From Las Vegas to London, this east Auckland company is shaping the future of construction and attracting international attention along the way.

Most east Aucklanders may not know it, but some of the world’s most advanced construction technology is being developed right here in our own backyard.

Howick Ltd, based in Howick since 1978, has quietly become a global leader in precision roll-forming machines – equipment that manufactures light gauge steel framing used in everything from homes and schools to resorts, arenas, and humanitarian shelters.

This Kiwi innovation has featured in some unexpected places:

• Super Nintendo World in California, where Howick machines helped shape the whimsical “bubble” sets on the Mario Kart ride.
• The Fountainebleau Las Vegas, where high-spec prefabricated facades were produced using Howick roll-forming technology.
• The MSG Sphere, the jaw-dropping concert venue in Las Vegas, with curved steel frames formed by Howick technology.
• British Offsite’s automated housing factory in the UK, delivering up to 4,000 homes per year.
• And even the US Navy Seabees, which use Howick machines to rapidly deploy buildings for disaster and humanitarian relief.

Behind these projects is a bigger mission: to revolutionise the way the world builds, using faster, smarter, and more efficient methods that reduce waste and improve quality.

While over 95 per cent of Howick Ltd’s systems are exported to more than 80 countries, everything is still designed and built in New Zealand.

But global demand, and a growing team of engineers, technicians and apprentices, has led to plans for a new facility just a short drive from the company’s original roots in Howick.

The new site will allow for expanded R&D, international training, and the hosting of Howick’s flagship industry event: STEEL HORIZONS.

Held previously in London, Boston, and Tampa in Florida, STEEL HORIZONS brings together global leaders in construction innovation.

It’s more than a showcase – it’s a thought-leadership event that brings together industry experts and leading minds from around the world to share fresh perspectives, inspire the industry and encourage more collaboration.

The next STEEL HORIZONS is set to be hosted right here in New Zealand, drawing international attention, and opportunity, to our region.

So while you might not see many buildings in New Zealand framed with light gauge steel just yet, that could soon change.

Howick Ltd is driving that transformation globally, and it’s doing it from right here in east Auckland.

It’s a local story of quiet innovation – with a global impact – and it’s only just beginning.