Local builders get into windscreens

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 10, Issue 458, 20 October 1992, Page 6

Local builders get into windscreens

ADVERTORIAL Local construction company, Horne Brothers, have a new string to their bow - they now fit windscreens and other automotive glass. Following an approach by the Wanganui branch of Wintsone Glass, Horne Brothers manager Robert Horne began discussions about taking on the "Approved Repairer" status. "We saw it as another service we could offer the community, as well as making Horne Brothers more diverse and more viable as a company," said Robert. "We had been dealing with Winstone Glass for several years, buying our normal house glass from them As a Winstone Glass Approved Repairer, Horne Brothers can carry out windscreen repairs and replacements, windscreen reseals, and fitting sunroofs and other glass products. They are part of a nation-wide network of repairers who offer the service, all to the same high

standard. All repairers undergo the same training, and all repairs come with the group's guarantee which is valid nationwide. A nation-wide price structure is also a feature, which means someone having a screen fitted in Ohakune pays the same price as the same job in Wanganui, Auckland or Invercargill. There are no extra freight charges because you're stuck in the middle of the North Island. Horne Brothers will carry a stock of windscreens so they

will be able to offer a same-day service for fitting replacement screens for many of the more popular models of car . For the less common windscreens and for other automotive glass, Horne Brothers is able to offer an overnight service. Joiner and glazier Graham Murdie will initially carry out the repairs, having undertaken training at Winstone Glass in Wanganui and Palmerston North. "That's another advantage with being linked to a nationwide group - rather than going it alone," said Robert. "We will be kept up to date I with the latest ; techniques and ' materials through the Approved Repairer group." Graham is a joiner and glazier of over 20 years' experience. He began his apprenticeship with Horne Brothers in February 1970 and, apart from his OE trip to Europe from 20 December 1973 until 2 July 1975, has worked for Horne Brothers continuously.

Other staff will follow on with training once the service has been established. Horne Brothers is a well-known local construction and joinery firm, having been established in 1955 by brothers Ian and Bill. While they came from Wanganui to set up the firm, the family has connections with the area going back to the 1900s. The company has worked in every school in the area, built the Ruapehu Community Gymnasium, the Waiouru Swimming Pool, many other buildings for the Army, and has built houses from the lowbudget to the top-of-the-range. They build an average of 15 kitchens a year, also covering the whole spectrum of budgets and styles. "We build good kitchens because we've got a good joiner in Graham, that's what it boils down to," said Robert. He said their kitchens are better than most that are brought into the area and match the rest.

Robert bought into the company in 1989 when his uncle Ian retired. Bill Horne was killed in a skiing accident at Skipper's Canyon in 1975. Following his death, his wife Margaret became a partner.

Robert commenced a building cadetship in 1975, finishing it working for a commercial construction company which had their own quantity surveyor in Wanganui.

"The idea behind the cadetship was to produce practically minded project managers," said Robert. "It was ideal training for stepping into running this company."