1971

Where it all began

Rising oil prices in the early 70’s forced one business to close and another one to open. With experience in stainless steel fabrication and oil-fired heating products, Bill Hansen and Brian Francis saw an opportunity for a new sheet metal engineering business in the Hutt Valley – so Metco Engineering was born at 150 Eastern Hutt Road, Taita. After about eighteen months Bill sold his sharing holding in Metco to Nigel Messenger.

The majority of their work in the early years came from the car assembly plants, and they quickly established a reputation for quality and exceptional service. Their diversifying business was successful for over 30 years.

After their number one customer was sold to a Chinese buyer in 2001 and moved off shore, they decided it was time for some new blood and a change of direction for Metco. At this stage the company was well established and had a great name in the Wellington area, which presented a perfect opportunity.

2005

Worldwide contracts start to be won

Paul and Brent’s strategy worked, and Metco began steadily gaining contracts, including opportunities to supply global customers. This included window stays for a large international company – having successfuly competed against their Chinese factory on cost-effectiveness.

Metco expanded its capability to include a wide range of engineering processes and materials, growing into four specialist manufacturing sites.

2012

Dexion Commercial

In 2011 Dexion Commercial began to look for key outsource manufacturers that could manage custom made steel furniture and shelving for the New Zealand and Australian markets.

“Finding the right outsource partners was critical, as custom work and New Zealand made product were key to distance ourselves from importers,” said Mark O’Donnell, General Manager of Dexion Commercial New Zealand. “More importantly this gave us a major point of difference over the competition. Dexions search for a key partner went the length of the country and into Australia. In the end we found in Metco a partner with the right capabilities, technology, pricing and expertise.“

2014

Takeover of Perry’s Engineering contract work

With Perry’s closing shop, Metco’s offer was accepted to buy up and utilise their well established assets to serve their clients. This involved sorting and rationalising their stock, tools, and machinery and integrating these with what they already had. This enhanced their capability even more and helped to take Metco to a new level.

2016

Service award and new premises

Metco rationalised its multi-site operations and opened a new premises in Gracefield, creating a stronger synergy in its operations, now all managed under one roof.

The Minister of Defence Awards of Excellence to Industry were established by the New Zealand Defence Industry Advisory Council (NZDIAC) to highlight and reward the contribution made by industry to Defence. Metco was nominated for the 2016 Minister of Defence Awards of Excellence to Industry and won this prestigious award.