Business efficiency and potential unleashed

A modern fit-for-purpose operations hub will unleash our business efficiency and potential, says Quality Roading and Services chief executive Nigel Pollock.

“QRS is very grateful to have been given this opportunity by the Provincial Growth fund to allow our locally-owned and operated civil contracting company to continue helping grow the Wairoa community.

The proposed new 750 square metre operations hub will provide space for an additional 30 staff, central meeting and briefing rooms, human resource and finance workspaces offering privacy, and a store room. The new building has been budgeted to cost $4 million.

QRS is wholly owned by Wairoa District Council (WDC). Known as a council-controlled trading organisation (CCTO), it operates for the purpose of making a profit so dividends can be channelled back to council. At the end of last year QRS returned a $350,000 dividend to WDC – the highest paid in 14 years.

The 26-year-old company specialises in construction and maintenance of all types of civil construction, infrastructure and roading. It employs 95 staff and  every year pours $6.5 million of wages and salaries into Wairoa homes creating social and economic benefits for the whole community.

It pours tens of thousands of dollars each year into the community via donations to sports and cultural groups, youth education, and charity. It also provides work-in-kind around the region.

With years of commitment to Wairoa’s infrastructure, Mr Pollock says it now time to invest in its own.  “As anyone visiting QRS’s existing depot on Kaimoana Rd will attest, much of our depot infrastructure is aging. While appearing reasonably robust to the eye it’s not fit for purpose.

“Over the past two decades we’ve had a rise in employee numbers from 30 to nearly 100. We’ve reached a point where our efficiency of business is constrained. We need more space, modernisation for the digital world, and a more professional looking central hub.”

“Thanks to this stimulus package from the Government QRS can now invest in its own people, ensuring their workspace is energetic and team-spirited, warm, inviting, and something we can all be proud of.”

QRS chairman Guy Gaddum says the PGF investment is a vote of confidence in the region. “This infrastructure investment fits well with the government’s previously announced investment strategy in Wairoa helping carry the town forward and help with our recovery after COVID-19. We are extremely grateful.”

Mr Gaddum says QRS has options for where it can find the extra $2 million to complete the project. The expectation is that QRS will borrow $1.2 million and inject the final $800,000 from capital funding.

“This building development is another leap forward in the QRS journey where we invest in our most important asset, our people . They are what  sustains our ongoing growth.”

 Mr Pollock says the architectural design is underway and the company seeks to work with Tātau Tātau o Te Wairoa Trust in the coming weeks to help guide the cultural components of the building’s design in order to reflect the region.

He says during construction a large shed will be removed and where possible materials will be salvaged for re-use or recycling.

Local contractors will be used for the build where possible and Mr Pollock says it would be fantastic to see the concrete foundations poured by the end of this year.  “We’re shovel ready and need to start work on the building now to ensure QRS can continue to provide the services our region needs.”

“A modern fit-for-purpose operations hub will unleash our business efficiency and potential and help ensure Wairoa District Council can continue to achieve its goals for growth and development in the region.”

Ends

7 August 2020

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