The Super Sub-Contractors of 50 Shades of Grey
'HDG Construction' article published 17th June 2021.
The Super Sub-Contractors of 50 Shades of Grey
'HDG Construction' article published 17th June 2021.
The Super Sub-Contractors of 50 Shades of Grey
'HDG Construction' article published 17th June 2021.
Right from 1969 when Gibbons Contractors Limited was founded by Colin and Dick Gibbons, to when Harris Dowd Construction (est.1998) purchased Gibbons in 2007, to the merger in 2017 and rebranding as HDG Construction in 2019 - there have always been two crystal clear principles at the core of all the businesses…
…they would always be “Sub-Contractors” and the “Concrete Construction Specialist.” Or as they like to say at HDG; “Anything Grey!”
Right from 1969 when Gibbons Contractors Limited was founded by Colin and Dick Gibbons, to when Harris Dowd Construction (est.1998) purchased Gibbons in 2007, to the merger in 2017 and rebranding as HDG Construction in 2019 - there have always been two crystal clear principles at the core of all the businesses…
…they would always be “Sub-Contractors” and the “Concrete Construction Specialist.” Or as they like to say at HDG; “Anything Grey!”
The introduction to Gibbons Contractors Ltd came through Graham Dowd who had finished his building apprenticeship there in the 1980’s. Graham went on to work for Hartner Construction as a Project Supervisor. Mike Harris’s company; H&M Construction Ltd. Worked as a Sub-Contractor at this time for Hartner.
Mike and Graham joined forces in 1998 and became Harris Dowd Construction. “The Sub-Contractors Specialising in Concrete Construction.”
They were insistent on putting their name to the company and their work. That decision has served them well in a turbulent time throughout the Building Industry in the 90’s and beyond.
Almost ten years on, in 2007, Harris Dowd in association with Ron Williams and Chris Lobb purchased Gibbons Construction. The two businesses continued to work separately but sharing resources from; machinery and equipment to their labour force.
It was a good fit. Harris Dowd specialised more in Structural Concrete Works: Concrete block, precast and cast in-situ building structures and peri formwork systems. They were focused on large scale commercial concrete structures for blue-chip corporate clients and contractors: Fletcher, Downer, Multiplex, Mansons and Kalmar.
Whereas Gibbons, managed by Ron Williams, specialised more in Civil Engineering and Infrastructure. Services included: retaining wall works, piling, inground structures, bridges, abutments and foundations. They also owned the patent to the “Gibbons Crib” concrete blocks that they manufacture from their yard based in Albany.
The introduction to Gibbons Contractors Ltd came through Graham Dowd who had finished his building apprenticeship there in the 1980’s. Graham went on to work for Hartner Construction as a Project Supervisor. Mike Harris’s company; H&M Construction Ltd. Worked as a Sub-Contractor at this time for Hartner.
Mike and Graham joined forces in 1998 and became Harris Dowd Construction. “The Sub-Contractors Specialising in Concrete Construction.”
They were insistent on putting their name to the company and their work. That decision has served them well in a turbulent time throughout the Building Industry in the 90’s and beyond.
Almost ten years on, in 2007, Harris Dowd in association with Ron Williams and Chris Lobb purchased Gibbons Construction. The two businesses continued to work separately but sharing resources from; machinery and equipment to their labour force.
It was a good fit. Harris Dowd specialised more in Structural Concrete Works: Concrete block, precast and cast in-situ building structures and peri formwork systems. They were focused on large scale commercial concrete structures for blue-chip corporate clients and contractors: Fletcher, Downer, Multiplex, Mansons and Kalmar.
Whereas Gibbons, managed by Ron Williams, specialised more in Civil Engineering and Infrastructure. Services included: retaining wall works, piling, inground structures, bridges, abutments and foundations. They also owned the patent to the “Gibbons Crib” concrete blocks that they manufacture from their yard based in Albany.
The “Gibbons Crib” concrete block system is predominantly used for retaining walls. And whilst pre-cast has been more fashionable in recent years, “Gibbons Crib” still has a place as a cost-effective option that allows plants to grow through the system, giving it a more natural aesthetic. It can be seen all over Auckland and beyond. It is still specified today as a preferred option for certain situations.
Gibbons clients included local and central government agencies and corporates: Auckland Council, Auckland Transport, Vodafone, Fulton Hogan, KiwiRail, Transpower and Watercare.
The “Gibbons Crib” concrete block system is predominantly used for retaining walls. And whilst pre-cast has been more fashionable in recent years, “Gibbons Crib” still has a place as a cost-effective option that allows plants to grow through the system, giving it a more natural aesthetic. It can be seen all over Auckland and beyond. It is still specified today as a preferred option for certain situations.
Gibbons clients included local and central government agencies and corporates: Auckland Council, Auckland Transport, Vodafone, Fulton Hogan, KiwiRail, Transpower and Watercare.
The great positive of the two companies coming together was the ability to utilise their formidable team of concrete specialists across both businesses. It is the cornerstone of HDG’s success.
To employ solid, reliable, dedicated and skilled specialists. Many of which are still with the business today after 20 to 30 years of service with Gibbons, H&M, Harris Dowd and now HDG Construction.
The company is immensely proud of their team and their can-do, “let’s get the job done” attitude. HDG have always championed best practices in Health & Safety.
The fact they have almost no staff turn-over is testament to the amazing culture within the business.
The great positive of the two companies coming together was the ability to utilise their formidable team of concrete specialists across both businesses. It is the cornerstone of HDG’s success.
To employ solid, reliable, dedicated and skilled specialists. Many of which are still with the business today after 20 to 30 years of service with Gibbons, H&M, Harris Dowd and now HDG Construction.
The company is immensely proud of their team and their can-do, “let’s get the job done” attitude. HDG have always championed best practices in Health & Safety.
The fact they have almost no staff turn-over is testament to the amazing culture within the business.
Gibbons Contractors Ltd and Harris Dowd Construction came together as one identity in 2017 as Gibbons Harris Dowd.
In 2019 they rebranded as HDG Construction.
Currently HDG employ 90 full-time Concrete Construction Specialists and employ up to an additional 60 contractors through closely aligned and long serving labour hire companies.
With the rebrand it allowed them to reassess their Brand DNA. Two things remain consistent from over 50 years ago. They remain Concrete Specialists and Sub-Contractors.
But more recently with heavy investment in machinery, equipment, Health and Safety systems and their “Ace Card” of an experienced, formidable labour force they are now...
“The Super Sub-Contractors of Concrete Construction.”
