Steel Fabricator / Plastics Fabricator
APD Ltd
Location: Wiri, Auckland, New Zealand
Industry: Manufacturing, Transport & Logistics
Employment Type: Full Time
Important Notice
Although this position is advertised as a Steel Fabricator role to connect with skilled trade professionals, APD is specifically seeking either:
- An experienced Plastics Fabricator, or
- A skilled Steel/Metal Fabricator interested in transitioning into thermoplastic fabrication.
If you have experience in structural fabrication, custom assembly, interpreting workshop drawings, and precision welding, your skills are highly transferable. Full training will be provided on APD’s modern thermoplastic fabrication equipment and specialised machinery.
About APD
APD is a proudly New Zealand-owned manufacturer and industry leader in thermoplastic fabrication and rotational moulding. The company is committed to delivering innovative and sustainable water and systems solutions that support environmental protection and efficient installation practices.
As a fast-growing medium-sized manufacturer, APD designs and engineers customised products that meet exact customer requirements while reducing installation time and on-site complications. The company’s continued success is driven by innovation, quality workmanship, and a strong team culture.
About the Role
As a Plastics Fabricator within APD’s Chemical Tank team, you will be responsible for manufacturing HDPE storage systems and customised engineered products used across various industries throughout New Zealand.
This hands-on technical role is ideal for an experienced fabricator who takes pride in precision workmanship, problem-solving, and producing high-quality products. You will work in one of New Zealand’s leading HDPE fabrication workshops using advanced equipment and specialised fabrication tools.
Projects range from small custom-made components to large-scale chemical tanks exceeding 60,000 litres in capacity. No two projects are the same, making this role ideal for someone who enjoys variety, technical challenges, and ongoing skill development.
The role may also include occasional on-site installation work, offering further diversity and professional growth opportunities.
Key Responsibilities
Technical Fabrication and Assembly
- Fabricate, assemble, and weld HDPE products, including chemical storage tanks and custom-engineered systems.
- Manufacture products according to workshop drawings, specifications, and production requirements.
Blueprint Interpretation
- Read and accurately interpret technical drawings, dimensions, tolerances, and fabrication specifications.
Thermoplastic Welding
- Perform extrusion welding, butt welding, and other thermoplastic welding techniques to a high standard.
Materials Processing
- Prepare, cut, shape, and fabricate thermoplastic materials including:
- HDPE
- Polypropylene (PP)
- PVC
- Other specialised plastics
Quality Assurance and Testing
- Conduct dimensional checks and quality inspections throughout the fabrication process.
- Perform pressure testing, spark testing, and other quality verification procedures where required.
- Identify and report defects, quality concerns, or non-conformances promptly.
Health and Safety
- Maintain a clean, safe, and organised workspace in accordance with APD’s health and safety procedures.
- Carry out daily equipment and tool inspections before commencing work.
Continuous Improvement
- Contribute to process improvement initiatives focused on safety, efficiency, and product quality.
Site Installation and Field Support
- Assist with on-site installations and customer project work when required.
Team Collaboration
- Work closely with the wider production team to meet manufacturing deadlines and delivery schedules.
Skills and Experience
The ideal candidate will possess:
- Proven experience in plastic fabrication, thermoplastic welding, or a related manufacturing trade.
- Strong practical experience with extrusion welding and butt welding.
- Ability to read and interpret workshop drawings accurately.
- Experience working with HDPE, PP, PVC, or similar materials.
- High attention to detail and commitment to quality workmanship.
- Strong problem-solving skills and technical aptitude.
- Commitment to workplace safety and safe work practices.
- Good physical fitness, as the role may involve:
- Manual handling
- Working at heights
- Confined spaces
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced team environment.
- Willingness to learn and develop new fabrication skills through training.
- Positive attitude toward continuous improvement and professional growth.
Advantageous Qualifications and Experience
The following are beneficial but not essential:
- Forklift licence
- Current driver’s licence
- Site installation experience
- Previous steel or metal fabrication experience
Why Join APD?
At APD, employee wellbeing and recognition are highly valued. The company offers a supportive workplace culture with meaningful benefits designed to reward hard work and promote work-life balance.
Employee Benefits Include:
- Free GP visits
- Fresh fruit provided at work
- Flexible employee perks, including:
- Birthday leave
- Wellbeing allowance
- Additional KiwiSaver contributions
- Monthly team lunches and celebrations
- Regular team-building activities
- Career stability with a growing New Zealand-owned company
- Ongoing training and development opportunities
Join APD and become part of a team committed to innovation, sustainability, and “Doing Good from the Ground Up.”
Employer Questions
As part of your application, you may be asked the following questions:
- If you are not a New Zealand citizen or resident, do you hold a current visa allowing you to work in New Zealand?
- What are your salary expectations per hour?
- Can you describe your experience fabricating HDPE products from technical drawings, including your experience with extrusion welding and butt welding?
- Do you have fabrication experience with other materials, such as steel or metal? If so, please briefly outline your skills.
Important Notice
Please be cautious during the recruitment process. Never provide your bank account or credit card details when applying for jobs online.