30 years of building roads, shaping communities, and growing people

Ashburton Contracting Limited, or ACL, has been helping build and improve Mid Canterbury for 30 years. But it’s not just about trucks, roads, or machinery — ACL is really about people.

Gary Casey, the Chief Executive of ACL, says that looking after staff is one of the most important parts of running the company. “ACL is all about our people,” he says. And it shows. The team at ACL is friendly, hard-working, and proud of what they do.

At ACL, workers are supported to learn and grow. The company offers apprenticeships, helps with training, and gives people the chance to move up in their careers. Gary believes that when people grow, the company grows too.

Some workers start young and stay for a long time. One person began at ACL when he was just 15 years old and stayed for 50 years, finishing his career as a plant manager. Stories like this are common at ACL — many people have worked there for 20, 30, or even 40 years. That’s a sign of a workplace where people feel happy and valued.

Health and wellbeing are also important. ACL offers a wellbeing grant, which helps staff with things like doctor visits, eye checks, or other medical needs. Keeping workers safe and healthy is a big part of the company’s culture.

ACL began in 1995 with just 60 workers. Today, they have around 165 staff and have completed many major projects across the region. Even in tough times, Gary and the leadership team focus on staying strong and planning for the future.

ACL also works closely with local schools and is always happy to meet young people who want to learn about the industry. You don’t need to have any experience — ACL will help you get the right training and licences to get started.

As they celebrate 30 years, Gary Casey and his team are proud of how far ACL has come — and excited about what’s next. If you’re thinking about your future, ACL could be a great place to begin.