Project Overview
The Kōkōwai build-to-rent project in Hobsonville Point, one of the largest undertakings by Manson, faced unprecedented challenges due to the global Covid-19 pandemic. With nearly five decades of experience, we thought we had seen it all, but the disruptions caused by the pandemic were unlike anything we had ever encountered. The project had been placed on hold, and when work resumed, we were confronted with a rapidly changing market, including spiking raw material costs that threatened the project’s budget. The Kōkōwai project involved over half a kilometre of balustrades, along with 480 square meters of screens, 100 linear meters of handrails, and 36 custom covers for outdoor air-conditioning units. The magnitude of the project required meticulous planning, but the pandemic added new layers of complexity to an already ambitious build.
The Solution: Strategic stockpiling and supplier collaboration
When the Kōkōwai project was re-awarded to us in 2021, we faced a significant challenge: managing the budget during a time of global supply chain disruptions and surging raw material prices, particularly aluminium. With over 10 tonnes of aluminium required for the project, the spike in costs presented a serious risk of budget overruns. However, we were committed to delivering the project without passing additional costs onto the client, despite the volatile market conditions.
To overcome these challenges, Manson leveraged its extensive experience, scale, and supplier network. Our approach involved two key strategies:
- Stockpiling materials: To protect against further increases in raw material costs, we acted swiftly and stockpiled aluminium ahead of time. This allowed us to lock in prices and avoid exposing the project to further fluctuations in the market.
- Supplier collaboration: We maintained constant communication with project engineers and our network of suppliers to ensure a steady flow of materials. By working closely with our partners, we could hedge against cost increases and maintain budget certainty.
The success of Kōkōwai was due in large part to our ability to execute under challenging circumstances. Our in-house team, which included highly skilled welders, played a critical role in ensuring the precise installation of the balustrades and screens. One of our experienced welders provided on-site finishing, welding fixing points for the balustrades and screens, ensuring both quality and safety.
Success in adversity
The Kōkōwai project is a testament to Manson’s ability to adapt and deliver, even in the face of unprecedented challenges. By leveraging our size, experience, and strong supplier relationships, we managed to overcome the challenges of the pandemic and ensure the success of one of our most complex projects. This highlights our commitment to delivering exceptional results, no matter the circumstances.
