PROJECT BOOSTS ECONOMY

06 December 2013

The local economy is set for a major boost following a contract for a large housing development in Kaiapoi.

Owner/manager of ITM Picton Gary Knofflock, who also holds a 50 per cent stake in ITM Blenheim, says the firm has a contract to supply the homes over the next 18 months. Both ITM sites are involved, as well as the FrameCAD steel framing operation he bought from Christchurch and re-established in Picton five months ago.

Work is well under way on three of the first nine homes in the Kaiapoi development with a couple of roof shouts to come before Christmas.

They are starting three at a time, but will build up to five builds concurrently. Gary estimates that the work will have a big impact on the local Marlborough economy with the developer using 13 local businesses
with an estimated 48 local people involved in the project. “This isn’t just the tradesmen, there is also
manufacturing, design, business services and media development all from the region,” says Picton ITM’s key account manager Glen Profitt.

"The benefits for the area come" he says "because the developer is a local and keen to support the local economy where he can, preferring to forge long-term partnerships with suppliers here"

With very little demand for development in Marlborough it made sense to employ locals where the rates were comparative and people could work to such a tight schedule. Glen visits Christchurch regularly to ensure that things are working smoothly. “Not hard!” he says as the developers are using commercial scheduling to manage the work flows. Quantities, required delivery dates and start and completion dates for each stage are clearly identified and everyone working on the project has a copy.
Gary and Glen cannot speak highly enough of Marlborough District Council staff and the Smart Business Marlborough initiative run by Neil Henry.

The Marlborough Chamber of Commerce has also provided great advice and support they say and Brendon Burns of Macro has been involved as well.