Wight Aluminium attributes strong workforce for its 50 years of longevity

Wight Aluminium, one of New Zealand's largest aluminium fabricators, commemorated the creation of its first batch of aluminium window frames, which occurred 50 years ago. The Whanganui-based aluminium fabricator attributed its journey to a strong base of employees and knowledge.

"It grew from doing [...] residential and smaller scale buildings to now, the wide range of the work we do, including some pretty big stuff. For us, celebrating 50 years in business is in large part a celebration of our team, past and present - all those who have been with us along the way," said Wight, the managing director of the company.

The business was founded in 1965 as a construction firm by Gavin Wight's grandfather, and in 1972, its factory at Tower Crescent on Durie Hill produced its first batch of windows. The firm changed its direction in the 1990s to concentrate only on aluminium joinery. As a result, it rose to become one of the nation's top producers of commercial windows and wall facades.

"Like I said before, we've got a lot of people who have been with us a long, long time, so it's really important to maintain that knowledge when you do bring in apprentices and things; to have the people to train them, which we do," added Wight.

The employment base has also helped the business weather current challenges in the construction sector, prominent among them a labour shortage. This year has seen significant liquidations in the construction sector, with Christchurch-based aluminium fabricators Alutech declaring bankruptcy at the start of December.

However, the company could sidestep those problems because of its employees, who had lots of expertise to prepare the incoming new generation. With a second facility in Hamilton, offices in Wellington and Auckland, and over 30 per cent of its workers working at its Mill Rd factory, it still maintains a strong local presence.