FROM NZCB —
Putting our partners in the spotlight New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) is proud to partner with a wide range of companies with multiple branches nationwide. These companies have aligned with the Association to provide significant support to our members and have the option to engage with them across a wide range of opportunities. Known to the Association as “National Partners” we are delighted to tell you a little bit more about two of them.
Introducing Bowers Brothers Concrete Ltd
Introducing Franklin Plumbing and Builders Supplies Ltd
From backyard business to major masonry manufacturer Bowers Brothers Concrete celebrate 90 years of success in the NZ construction industry.
The Story
2020 marked a huge milestone for Morrinsville-based company Bowers Brothers Concrete. What started as a small backyard operation by two brothers in 1930, has since grown to become New Zealand’s second-largest manufacturer of masonry building products. We take a look at how this family business has evolved into one of New Zealand’s most respected suppliers of concrete products over the last 90 years: 1930 – Hand-making troughs in the backyard. 1940 – The first masonry building block is produced. 1982 – The expansion into Redi-Mix concrete. Today, Bowers Brothers continues to be a large supplier of Redi-mix concrete in the Waikato with five Redi-mix plants across Morrinsville, Matamata, Putararu, Paeroa and Hamilton and over 40 delivery trucks in action! 1987 – Concrete block demand continues to grow – a new wave of automation begins and a Columbia model 8-block machine was installed to grow production and improve efficiency. Not long after, demand had again outstripped supply and a faster Model 22 was imported from the USA to bolster supply. 2011 – A major investment in masonry production sets the foundation for massive growth – the time had come to step things up a notch. We purchased the old mushroom farm in Morrinsville and constructed a massive 70m x 30m masonry production facility. We installed a state-of-the-art Columbia M16 3-block unit and massively lifted production. 2015 – Bowers Brothers purchase Holcim Masonry plant in Horotiu, doubling production capacity. Bowers Brothers now offers a full range of Concrete Blocks, Pavers, Permeable Paving Systems, Brick Veneers, Kerbing, Retaining Wall and more. These days the Bowers Brothers team are even more focused on providing innovate solutions to the New Zealand construction industry. New permeable paving solutions are helping local councils find new ways to manage storm-water runoff issues while the recently released Midnight – coloured masonry blocks and matching mortar are a hot favourite with modern designers and architects alike.
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We are proud to be the exclusive agents for Europe’s finest bathroomware. Each of the brands that we represent has impressive credentials – from artisanal craftsmanship using some of the most indulgent materials available, to precision engineering and performance. And of course, they all carry the unmistakable sophistication of style and design that Europe is renowned for.
About Us Our family has provided premium bathroomware for New Zealand architects, homeowners, developers, builders, and plumbers for over 65 years. This experience has shown us the lasting legacy of quality. From the durability and safety that comes from high quality base materials, to the superior functionality of German engineering. From the time-consuming hand-crafted finishes passed down through generations of family artisans, to the sustainable practices that underpin many of our European manufacturers. It’s not just the aesthetics and performance of our products that stands up to your scrutiny, it’s also the accountability that comes from being a family business. We value that many of our manufacturers are also family businesses just like ours, and that we share a common goal to create a continuing legacy of lasting quality, with integrity, to all our customers. See our full range of European products at www.franklins.co.nz
A full list of NZCB National Partners can be found on page 45 of this issue of InHouse or on the members’ only Toolshed under Our Partners.
