When LB Collision Repair Group outgrew its existing premises, the Whangārei business had an opportunity to create a new facility designed around its team, specialist equipment and future growth.
Kinetic Electrical Whangārei worked alongside owners Mel and Carl Henty and building specialists ARCO Group to plan and deliver the electrical solution for the purpose-built workshop and offices at Port Nikau.
The project
Established in 1994, LB Collision Repair Group needed a larger facility to support its growing business.
The new building, more than twice the size of its previous location, incorporates customer reception and office areas, staff facilities, parts storage and an expansive vehicle-repair workshop. It also includes a dedicated area for servicing large vehicles such as trucks.
With specialist repair equipment, vehicle hoists and multiple working bays to accommodate, the electrical system needed to be carefully designed around the way the facility would operate.
An electrical plan built around the workshop
Kinetic Electrical Whangārei developed the electrical design in close collaboration with the client and wider project team.
As equipment requirements and building details evolved, the team adapted the electrical plan to ensure power was available exactly where it was needed.
One of the key challenges was supplying electricity to central working bays without running services up through the workshop floor. The team designed custom overhead power droppers suspended from a cable tray approximately five metres above the floor.
Similar solutions were created for the vehicle hoists, giving the workshop flexible and accessible power while keeping the floor clear.
Durable products for a demanding environment
The workshop required electrical fittings capable of handling the knocks, movement and daily demands of a busy collision-repair facility.
Kinetic Electrical Whangārei recommended PDL Pro Series switchgear across the project, supported by PDL 56 Series products in the workshop.
The coordinated range provided the required power outlets, data connections, USB mechanisms, sensors and automation components while maintaining a consistent finish across the workshop and office areas.
Integrated labelling windows also make individual outlets, circuits and switchboards easier to identify and manage.
Smarter and more efficient operations
Energy efficiency and everyday convenience were incorporated into the electrical plan from the outset.
Motion sensors help ensure lighting is only used when required in bathrooms and connecting areas. A Schneider Electric EVlink charger allows the team to charge electric vehicles being repaired onsite.
App-based lighting controls also make opening and closing the facility simpler, allowing the owners to manage the building’s lighting with only a few taps.
Ready for future growth
The completed facility brings together specialist workshop power, commercial switchgear, lighting, EV charging, sensors and automation within one coordinated electrical solution.
Every element was planned around LB Collision Repair Group’s current operations while providing the flexibility to accommodate new equipment and continued business growth.
The result is a purpose-built workplace that supports operational efficiency, employee comfort and a high-quality customer experience.
Project highlights
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Purpose-built workshop and office electrical fit-out
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Custom power solutions for central working bays
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Electrical connections for vehicle hoists and specialist equipment
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PDL Pro Series and 56 Series electrical products
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Commercial switchgear, power, data and lighting
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Schneider Electric EV charging
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Motion-sensor lighting
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App-based lighting automation
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Electrical infrastructure planned for future expansion
Planning a commercial project in Northland?
Kinetic Electrical Whangārei delivers carefully planned electrical solutions for workshops, offices, commercial buildings and other operational facilities.
Bring our team into your project early so we can understand how the building needs to work and coordinate the electrical requirements from design through to completion.
