Absolute Stainless celebrates 25 years in business

Scroll down to view the 25th Anniversary Celebration Image Gallery.

What began as a vision to become Whangārei’s go-to name for stainless steel has grown into a successful family business,
with Absolute Stainless celebrating its 25th anniversary this month.

Led by Sue and Simon Mehrtens, the Absolute Stainless team marked the milestone on Friday 16 October,
bringing together more than 120 family members, friends, former staff, suppliers and customers for a barbecue and drinks
at their Logyard Road workshop in Port Nikau, Whangārei.

Early beginnings

Before starting the business, Simon spent seven years working in the aluminium boat building industry in Perth.
After returning to Whangārei in 1995 and while working at Circa Marine, he saw an opportunity to supply stainless
for a superyacht being built locally.

It was late October 2001, with Simon initially working alone in the workshop, that Absolute Stainless began.
The business grew quickly, taking on its first employee in January 2002. By the end of that year, the team had grown to seven.
While staff numbers have fluctuated over the years, the team currently sits at 13.

A growing business

Much of the work began as stainless steel fabrication for the marine industry. Over the years, projects expanded into commercial
and industrial work, making everything from rangehoods, flashings, and level entry drains to stainless steel benchtops, handrails,
and varied custom jobs, including working with aluminium, copper and brass.

Notable custom jobs have included the Rolling Ball Clock and the gold cupola which sits atop the Hundertwasser Art Centre,
both located at Whangarei’s Town Basin.

Vision

Sue says that their vision right from the start was to be the first name people think of when they need quality stainless steel –
somewhere people could come with a job, big or small, and know they would get good workmanship, reliable service and value for money.

“Looking back over the last 25 years, we can proudly say we’ve achieved that,” says Sue.

In 2024 Absolute Stainless purchased McKenna Stainless Fittings, adding the manufacture of swept tees, pulled tees and
reducers to their offerings. The products are used in the dairy, food, beverage, agriculture and horticulture industries.

Apprentices and loyal customers

Another achievement Sue and Simon are particularly proud of is the 13 apprentices they have trained over the past 25 years.

“For us, that’s a really important part of what we’ve achieved. It’s not just about running a successful business; it’s about giving
young people an opportunity to learn a trade, develop skills, build a career and contribute to our community. It’s something
we feel very strongly about, and we’re so proud to have played a part in their journeys,” says Sue.

During the event, the team also paid thanks to their loyal customers. “One of the things that’s kept us going all these years
is the loyalty of our repeat customers. Some of them have been dealing with us right from the very beginning, and that
loyalty and support means an awful lot to us.”

Looking to the future

Over the past 18 months, the business has invested in a new drawing package, upgrading processes and systems, and new
equipment, including a laser welder that improves distortion during welding.

“Work is starting to ramp up as Christmas approaches, and we expect to have an influx of overseas yachties arriving for
summer needing repairs and modifications,” says Sue.