|
MBD stands out as a premier provider of contracting services across the West Coast and throughout the broader South Island. With over 30 years of combined experience, our company directors, Darren Richardson and Ben Haddock, bring extensive expertise to a diverse range of contracting projects. We excel in major earthworks, quarrying, sea foreshore and river protection, civil construction, roading and rail.
Founded in 2007, MBD Contracting is a proudly locally owned and operated contracting company known for its dedication to high standards and exceptional work ethic. Our team’s unwavering commitment to excellence is supported by a modern fleet of well-maintained machinery, allowing us to complete projects efficiently and to the highest quality.
Our strong reputation is a testament to the skill, hard work, and positive attitude of our talented team. We are committed to continuous improvement, always seeking innovative solutions and implementing strategies tailored to each project. By fostering long-term, collaborative relationships with our clients, we aim to achieve outstanding results that enhance both their reputations and ours.
Our business development strategy is centered on fostering and strengthening long-term relationships with our existing clients and key government agencies. We believe that cultivating these connections is essential to both mutual growth and continued success. To achieve this, we are committed to actively engaging with our clients and stakeholders, regularly seeking their feedback to continuously improve our services and solutions. By maintaining a transparent and collaborative dialogue, we not only address concerns in a timely manner but also build trust and exceed expectations. Our ability to listen attentively and respond effectively allows us to be more agile and responsive to any changes in client requirements or market conditions. Additionally, we remain highly adaptable by staying well-informed about emerging industry trends, evolving regulations, and best practices. This knowledge empowers us to provide innovative, relevant, and compliant solutions that meet the dynamic needs of our clients and stakeholders.
Leveraging our proven track record of success, we aim to showcase our expertise and reliability not only to our existing clients but also to prospective clients in new sectors and markets. We believe that our strong reputation for delivering high-quality results and our commitment to building enduring partnerships will serve as a compelling value proposition for potential clients seeking a trusted and experienced collaborator.
“Our approach to business is about more than just growth—it is about building lasting, mutually beneficial relationships that are grounded in trust, communication, and a shared commitment to excellence. Through continuous improvement and a deep understanding of our clients’ needs, we strive to be the partner of choice in an ever-changing business landscape”
Ben has been bought up around goldmining and civil contracting that was his father’s (Peter Haddock) business, but when he left school, he took up an apprenticeship as a fitter and turner with Equip Engineering. Completing this, he moved in another direction, buying his first 12 tonne excavator and dry hiring it out. This bought him in contact with Colin. Shortly after he sold the excavator and joined Thompson Contracting as a machine operator.
Darren also came from a local business; his dad Ken Richardson was a local plumber. Darren, however, decided to embark on a different path, first working in forestry after leaving school, then for local contractor Murray Wilkins as a labourer. From there, he found his way into trucks and machinery for Colin Thompson Contracting, followed by a stint in Christchurch at Works Infrastructure (Downers) before moving back to Greymouth and joining father-in-law Colin again.
Darren and Ben were both working for Colin Thompson Contracting in Greymouth when Colin raised the prospect of the two of them (in their mid-20s) buying in. He was tiring of the ever-increasing compliance burden, deciding he needed someone else to manage this or he was ready to call it a day and do other things.
Having taken the leap of faith on Colin’s prompting in 2005, the three soon approached Murray Wilkins about the prospect of amalgamating the two companies to form MBD. Murray Wilkins Contracting had Hi-rail diggers working for KiwiRail, a niche they identified as desirable. Now in his mid-40s, Murray, too, was beginning to succumb to the rising tide of compliance obligations, and so everyone shook hands, and MBD (Murray, Ben, Darren) Contracting was born in 2007.
The business knew what it wanted to target taking on the bigger jobs and embracing the modern compliance environment as simply a part of doing business in the 21st century. They also wanted a focus on quality, cleanliness, and presentation. Murray’s wife Fiona Wilkins did the administration in their own business and came into the MBD office from the get-go with the formidable IP people like her always have. That proved invaluable. Two years on, the 4 partners bit the bullet, bought an empty site further down the street and constructed a brand-new purpose-built building with an office and workshop complex and spacious yard – a far cry from where it all began when home was a pair of 40ft containers with a roof between them as a workshop and a couple of portacoms for offices.
2013 bought a change in the ownership dynamics of the company with the number of directors reducing from four to three; Murray Wilkins decided to exit the company and pursue a career in dairy farming. As the company adapted to this new structure, the remaining directors were poised to continue to drive innovation, enhance collaboration, and continue steering the organisation towards its ambitious goals. 2014 was a sad year for the company with Colin’s diagnosis of terminal cancer and sadly passing away shortly thereafter. His passing left a profound void, but Colin’s legacy of dedication and hard work, remains firmly embedded in the company’s operations. This left Ben and Darren as sole owners of the company. This transition marked a new chapter in the company’s evolution, promising a revitalized perspective and renewed momentum.
Under the expert management of Darren and Ben, the company has experienced consistent growth and success, continually evolving and thriving in a competitive market. Their unwavering commitment, drive, and passion to see the business flourish is reflected in the impressive portfolio of completed projects and the strong, lasting relationships the company has built with its clients. This dedication is not only evident in the quantity of work secured but also in the quality and consistency maintained across every project.
Darren and Ben’s leadership has fostered a company culture of excellence, where high standards are upheld in every aspect of the business. The company has earned a stellar reputation for delivering top-tier results, and it is frequently recognized for its exceptional craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail. This commitment to quality extends beyond the work itself, as the company is known for its professional presentation and operational efficiency, ensuring that every client interaction is smooth and every project is managed with care and precision.
As the company continues to expand, it remains a benchmark for excellence in its industry, thanks to the steadfast leadership and dedication of Darren and Ben. Their vision for success is not just about growth in numbers but about nurturing long-term relationships, ensuring continued success, and maintaining the company’s status as an industry leader.
