Walking through the doors of Spectrum’s Hamilton factory you could be forgiven for wondering what it was they actually manufacture. The diversity of the operation is because most components used in Spectrum's product are developed and manufactured in-house. In-house manufacturing immediately delivers several key benefits — more control over the supply chain, better stock control, lower cost of goods, and the ability to be more flexible around solution delivery.

The other standout benefit is that the plant and equipment can be used for the supply of services to parallel markets, for instance Spectrum’s CNC flat bed routers when not in use manufacturing aluminium infill panels for balustrade, are extensively utilised to service the NZ aluminium boat building and stock crate manufacturing industries. If you’ve recently taken a Whale Watch trip out of Kaikōura, you may well have done so on Te Ao Mārama which was joined in February by her sister ship, both of which started life on Spectrum's CNC Flat bed Routers.

Having parallel markets results in better utilisation of the plant and the skilled labour who operate them. Across the yard in the engineering workshop the same applies to the vast array of sheetmetal equipment used to create aluminium entry canopies as well as a range of electrical cabinets that are distributed nationwide.

Of course, when you manufacture almost everything in-house there is also nowhere to hide — so robust systems and quality control procedures are in place to ensure that each finished product that leaves the building is well designed, well built, and fully fit for purpose. Supporting the manufacturing team, Spectrum employs a large team of designers, structural engineers, project managers, account managers, project engineers, as well as other technical and office support staff.

Probably the greatest benefit of in-house production is that it requires people, and that means that Spectrum doesn’t just create aluminium architectural products, it also helps to create a community, and by purchasing as much raw material as possible from other local manufacturers and suppliers, the combined positive impact on our local community is further enhanced.

Having diversity in the manufacturing processes means that by making locally, Spectrum can touch a wide range of industries from building and architecture, through to electrical engineering, tourism, and primary industries, and each touch point means more jobs, not just for Spectrum but for all their clients.

Spectrum believes that when you build local, you also help to build communities, jobs, and futures of their people and the country.