Wiri Prison

The multi-million dollar, 17-hectare design and build for the Wiri Prison in South Auckland was an example of a project that combined sheer scale and significant complexity.

With 9 different subcontractor companies on that job, effective collaboration was key to the efficient onsite operation. The melding of trades from electrical, ductwork, commissioning, pipework, air conditioning and more meant a concerted team effort was required.

Fletcher Construction was the prime contractor on the job, with Aquaheat NZ Ltd providing the building maintenance

services.

According to the Aquaheat Management Team, "The design was all low storey and rather straightforward. The challenge was the scale; that amount of buildings ail happening at the same time plus the size of the site."

There were 32 buildings in total, of which a round half a dozen were small in the ductwork context. At least 20 buildings housed significant ductwork; 3 big house blacks (each 2 storey with over 900 cells each), residents' buildings, which were all low security, kitchen and laundry (a lot of ductwork within), and health, education and administration buildings were also huge buildings containing large volumes of ductwork.

Express Sheetmetals did the manufacture and installation on the Wiri Prison job and had at least a 30-strong team working onsite. This showcased their ability to deliver on sizable-scale projects efficiently and with professionalism.

Express Sheetmetals are very passionate about what they do!" exclaims David Houghton, Project Manager, Aquaheat NZ Ltd, when asked about Express Sheetmetals and the service they provide.

"The word "passion" definitely comes to mind. It's the way they are, and because of that, they do a really good job."