Action Engineering in Dunedin celebrates its 35th anniversary, growing from a small team to a modern fleet while staying focused on local engineering work.
A handwritten sign at Action Engineering sums up the message: this is a firm built to last.
The Dunedin-based company is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year, having started with a team of three and a Ford Escort van. Over time, it has expanded to around 30 staff and moved to a much more modern fleet, while keeping its footing in engineering and fabrication work.
Action Engineering marks 35 years by pointing to diversity as a key strength. Core work has centered on pipe fabrication for projects such as water races and water treatment plants, along with structural components including access platforms, stairs and handrails.
Meanwhile, the company has also taken on maintenance and general engineering work, supported by relationships with long-term clients.. A Dunedin City Council maintenance contract, held for five years and recently renewed, has been a significant part of that stability, alongside clients including Port Otago, Holcim, Talleys and KiwiRail.
Insight: For firms like this, staying power often comes down to balancing specialist trades with the flexibility to deliver a range of related site needs.
In recent years, Action Engineering has adjusted how it pursues work. It previously chased tenders for out-of-town projects, but found project management challenging, so it has since focused on work from south of Christchurch through to Southland.
At the leadership level, Allan Golden recently stepped into the role of general manager. With 25 years at the company, he began on the tools, trained as a fitter and turner, and says he still prefers being on the factory floor over working from an office.
There’s also been an ongoing emphasis on training. The business has taken on apprentices and supported students through the Gateway workplace programme, including participants who arrived without basic familiarity, then developed into strong workers.
Marty Reddy, the contracts manager, has also been part of that people-first approach. Now living in Lawrence and commuting to Dunedin, he moved from Ireland nearly a decade ago and has highlighted the variety of the work and the collaborative nature of the workplace.
Insight: The anniversary matters because it reflects more than time on the calendar, showing how consistent delivery and steady workforce development can keep regional engineering businesses relevant.