Innovative technology success for construction company

Reid Construction Systems Ltd is one of only two companies to win two categories at this year’s Westpac Enterprise North Shore Business Excellence Awards, taking out the 3M Excellence in Innovation and Massey University Excellence in Technology Awards.

The judging panel commended Reid Construction for focusing on delivering unique construction technology to provide sustainable products to the construction market.

“It is a remarkable achievement to win two awards. Reid Construction is an experienced company with a great understanding of the seismic building code and brilliant relationship building abilities,” says Matthew Bellingham, 2009 convenor of judges. “The company shows a remarkable strength to work with designers and suppliers to develop innovative technology that could transform the industry.”

Reid Construction Systems, who have been in business since 1984, has undertaken research and development for the past two years on a ductile and “bendable” concrete. The formula can be sprayed onto the underside of bridges or onto the walls of a building to reinforce and provide superior resistance to halt the deterioration of these structures; all at a fraction of what it would cost to replace.

“There are a number of wonderful old buildings, particularly on the North Shore, and to be able to offer a solution to stop future damage to them is something we are passionate about,” says Reid Construction Systems general manager Mr Derek Lawley.

“Unreinforced Masonry buildings in areas such as Devonport are at risk from earthquakes and seismic damage and to repair these structures would cost millions of dollars of rate payers’ money. Bendable concrete is in its infancy but essentially it is several hundred times the strength of normal concrete and it significantly contributes to the structural integrity and longevity of these structures.”

“We decided that it was fantastic to celebrate the success of our company and to show others that investing in research and development can produce products that are exportable to world markets”.

Judges also commended Reid’s development of a threaded reinforcing bar that can be used for pre stressed beams and comply with seismic loading.

Enterprise North Shore chief executive Terry Hoskins believes that innovation is an essential element of long-term business success. “I congratulate Reid Construction for understanding the importance of innovation and investing in new technology. By constantly working to improve their products by investing in research and development, it sets the company and our local economy up well for the future.”

See all 2009 Award winners

For more information contact:

Ainslie Stevenson

Communications Administrator

Enterprise North Shore

Ph: (09) 414-1343; Mob: (027) 500 8592

E-mail: comms@ens.org.nz

See also: www.ens.org.nz