Upper Hutt has been chosen as the North Island base for a forestry management and investment company. Source: Upper Hutt Leader
Speaking at the North Island launch of IFS Growth, board chairman Vincent Pooch said staff hoped to create a sustainable, long-term business in Upper Hutt.
“Essentially we do everything from the birth to the death of trees.”
IFS Growth has two full time staff based at the company’s new Railway Ave office. The head office is in Invercargill.
Upper Hutt mayor Wayne Guppy, Rimutaka MP Chris Hipkins and Wairarapa MP Alastair Scott, attended the North Island launch.
Mr Guppy welcomed IFS Growth to the Wellington region.
“If there’s things we can do to help you prosper and grow we’re only a phone call away,” he said.
Steve Coulston has joined IFS Growth from former Upper Hutt company Forest Developers and Management. He has worked for 25 years in the forestry industry in Upper Hutt.
Mr Coulston said it was important to him that he made sure any new company would look after his clients from his former business.
“Anyone can plant a tree and grow it, but you’ve got to make sure your customer is happy with what you’re doing,” he said.
IFS Growth managing director Dan Minehan said Coulston had similar values to the company. He was respectful and focussed on what customers wanted.
“It was a natural fit for us,” Minehan said. Maureen MacLean joins IFS Growth after working for 18 years as an administrator for Forest Developers and Management.
She was impressed with the strong health and safety focus of IFS Growth.
