Latham Construction
Construction Excellence: Latham Construction’s Success with Kobelco Excavators
In the ever-evolving landscape of construction and infrastructure development in New Zealand, Latham Construction has emerged as a valued player in delivering high-quality projects that not only transform the urban fabric but also redefine the industry’s standards. In our exclusive feature, we delve into Latham Construction’s latest venture, the 30 Hospital Road project, and their seamless experience with Kobelco excavators.
Located in Auckland, the project is an integral part in providing residential accommodation and ancillary services to the Middlemore Medical Precinct – a monumental 6-hectare brownfield urban endeavour. This project’s vast scope encompasses civil works that Latham Construction is conducting in collaboration with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development. Notably, this development is a partnership with Ngai Tai ki Tamaki Iwi, underlining the significance of cultural collaboration in modern construction practices.
At the core of Latham Construction’s impressive capabilities are their Kobelco excavators, each offering a unique set of advantages. Latham Construction’s investment in the SK85MSR-7 8.5 tonne machine adds another layer of adaptability to their fleet. With steel tracks and rubber pads, this excavator offers the flexibility to work on different terrains, even on furnished surfaces if required. This versatility stands as a testament to the adaptability that Kobelco excavators provides to construction professionals.
Meanwhile, for the mammoth project at hand, the company has strategically selected three high and wide SK210LC-10s medium excavators, two of which are equipped with GPS Trimble kits. They have also included two SK140SRLC-7s medium excavators and one SK55SRX mini excavator in their fleet. Notably, the SK140SRLC-7 boasts a vibrating plate attachment, also known as “the iron,” which can be utilised on both the SK210LC-10 and SK140SRLC-7 excavator. As Alex McLennan, Civil Manager at Latham Construction emphasises, their experience with Kobelco excavators has been overwhelmingly positive, thanks to the robust power, exceptional smoothness, and minimal mechanical and hydraulic issues.
According to Alex, what sets the SK140SRLC-7 medium excavator apart is its blade attachment and zero swing feature, enabling it to operate effectively in tight spaces, making it an ideal choice for complex urban projects. Furthermore, the excavator’s power, remains more than sufficient for loading trucks and operating in tight areas. The versatility of the Kobelco excavators, with its range of attachments and smaller spade frames, allows Latham Construction to tackle a wide array of tasks, from minor jobs to substantial projects.
In addition to the Hospital Road project, Latham Construction’s impressive portfolio includes the completion of Metlifecare’s retirement village in Beachlands. The project involved the construction of sixty-four villas, two large apartment buildings and a host of civil works. This complex project not only showcased Latham Construction’s technical expertise but also their ability to interact with village management and residents in an open village setting.
Latham Construction’s journey with Kobelco excavators exemplifies the synergy between cutting-edge equipment and an experienced team. Their commitment to excellence and their strategic choice of Kobelco excavators are indicative of their dedication to delivering superior results in the challenging construction industry.
As Latham Construction continues to shape the urban landscape of New Zealand, their partnership with Kobelco New Zealand serves as a testament to the power, precision, and performance that underpin their success. With a commitment to quality and an excavator fleet that mirrors that commitment, they are poised to remain leaders in the industry.
