Readying for the resurgence

Thoughts from Mastercraft Kitchens Wellington co-owner Tony Hawes

Although it is still proving to be a testing business environment, Mastercraft Kitchens Wellington has in recent months continued to implement changes and upgrades to improve our business.

These improvements are not only internal, but will also hopefully lead to us providing a better experience for our clients. A brief summary of these ongoing developments are provided below and further in our full August 2025 E-newsletter.

OSH and inwards goods manager

Nigel Dickson, a valued, long-term employee who was our machine shop manager, is now focused primarily on the safety and health of our staff, as well as stock management. This reflects our serious commitment to the wellbeing of all team members. I know Nigel will do a great job.

New production manager Nic Larsen

Nic joined our team in recent months and brings to our business a great attitude and high skill levels in the joinery trade. Nic oversees all manufacturing from machining to assembly. Welcome aboard Nic.

Jobman management software

We are continuing to implement this software upgrade. It is an all-in-one joinery management programme which, among other things, will give us full visibility over where all of our jobs are at any one time, and help enable quick and accurate communications with clients.

Lean manufacturing

We are well into making Lean manufacturing a part of our ethos, including having established an internal steering committee and with a good number of our staff undertaking a qualification in the field. It is starting to show benefits by reducing waste and creating a tidier, safer and more-productive work environment. Co-owner Michelle Norman has done a great job driving this.

New machinery

We’ve added some machinery to our factory with another CNC (computer numerical control) machine and edgebander recently installed. This equipment not only provides us with backup when other machines are being serviced, but also creates more capacity when the market picks back up.

Client survey

We are receiving honest feedback from our end-user private clients by inviting them to take part in a customer survey after their jobs are completed. This is providing incredibly-valuable information, which we will then use in our continual improvement planning. Thanks so much to all who have provided this feedback.

Outlook

The Mastercraft Kitchens Wellington team is looking positively towards 2026 being a busier year. We are working hard to continue being a reliable and trusted supplier to our valued private retail, group home builder and property developer clients.