John C Smith Contractors

The origins of Smith Crane and Construction can be traced back 1964 when Australian farmer/contractor John C Smith (Tim Smith’s father) established a drain laying and bridge building company in Rangiora, Christchurch.

John C Smith Contractors constructed a significant amount of infrastructure around New Zealand, one significant project being the Otira Viaduct. The Otira Viaduct located in Arthur’s Pass between Canterbury and the West Coast that opened in November 1999. At the time this project was one of the largest of its kind in New Zealand and cost $25 million to build. The bridge was built on four “pillars” up to 45m high and was built on foundations that were each 25m deep, 4m in diameter and complex to engineer.

John continued to expand the business, purchase new fleet and deliver construction projects around the country. John built the business up and showed his sons the ropes of the industry, when Tim Smith then formed Smith Crane and Construction in 1991. In 1997 Tim’s brother Albert also formed his own company, Albert Smith Industries now known as Universal Cranes.

Smith Crane and Construction

Tim Smith formed Smith Crane and Construction in 1991 to continue in his father’s footsteps.

Tim Started Smith Cranes with just one Kato Crane - NK20B and a passion for getting the job done. With his qualification as a mechanic, experience in the family business, and a lot of hard work Tim grew Smith Crane and Construction into New Zealand’s leading Crane Hire Company.

In 1997 Smith Crane and Construction relocated to a 12 hectare premises at 484 Johns Road, Harewood, Christchurch where it has continued to expand.

The business steadily grew to offer clients the whole package providing crane hire, transport, precast, civil works, piling, having and an in-house engineering and workshop team. Smith Cranes now has branches nationwide in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Queenstown and Invercargill.

Today Smith Crane and Construction has New Zealand’s largest Crane and Heavy Haulage fleet, over 700 plant items and 300 staff nationwide. Smith Crane and Construction is now proud to be a third-generation family business with many of Tim’s children now working within the business.