Woolworths New Zealand (formerly known as Countdown) is New Zealand’s leading supermarket brand, serving more than three million customers every week. The company has over 185 supermarkets across New Zealand and offer more than 20,000 different products in each of their stores.

As part of the Woolworths Taupō South new store build, Watts & Hughes, the head contractor of the project, engaged Off-Grid Electrical to complete the electrical works on the new 2,358 m2 store. After submitting their tender application, Off-Grid Electrical were awarded the job and commenced work on the Taupō South site in February 2022.

The project involved various electrical work, including power mains, lighting, electric gates, and appliances for different departments. Off-Grid Electrical were also responsible for installing the switchboards, emergency lighting, and seismic bracing for lighting fixtures. Sean McCullough, Director of Off-Grid Electrical said “The sheer scale of the project required approximately 5,000 man-hours, which at different times involved the entire Off-Grid team on this project”.

With the project well underway, Off-Grid Electrical were required to work to tight timelines. Alan Benjamin, Project Manager at Watts & Hughes commended the Off-Grid team for their speed and skillset, “They are very good contractors, who specialise in supermarket and large commercial projects. Not all electricians can do supermarkets and the speed that we operate at to build them.”

Understanding the vital role the electrician plays in a large-scale commercial project, Off-Grid’s Project Manager was on-site first thing every morning and one of the last to leave site each day. “Without power, nothing can progress on the site. They [the electrician] should be the first on-site and the last to leave site each day” Sean emphasised. Alan echoed this sentiment, reflecting on his experience with the Off-Grid team, “Once the roof goes on, they’re one of the main contractors. Everything hinges on their work to get the shop open.”

As part of their scope of work during the project, Off-Grid Electrical supplied and installed an Emerson Controller. This controller plays a critical role in monitoring refrigeration levels, safeguarding food, reducing energy consumption, checking efficiencies and allowing smart technology to control the lighting system.

Throughout the project, Off-Grid Electricals’ Project Manager worked very closely with site personnel ensuring effective and timely communication at all levels and with various stakeholders. On working with the entire Off-Grid Electrical team and reflecting on the overall project, Alan summarises with the following, “Off-Grid sit up there with the top electrical guys that I have worked with around the country. These guys can turn their hand to all kinds of work. They don’t shy away f rom it. They’re willing to step in, resolve any issues and get on with it.”

After the project’s conclusion, an Electrical Systems Observation Report was completed by Dave McKenzie, a Project Engineer at Electrical Consulting Services Ltd. The report commended the work of the Off-Grid Electrical team, “We would like to acknowledge the Off-Grid Electrical Team on this project as one of the best installations we have seen in recent years.”

Off-Grid Electricals’ successful collaboration with Watts & Hughes on the Woolworths Taupō South Project demonstrates their expertise in managing complex electrical works for large-scale commercial projects. Their commitment to punctuality, exceptional workmanship, and professionalism has garnered recognition from contractors and project managers alike.