“We are constantly improving our product offerings and solutions in order to make customers’ lives easier,” says Moddex Managing Director, Jeremy Raikes.
Moddex is Australasia’s leading manufacturer of innovative barrier systems for large-scale infrastructure and non-residential construction projects. Their extensive range of handrails, barriers, balustrade and guardrail systems is specifically designed for a wide range of applications, Jeremy says. “We utilise pre-engineered, modular systems that are tested in their configurations, which allows us to quickly install them into sites and buildings. We’ve invested heavily in understanding all of the compliance and standards around our products to ensure that they can be installed easily and with confidence.”
The objective, Jeremy says, is to create solutions that are consistent, repeatable and scalable for any project size. “Because we don’t rely on traditional welded handrail and balustrade systems, our products can be sent flat-packed to site and installed quickly, with very little room for compliance error. Our system uses components and fittings that can be assembled on site, and steel that’s shaped to the contour of the project based on customised designs that we’ve put together using the site specifications.”
This bespoke but flexible approach allows Moddex to provide customised solutions in a very short time-frame by using pre-configured modules. “One of the things that makes us unique is our in-house design team, who work with state-of-the-art technology and provide Revit and downloadable BIM files to architects and designers. This means that we can provide them with visualised solutions which fit their specific project, instead of them having to draw all their own handrail designs.”
Two sectors where Jeremy says that Moddex has found a niche are education and railways. “Our KlipTread™ system was created in response to detailed discussions with KiwiRail to address their expressed need for a consistent handrail solution across all of New Zealand’s rail network. There are a lot of rail bridges and edges where someone could fall and, in some cases, areas where handrails can’t be affixed to existing structures. KlipTread™ was specially designed and manufactured for upgrades to existing bridge infrastructure that is no longer compliant due to changes in standards, or to environmental deterioration of walkways over time.
“Similarly, our Ezibilt™ stair, ramp and deck system was created in response to projects we worked on for schools and education facilities throughout New Zealand. We are often the last supplier to work on a project and we found that these projects were suffering from delays because we didn’t have infrastructure ready in time to install our handrails on. As we talked to key stakeholders, we were able to tailor a modular, off-site-manufactured solution that comes in a kit-set and can be customised to your specific site.”
Some long-held priorities, like a clearly visible natural landscape, remain consistent for New Zealand designers. Others, such as the growing need for shared pedestrian and cycleway pathways, are growing, Jeremy says. “There are historical barrier systems that can be dangerous for cyclists; our Bikesafe® barriers have been crafted specifically to protect cyclists and the pedestrians around them, and to eliminate or mitigate injury from falls. They are compliant and easy to install, with curved sections to flow with cycleways. We used Bikesafe® in our recent work on the Huapai Bridge in Auckland, where the focus was on creating safe pedestrian and cycle access to the growing Huapai commercial area.
The solution we provided was designed to comply with the NZTA Bridge Manual, giving our project stakeholders peace-of-mind that the solution would be fit-for-purpose, long-lasting and safe.”
Jeremy is grateful to work alongside a team that can successfully identify, understand and address real pain points for their customers. “I’m passionate about addressing those areas of the industry that are frustrating, slow or costly, brainstorming the problem and then finding a new approach to resolve it. I want to challenge the status quo and I’m always looking for innovations from other industries that we can use to disrupt our own and create a better result. I think we’ve really proven ourselves as a team that can take a concept, understand the need and deliver a commercialised solution to address that need. A true innovation is something that delivers a new solution for a good reason. Fixing real problems, that’s where innovation is most valuable.”
In addition to his product development focus, Jeremy says that he is working closely with the Moddex team to create solutions that are environmentally sustainable. “Off-site manufacturing is a process that can be leveraged to significantly reduce construction waste, while also reducing the need for carbon-intensive freight and transport. Additionally, many of our products, because they are modular, can be easily moved or repurposed during their lifespan, rather than being replaced. These are all big wins from a sustainability perspective.”
Moddex’s forward-looking focus is one ingredient that helps to create a rewarding culture, Jeremy says. “It all comes back to that idea of creating pathways in work and in life. If we have an employee who needs help getting onto the property ladder, we’ll help them. I’m proud to say that we’ve won awards for the workplace environment we have here, and I know that our culture extends to the architects and designers we work with. We’ve created a great interface of vibrant people for our customers to connect with.”
Looking ahead, Jeremy and the team are working on a new access solution to complement their handrail methodology, as well as several high-profile projects which utilise Moddex’s clip-on pedestrian solutions. “We’re getting a lot of enquiries now for those systems to use in tandem with existing road bridges. We’ve currently in the early stages of one such project just north of Gisborne where we’ll be co-creating a solution with the client that will include a shared walking, cycling and horse-riding track.”
The Moddex team is constantly looking for opportunities to innovate and improve, Jeremy says. “We will continue to invest in projects and products that align with the current industry needs, and which aim to improve the lives of those who are working with us. If we can make it easier to install, faster or cheaper to deliver, or better for the environment, we will do it.”
To learn more and connect with Jeremy, visit https://moddex.com/ follow Moddex on LinkedIn or reach out to the team on info@moddex.co.nz.
