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For nearly 50 years, Howick Ltd has been a name synonymous with precision engineering, innovation, and strong family values.
What began as a small family-run workshop in 1978 has grown into an industry leader, supplying world-class steel framing technology to over 80 countries.
At the heart of this success story is a commitment to craftsmanship, innovation, and a deep-rooted culture of nurturing talent.
A legacy of vision and hard work
The Howick Ltd journey began with father and son Keith and Bruce Coubray, who initially ran Auckland Automotive Engineering.
As the automotive industry evolved, they saw a need to pivot and took a chance on a new opportunity.
While visiting Howick to purchase a lathe, they ended up buying an entire workshop, laying the foundation for what would eventually become Howick Ltd.
“My grandfather and father saw the writing on the wall,” recalls Nick Coubray, the company’s current CEO.
“Fixing old cars was a dying industry, so they took a leap of faith, and that decision set us on the path to where we are today.”
The business quickly became a family affair, with Bruce’s brothers Rex and Alan joining the venture.
Over the years, the leadership baton has passed through generations, with Nick and his brother Hamish now co-owning the company alongside their father.
A culture of innovation and excellence
Howick Ltd’s reputation for engineering excellence took shape in the 1980s.
In 1987 the company built a refrigeration tube-bending machine for Fisher and Paykel, an early milestone that showcased its ability to develop specialised machinery.
By 1996, Howick Ltd had fully embraced a new direction, shifting its focus to steel framing machines, which are now the core of its business.
This transition positioned the company at the forefront of the construction industry, helping revolutionise how buildings are framed and assembled worldwide.
“We started as a general engineering shop, but we saw an opportunity to specialise,” Nick says.
“That shift helped us grow from a small local workshop to an international player in construction technology.”
Investing in people, building a future
One of the defining aspects of Howick Ltd’s success is its dedication to cultivating talent.
The company has long prioritised apprenticeship programs, bringing in young engineers and training them from the ground up.
This investment has paid off, with many apprentices rising through the ranks to hold key leadership positions.
“Our general manager, Wayne Rowe, was one of the first apprentices we ever took on,” Nick says.
“He’s been with us for over 40 years, and we have many others, like Deon Anderson, our head of global sales, who started as apprentices and have grown into pivotal roles within the company.”
Employees who start at Howick Ltd in engineering often branch into software development, sales, and management, creating a dynamic, well-rounded workforce that drives its continued success.
“We’ve built a close-knit team and grown from just three people to over 50 here in New Zealand, with more staff overseas,” Nick adds.
“We see ourselves as more than just a business. We’re a family, and we take pride in the people who help us push the boundaries of what’s possible.”
A global impact from a local base
From its headquarters in New Zealand, Howick Ltd has made its mark on the world.
The company’s steel framing machines are found in more than 80 countries, with major markets in the United States, the UK, Europe, and Australia.
Ninety-five per cent of its products are exported, solidifying Howick Ltd’s position as a global leader in steel framing technology.
Its machines have played a role in constructing some of the world’s most famous buildings.
“There’s some of our steel framing in Buckingham Palace and The Shard in London,” Nick reveals.
“A lot of Las Vegas hotels, the new Sphere entertainment arena, and even Universal Studios’ Super Nintendo World and Disney’s Star Wars theme park were built using our technology.”
The company’s decision to bring software design and development in-house in 2007 has further strengthened its competitive edge, allowing it to refine its machinery from concept to completion.
A future built on strong values
As Howick Ltd prepares to move to a new location, its leadership remains steadfast in upholding the company’s founding values of family, innovation, and quality.
For Nick and his team, success isn’t just measured in revenue or global reach.
It’s about creating opportunities for people, delivering world-class technology, and staying true to the ethos that has driven the company for nearly five decades.
“There’s nothing better than seeing a young apprentice grow into a skilled professional and even return after working abroad,” Nick says. “That tells us we’re doing something right.”
With a solid foundation, a dedicated team, and a relentless drive for innovation, Howick Ltd is poised to continue shaping the future of construction technology.
