Passion and potential

As a contractor, working on a building with more than 12 angular faces is at best a challenge, and at worst a logistical nightmare. Couple that with little on-site storage capacity and the challenges increase.

For Auckland Steel, that was the situation the company faced while working on the new head office for Microsoft New Zealand at Auckland's Viaduct Harbour, says general manager Daryl Warren.

"Due to a lack of space, we had to devise a series of programmed deliveries 15 major deliveries, with further smaller deliveries of componentry, consumables and sundry items to coincide with the construction sequence."

Contracted to supply and erect the building's roof including the BMU rail for window washing equipment Auckland Steel spent three months on site.

"The installation of the BMU rail cleats and rail took nearly a month. At each of the 15 locations where the rail curved or changed angle, we fabricated a curved member from rolled and profile cut plates. This ensured the top and bottom surfaces remained level and at a true right angle to the vertical member."

With an overall tonnage of around 50 tonnes, Warren says the job was by no means a large one, but was extremely complex.

"No two pieces of steel in the entire contract were the same," he says.

For further details, contact Auckland Steel, phone (09) 250 0790, mobile 021 760 122, fax (09) 250 1275. Website: www.aucklandsteel.co.nz.

Story by: Trendsideas