YIJU New Zealand
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Exhibitor: PlaceMakers

PlaceMakers is a leading supplier of building materials and equipment in New Zealand. From Kaitaia at the northern end of the North Island to Invercargill at the southern end of the South Island, PlaceMakers has 62 stores across New Zealand, along with 8 timber frame and truss manufacturing plants nationwide. These can deliver directly to building sites throughout the country, substantially reducing customers’ financial and time costs.

From concrete to paint, and timber to plasterboard, PlaceMakers sells tens of thousands of building materials and tools, serving hundreds of thousands of customers. At PlaceMakers, we see our customers as our partners. Our mission is to ensure quality service and meet customers’ needs, and we pledge to deliver service in accordance with the PlaceMakers Customer Service Promise. We want to ensure that PlaceMakers is your easiest business partner to work with, at every branch, without exception!

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This philosophy also ran through YIJU New Zealand’s exclusive interview with PlaceMakers CEO Bruce McEwen.

 

YIJU: Over the past year, New Zealand’s construction and property sectors have experienced unprecedented growth. In these circumstances, what opportunities and challenges do you think the industry faces?

Bruce McEwen：The construction industry is currently experiencing a level of growth that none of us anticipated a year ago. On the positive side, this has created many employment opportunities, including in land development. However, rapid growth has also brought three major challenges: labour shortages, supply chain constraints, and the resulting product shortages and price fluctuations.

I believe the key for all businesses to navigate this period smoothly is to adapt more effectively to new ways of working. In practical terms, PlaceMakers has traditionally operated as an analogue business, through physical stores and the like. That meant we could not serve customers anytime, anywhere.

Today, PlaceMakers is adjusting and rethinking how we operate. We have invested considerable time and effort in developing digital tools and digitising our business. Taking a mobile-first approach, we have developed digital tools in the form of mobile apps that allow customers to transact with PlaceMakers anytime, anywhere.

We are also digitising the entire PlaceMakers operation, from ordering and order fulfilment to delivery, to provide you with an end-to-end supply chain. Everything we do is aimed at ensuring PlaceMakers remains a market leader. We will continue to improve new features, making it easier for customers to do business with us and helping them succeed.

 

YIJU: PlaceMakers has sponsored six consecutive editions of NZIBES. Why have you chosen to keep supporting this event?

Bruce McEwen：We have worked with NZCBIA since it was founded. We have continued supporting NZIBES over the years because of the leaders and team behind it, and the importance of the Asian construction sector to us. We remain actively involved and continue to learn. Maintaining this partnership is very important to us.

 

YIJU: What opportunities do you think NZIBES offers participating businesses and individuals?

Bruce McEwen: The annual NZIBES is one of the industry’s best events. For our staff, it is an opportunity to learn about the latest industry developments and hear insights and ideas from industry experts. I encourage everyone to attend NZIBES with an open mind, to learn about and absorb the latest industry information, then improve their businesses to serve customers better.

 

YIJU: What has PlaceMakers gained from participating in NZIBES 2021?

Bruce McEwen：For PlaceMakers, it is an opportunity to connect with the industry’s fastest-growing and most important segment. It is also an excellent opportunity to showcase ourselves. Through this platform, we meet new people, connect with industry leaders, and learn about the latest industry developments to ensure we stay in step with the market.