui.

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