Where strength meets innovation

The story of Fletcher Steel

For more than a century, Fletcher Steel have been providing strength and integrity to New Zealand’s buildings and infrastructure. 

From our humble beginnings in 1923, as a small group of steelworkers supporting Fletcher Construction, we have grown to become New Zealand’s largest importer, processor and distributor of steel. 

Our story is one of innovation, resilience and strong partnerships with the architects, builders and engineers who shape our nation.

Flashback to 1923

Our story began on the Auckland University construction site in 1923, where nine steelworkers and an apprentice formed the core of what would soon become New Zealand’s largest steel fabricating company. 

In the 1930s, when demand for steel was booming, we formalised our steel working expertise with the creation of the Vulcan Steel Company. 

Then in 1936 we took another step forward by forming the Wellington Structural and Reinforcing Steel Company, to assist the rapid growth of New Zealand’s capital city. 

These initiatives cemented our reputation as a reliable and forward-thinking partner in the commercial construction industry.

Mid-century acquisitions and growth

In the 1940s, our steel operations surged forward with the purchase of Stevenson and Cook Engineering in Port Chalmers and Joseph Sparrow & Co in Dunedin. 

Another major boost came in the 1950s, when we opened a reinforcing and structural steel manufacturing plant in Christchurch, driving further expansion and innovation.

In 1954, we brought all our steel activities together to create Fletcher Steel and Engineering. 

As steel merchants and reinforcing steel manufacturers, we expanded our market reach with premises in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.

By 1973 we were operating 15 sites across New Zealand, offering a comprehensive range of steel products for construction.

Our outputs included merchant bars, structural steel sections, tubes, pipes, plates and sheets, as well as stainless steel, special tool and machinery steels, and allied products. 

By the mid-1990s, we had expanded our capabilities to include coil slitting, plate profile cutting and guillotining of steel products.

Fletcher Steel today

Fast-forward to today and Fletcher Steel has a fleet of industry-leading, trusted brands – Easysteel, Fletcher Reinforcing, CSP, Fletcher Wire Products, Dimond Roofing, Dimond Structural and Pacific Coilcoaters. 

In the infrastructure and construction sectors, these names are synonymous with quality, reliability and innovation.

From residential roofing and Cyclone farm fencing to structural steel and road safety barriers, Fletcher Steel products provide essential components for New Zealand’s ever-growing built environment. 

As we look to the future, the company is more committed than ever to supporting New Zealand’s goals and ambitions with world-class steel solutions.

Find out more about Fletcher Steel and its associated brands here

Story by: Trendsideas