Factory set to improve on delivery

Pearce Group general manager Lars Thiel-Lardon (right) with his design manager Nathan Candy, in Katikati. Photo/John Borren

Pearce Group's owner Kiwi Steel is expanding in Tauranga by setting up a 2300sq m factory complex in Tauriko to service customers of its The Roofing Store subsidiary bringing about 10 new jobs to the city.

Kiwi Steel, which is privately owned, is one of the leading suppliers of steel products for the New Zealand and Asia-Pacific markets, operating a comprehensive range of processing services, including shearing, rolling, slitting, blanking, recoiling, profile cutting and roll forming.

The need to improve distribution was a key driver for setting up the new factory.

Mario Lee, Kiwi Steel's chief financial officer and general manager of The Roofing Store, said logistics within New Zealand were difficult.

"We have market share there and in other parts of the country. This will enable us to service our customers on time."

Building of the factory got under way three months ago and was expected to be completed in December.

The factory would produce a range of the company's roofing products and, being close to the port, would also make it easier to handle exports, he said.

Pearce Group general manager Lars Thiel-Lardon said the growth of the company's customer base for roofing products meant they needed a fabrication capability in Tauranga.

"We'd like to improve the quality of delivery," he said.

Rob Campbell, managing director of Letts Construction in Tauranga, said that The Roofing Store was very supportive.

Letts tended to predominantly use Kiwi Steel-produced long run roofing, and said the products were competitively priced.

"They're out there, giving people another option."