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Wider Horizons Necessitate Expansion Programme

Originally established in Christchurch in 1955, Southern Cross Engineering is this year celebrating the company's 50th Anniversary. Having outgrown its previous headquarters located in Moorhouse Avenue, SCE purchased its present factory site at Maces Road in Bromley and moved its entire operation there in 1974. Unlike some local engineering firms, Southern Cross had enjoyed the advantages of a long term continuity of projects and has gradually expanded even further since that time. This has been complemented by SCE's Brisbane-based presence which was set up to service its many Australian clients and also as an autonomous sales office.

Since its humble beginnings, SCE has become a major player throughout New Zealand, Australia, the Pacific Islands and parts of South East Asia. It offers a wide range of engineering services, including the heavy structural, mechanical engineering, saw milling and timber re-processing sectors. Its design and manufacturing facility is based solely in Christchurch and incorporates approximately 3,000m2 of machine shop, fabrication and assembly department and offices. Staff numbers are 70.

Recently the Southern Cross Engineering Board made the decision to expand the company's premises for a number of reasons. With increasing new business opportunities on the horizon in Australia and also out of Asia, it was felt that the company should address the critical issue of increasing production efficiencies and productivity to remain cost-competitive on the global market. The likelihood of higher turnover in the near future, particularly across the Tasman, has prompted the move to virtually double the production capability by constructing a new, purpose designed and built fabrication shop and amenities block. In addition to this extra 1,900m2 of working space, the current office block and design/drawing department will also be extended and refurbished and the existing engineering shop will be upgraded. Designed by Lewis & Barrow and built by CBD Construction, the tilt slab building will initially house two 12.5 tonne overhead cranes and eleven powered swinging arm gantries.

Another key factor for moving forward with the new project is SCE's focus on attracting and keeping both new and highly experienced staff. Mention a traditional engineering shop and images of dirty, dingy, noisy, cold and damp working conditions immediately spring to mind. However nothing could be further from the truth at SCE, especially after all the work has been completed. "Much of our success over the years has been because we have not only employed the right people with all the right skills, but we have also been able to retain them," comments SCE Managing Director, Graeme McMaster. "That fact, together with our major on-going investment in the latest technologies has better enabled the company to strive towards delivering what we promise. And that's extremely important for a company whose credibility relies heavily on past performance."

The combination of the specialist international timber mill and timber re-manufacturing equipment which SCE supplies from a number of global manufacturers plus the company's own design/build, installation and project management services positions it strongly to take full advantage of almost any and every opportunity which presents itself in a very competitive market. "Our new expanded facility plus the high calibre of our people, both on the shop floor and on the road, will enable Southern Cross Engineering to maintain our high profile within the industry. Being more responsive to market needs and forces and having the ability to react quickly to new prospective business ventures definitely strengthens our hand. Plus the Board's decision to re-invest in Christchurch is an indication of just how committed this company is to the local and national economies, as well as to valuable export earnings," said Mr. McMaster.

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