IN THE FRAME: MARCH 2026
⏱️ 2 min read
Welcome to IN THE FRAME. 2026 is already shaping up to be a year of fast-paced change. The businesses re-thinking construction are the ones pulling ahead, and there are a few good reasons why.
SMART BUILD SPOTLIGHT: From sceptic to believer - Queensland Steel House Frames
In our latest SMART BUILD SPOTLIGHT, founder Brett Smith shares how Queensland Steel House Frames grew from a carpenter’s first steel build into a large-scale framing operation running 15 Howick machines.
It is a grounded story of backing yourself, learning on the go, pushing through uncertainty, and building something worthwhile from the ground up.
Your takeaway: What happens when you back yourself, learn fast, and commit to doing things better - one job at a time.
View the SMART BUILD SPOTLIGHT
Hybrids are here - timber and steel working side by side
Our recent Shed Living NZ Ltd showcase highlights how our X-CALIBR™ roll-formed structural solution helped deliver a smart hybrid build on a South Auckland farm. The 12 x 9m shed used X-CALIBR™ for clear spans and fast assembly, while the 92m² dwelling used timber framing and trusses. It shows how a mixed-material build can come together smoothly with the right planning up front.
Why it matters: A practical look at how to simplify wide spans, reduce site work, and make mixed-material builds run more smoothly.
A peek at what makes Howick manufacturing tick
Image courtesy of AMA.
Advancing Manufacturing Aotearoa takes readers inside the Howick factory to show how New Zealand-made engineering supports construction businesses around the world. It shows how being based at the bottom of the world has shaped Howick’s way of working, grounded in practical problem solving, precision, reliability, and long-term support.
Your big picture: What sits behind a Howick machine, and why single-site manufacturing and long-term thinking still matter.
Need finance for a Howick machine? Start here
Image courtesy of Wolf Partners.
If a new machine is on your radar, and you want to get things moving sooner, this article is a good place to start. It connects you with equipment finance providers who can help you spread the cost in a way that works for your business. We are starting with providers in the US and Canada, with more regions to be added over time.
Next steps: A clearer path to funding your next machine and aligning it with your growth plans.
Feeling inspired?
The businesses making the biggest gains are finding better ways to build - and putting them into practice. Talk to us about what you want to achieve with steel framing. Visit our website or email us to start the conversation.
