COST-CONSCIOUS A FOCUS FOR FUTURE CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION
In this cost-conscious time in business, in particular within concrete construction, “architects, engineers and contractors have a product and service operation available to them that not only helps cut costs but improve efficiencies”, says Lance Canute, founder/director of Canzac Group
“We are a concrete construction ‘specialty house’. It’s not a new idea; [it’s] in other parts of the world but certainly unique to New Zealand and Australia,” explains Canute, talking of the many advantages for contractors in dealing with his team, product and service range.
He says that the function of a concrete accessory house is to basically sell and rent concrete accessories of both vertical and horizontal concrete construction. Additionally, supplying systems ideal for the construction industry such as formwork, formwork hardware and accessories – perfect for reinforced concrete structures of all types.
“From industrial warehouses, food production cool-stores and freezers to bridges, dams and wharfs to name a few, we provide a wide range of concrete specialty items including hardware, dowels, armour joints, inserts and anchors, curing systems, joint fillers, densifiers and much more.
“We like to think of ourselves as a supermarket or a one-stop shop for the concrete construction trade and we have an extensive range of systems that go under-slab – in-slab – on-slab.”
The company’s mantra is to set new standards by undertaking its own product tests and Canute says that the result has been product innovation and more solutions.
The wealth of experience in all matters ‘concrete’ means the team can consistently deliver “the right system first time, for the right result over the lifetime of the build and beyond”.
Many project contractors, explains Canute, do not want to invest heavily in equipment, particularly those who do a wide variety of projects requiring different types of equipment and accessories.
“But most of the time it is more economical for the contractor to buy. Many of the accessories we sell stay in the structure either specified by the engineer or chosen by the contractor… structure accounts for about 85-90% of our sales, with the remainder in rentals.”
Having the ability to buy or rent such a wide range of materials and different systems means the contractor doesn’t have to wait for what they need, or the job be held up. Prompt delivery helps, too.
“It’s delivery to the job site when required and for some contractors this can be all the time, and every time an order is placed,” says Canute, noting a key point-of-difference, “Immediate delivery is usually only available in major cities or towns in the regions.”
Canzac also offers assistance in quoting at the tender stage, “Realistically, and on construction projects large or small.
“The contractor may want help on quantifying the material amounts or want lump sum prices in- order to mitigate risk so to protect his margin. We can help.”
Still, there’s more strings to this bow.
“We can provide a variety of engineering assistance such as the ability to design and issue a PS1 and sign off the PS4; or design formwork and form-ties and understand pour rates and formwork pressures, even the ability to engineer the lifting points and supply the right lifters and inserts for both tilt-up and precast applications.”
But variety doesn’t dimmish the level of expertise available.
“Understanding incompatibility issues with bond breakers and flooring sealers or densifiers and systems that the supply house offers is paramount.
“Our consultants within the field or in the office are well equipped to offer help to the contractor. If a contractor does not have the technical information they need, they can get it immediately from us.”
The company website sums it up: ‘We’ll have it’.
Canzac offers:
• Ability to keep you informed about new innovations and cost-saving materials and methods
• Engineering and design assistance early in the design stage
• Pre-tender quotes on materials
• On-site and in-class (‘School of Concrete’) assistance with the installation process
• Less time required to perform purchasing functions
• Scheduled deliveries
• Consolidated deliveries and fewer trucks to unload
• One payment involving many invoices means less paperwork
• Liability stops with one supplier
• More than one location