Hayes International has been manufacturing Rollformers for the metal building industry for over 60 years. Based in Rotorua but with predominantly overseas clientele, Hayes International has a reputation as one of the world’s top manufacturers of Rollformers and Rollforming equipment.

“We are presently recruiting overseas for specialised staff. Out of our 87 employees, roughly 25% of the workforce are from overseas.”

The company was recently recognised as an Employer of the Year at the 2023 Tompkins Wake Rotorua Business Awards for its outstanding investment in its staff. The annual awards delivered through the Rotorua Business Chamber celebrate innovation and creativity in the business sector.

Managing Director Nick Looijen says the company was a finalist in two categories and was awarded for their employee schemes which cover pay equity through to well-being.

“We’ve been working really hard over the last six years to bring in more employee benefits and more flexible working hours. We try to bring all wages up to equal or better than the market and have focused on looking after our employees through Health and Safety and well-being initiatives,” says Nick.

“We had a health and trauma insurance scheme in place which wasn’t being used, so we closed this and gave employees $500 each to go towards their medical costs and well-being. We really encourage them to spend the money on whatever contributes to their well-being away from the workplace, it could be a new pair of walking shoes, a box of golf balls or a day spa. We also have fully funded physio visits on site.”

The company actively promotes community by providing monthly morning teas and quarterly staff lunches along with an early Friday finish. Staff have access to a New Zealand-wide group buying scheme and a fuel card for discounted fuel and engage in fundraising for mental health initiatives and selected charities. There is also plenty of investment in staff training.

“We are presently recruiting overseas for specialised staff as it’s very difficult to find experienced trade staff, experienced mechanical design and rolltool engineers in New Zealand. Out of our 87 employees, roughly 25% of the workforce are from overseas,” he says.

Hayes International is one of only three Rollforming companies in New Zealand and is manufacturing rollforming equipment for roofing iron, corrugated iron, industrial steel purlins and steel framing machines for housing.

Everything is manufactured in-house from the design and electrical and tool engineering, through to the machinists, painters, service technicians, outward goods team, IT, finance and HR.

“Ninety-eight percent of our machinery is exported to Australia and America, our biggest markets right now, and our machinery is in 89 countries. The biggest demand from the Australian market is for corrugate and five-rib panel roofing products, whilst America is predominantly Ag and R panel for barns,” says Nick.