Sureway Civil: Investing in Long Term Quality

It takes a strong presence to rise above the competition in Auckland’s explosive construction market. For the past eight years, Sureway Civil Limited has been building a reputation of strength and value through careful expansion of their fleet of modern Cat machinery.

From its beginnings as a small start-up company in 2008, the Auckland based company now boasts 30 permanent staff and 15 machines. Specialising in residential subdivisions of up to 70 lots, Sureway Civil’s continued growth enables them to take on larger clients and more complex projects.

Sureway Civil initially worked with Gough’s rental division for their equipment. “Through The Cat Rental Store we got to know and like using Cat machines,” says owner Brandon Hands. “We got more equipment as we could afford it. It seemed logical to continue with Cat as we expanded.”  The result was the growing company bought many of the same models of Cat machines that they had previously rented.

Poovan Naidoo, Territory Sales Manager with Gough Cat, sold the company their first used 6 tonne mini excavator.  It was the beginning of a strong business relationship that continues today. Poovan soon helped Brandon choose a new 311DL excavator to add to Sureway Civil’s growing fleet. “We’re very happy with the reliability of the Cat excavators,” Brandon says. “They guys love them. Everything about them is top quality.”

As Sureway Civil added larger residential projects and commercial contracts to their portfolio, their need for quality equipment also increased. With an eye toward building his reputation in the competitive Auckland market, Brandon looked for a strong brand that would not only satisfy his requirements but provide excellent service and product support, along with time and money saving technology. “Availability of parts is good; it’s one of the reasons I’ve chosen Cat,” Brandon claims. “The company has been stable since we began dealing with them eight years ago. If you need the parts they’re there. There’s no down time – not that we ever have break downs anyway!”

Poovan Naidoo observes that Sureway Civil has a comprehensive approach to management of a Cat fleet that now includes a 120M grader, 312EL and 320EL excavators, a variety of D-Series excavators, as well as Cat mini excavators, rollers and a multi terrain loader. Brandon thinks long term when it comes to adding value for his clients while lowering production costs through supported equipment solutions.

Prior to the inclusion of a new Cat 120M motor grader to its fleet, Sureway Civil subcontracted their grading work. With the increase in Auckland construction, the company often found it difficult to find quality workers. The new 120M gives the company a competitive advantage by allowing them to offer a reliable and consistent solution to their clients, with more efficient fine grading, higher production and lower operating costs. The new grader is equipped with Caterpillar’s ACCUGRADE™ GPS System, which combines digital design data, in-cab operator guidance features, and automatic blade controls to increase productivity by up to 40%, while making dramatic reductions in site costs.

The latest addition to the Sureway Civil fleet is a new 320EL excavator, which joins a 312EL as the second new Cat E-Series in the fleet. Brandon worked with Gough’s to compare the benefits Cat D and E series model before making his decision. The 320EL was chosen for its advantages of lower operating costs, 10% more fuel efficiency than the D-Series model, and higher levels of operator comfort and safety. Sureway Civil’s commitment to technology has seen the new excavator fitted with ACCUGRADE™ GPS grade control.

ACCUGRADE™ GPS will assist the 320EL operator work to the design plan by accurately cutting, filling, and reducing material cost. It uses technology to compare the excavator blade position to a three-dimensional computerized site plan and signals the operator or hydraulic system to raise or lower the blade to achieve the design requirements. This allows the operator to quickly and accurately excavate trenches, slopes and complex designs without traditional survey stakes, which increases material utilisation and ultimately makes the Cat 320EL a more productive performer.

Poovan credits his good working relationship with Sureway Civil to Brandon Hands’ appreciation of what makes a machine valuable over time. Brandon also appreciates the value of good service. “We have a great partnership with Gough’s and a salesperson who looks after all of our needs.”

 “The market is busy,” Brandon said. “We look forward to keep expanding to meet demand and having Cat and Gough’s as key partners along the way.”