From the outside, Gisborne Engineering looks like any other regional workshop — steel racks, welders sparking, the steady hum of fabrication. But step inside, and you’ll see something else entirely: a 150-year-old legacy business reinventing itself for the future, powered by a new generation of leaders who prove you don’t have to leave your hometown to build a world-class career.

In 2023, the company hit a crossroads. Rising costs, declining margins, and an urgent need for change meant it could either scale back — or scale forward. Enter 23-year-old Dmitrey Carruthers, a former apprentice who stepped into the role of General Manager. His mission was bold: rewire the culture, sharpen the systems, and invest in people like never before. And according to Dmitrey, the most important change wasn’t something you can bolt to a machine.

“The biggest innovation wasn’t a product — it was our people.” – Dmitrey Carruthers, General Manager, Gisborne Engineering

Turning Crisis Into a Culture Shift

Instead of cutting costs at the expense of people, Gisborne Engineering doubled down on its team. While other companies paused bonuses and froze hiring, they reinvested — $35,000 in bonuses, $60,000 in salary increases, and the launch of financial literacy and personal development programs. Division managers received one-on-one leadership coaching, learning to read financials, set KPIs, and lead strategically.

The results?

  • Operating expenses ↓ 19%
  • Material margins ↑ 195% (13.6% → 40.2%)
  • Revenue per employee ↑ 55%
  • Gross profit ↑ 8.03% despite a 20% dip in labour revenue

From Apprentice to Asset

Few stories capture this transformation better than Joseph Stife, a second-year apprentice who’s gone from unsure teen to trusted project lead.

  • At Cedenco, Joseph managed a full conveyor refurbishment — uncovering hidden issues and securing more work.
  • At Eastland Port, he handled urgent shutdown maintenance solo over Christmas — saving critical downtime.
  • For Kiwi Lumber, his precision fabrication sped up delivery and locked in repeat business.

And he’s not alone. Lavelle Rangihuna, another rising star, took Gisborne Engineering’s Parts Division from a $13K monthly loss to a $23K profit, a 279% turnaround — and bought his first home at age 23.

“When locals see they don’t have to leave to lead — that’s where real change begins.” – Dmitrey Carruthers

Innovation Isn’t Just on the Floor

Inside the business, the biggest operational game-changer came from a software solution built in-house: EngTec. Created to tackle scheduling chaos, job visibility issues, and quoting delays, it links directly into the company’s financials — eliminating waste and lifting project delivery.

Now being developed as a SaaS product for other engineering firms, EngTec is both a competitive edge and a future revenue stream.

A People-First Playbook That Works

For Gisborne Engineering, nurturing talent is the business model. Every new hire gets a mapped development plan. Financial literacy and personal growth are as central to the business as welding tools or CAD software. And recognition is woven into the culture — from monthly awards to peer-nominated celebrations.

This approach mirrors The Future Makers vision for the next campaign phase: showing young people and career changers that manufacturing is a launchpad industry. Joseph’s rise from uncertainty to leading major projects, Lavelle’s leap into leadership — these are the real-world examples that turn “career pathway” from an abstract promise into a lived reality.

Dmitrey says it best:

“I started here sweeping floors with no idea where I’d end up. Now I’m leading the company that helped shape me. Manufacturing isn’t just a trade — it’s a launchpad. If you give it your best, it will take you places you never expected.”

Manufacturing Capability, Not Just Parts

From remote Tairāwhiti, the Gisborne Engineering team delivers precision work for major national and international clients — from complex stainless assemblies to urgent repair jobs. Their strength isn’t just technical — it’s in the trust and consistency they offer under pressure.

This isn’t just manufacturing. It’s problem-solving at speed, and it’s growing talent along the way.

Legacy You Can Build On

For a business that nearly folded just one year ago, the transformation is extraordinary. Gisborne Engineering is now a launchpad — not just for parts, but for people, pathways, and purpose.

They’re proof that world-class manufacturing doesn’t need a city postcode — just vision, grit, and a culture that backs its people.