Christchurch Steel: Legacy business on the market for the first time ever!
Businesses that run like a well-oiled machine have never been more in demand. Luckily, there is no shortage of quality ventures hitting the market right now, and among them stands a truly special opportunity. For the first time ever, family-owned and operated manufacturing boutique Christchurch Steel is for sale and seeking a motivated new owner to continue its legacy. Anika Gamba of LINK Business Brokers is delighted to be named the trusted professional in charge of this incredible listing on behalf of husband-and-wife vendors Gareth and Sarah Jones.
Strategically situated in Papanui, Christchurch Steel is a wellestablished steel fabrication and erection company servicing building & construction companies throughout Canterbury and the South Island. Renowned for accuracy, reliability, and firstclass customer service, the business has maintained an enviable reputation since its inception decades ago. “Prioritising quality over quantity has afforded Christchurch Steel an undeniable market presence, positioning it as an industry frontrunner,” Anika says. Although formally incorporated in 1995, the roots of Christchurch Steel trace back to the 1960s. “Gareth’s father, John (Jack) Jones, initiated a steel manufacturing business and sold his shares a decade later,” explains Sarah. Undeterred by challenges, Jack, a dedicated entrepreneur, then launched another steel venture in 1975. “By the mid-1990s, Gareth had decided to invest in his father’s business, working alongside him, and this collaboration led to the formation of Christchurch Steel (1995) Limited,”. Over the years, Gareth assumed ownership as his father embraced retirement, solidifying the business’s standing in the industry. Christchurch Steel occupies a thriving sector in a sought-after, niche market. The business has made an impressive name for itself in the arenas of residential homes, architectural metalwork, and commercial structural steel, with projects ranging from new builds to earthquake strengthening. Additionally, Christchurch Steel’s endto-end service model that encompasses everything from quoting to delivery has worked to differentiate the highly regarded business. “The company’s goal has always been to make the process as easy and efficient as possible for our customers, which is reflected in our offerings and our glowing reputation too,” says Gareth.
Time and time again, Christchurch Steel has proved itself as an attentive, cost-effective, and solution-focused supplier of fabricated componentry, resulting in strong customer relationships. “Our relationships with stakeholders have been thoughtfully built over time, and even our competitors have a high level of respect for Christchurch Steel because they understand our unique and unwavering place in the market,” explains Gareth.
The cornerstone of Christchurch Steel’s sustained success is its tight-knit, expert team. The vendor works as the General Manager and is supported by an additional 13 staff members, each filling roles integral to the business’s performance. “As a business built on family values, it’s always been important that we appreciate our staff members and respect the knowledge each of them possesses,” Gareth says. “Most of them have actually been employed in the business for over ten years, so not only are they qualified and passionate, they’re loyal too,”.
Christchurch Steel certainly boasts a lengthy history, but that doesn’t mean its slowing down any time soon! With a full pipeline of confirmed future work, the business is set to continue dominating under fresh ownership. “At any point, Christchurch Steel has between 30-40 jobs in progress, so acquiring the business right now means keeping it on its set trajectory,” says Gareth.
The next phase of Christchurch Steel’s life cycle may include exploring its untapped potential. “Not only is the business backed by market longevity, but there are growth prospects that could prove to be revolutionary for the business, such as implementing a digital marketing strategy,” explains Anika.
There is flexibility in who may be the new owner of Christchurch Steel, as well as how it could be operated. “The new owner may be an individual or couple looking to capitalise on & continue the builtin family dynamic of the business, or an existing manufacturing company looking for a profitable add-on,” Anika states. Whether the business remains owner-operated, or an industry-experienced manager is appointed, one thing remains clear: Christchurch Steel is an excellent find worth purchasing!
“Christchurch Steel has been a significant part of our lives for decades, but we are ready to move onto our next chapter,” says Sarah. “We can assure a new buyer that this is a rewarding business with an iconic past and bright future,” adds Gareth. Urging interested buyers to act quickly, Anika says, “specialised businesses of this nature are a hot commodity, so it’s important to seize the opportunity!”. To find out more go to linkbusiness.co.nz/CS00852 or contact Anika Gamba of LINK Business Brokers on 022 560 3241 or anika.gamba@linkbusiness.co.nz