Downer EDI Works Limited (previously Public Works department, Ministry of Works and Works Infrastructure Limited and often simply Works) is a large New Zealand engineering and construction company owned by the Australian Downer Group.
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History
It was acquired from the former New Zealand Ministry of Works (established as the Public Works Department in 1870) and at the time known as 'Works Civil Construction', when it was corporatized in 1996. It acquired over 30 other companies in the following years, and changed its name into Works Infrastructure in 2000. In July 2007, it changed its name to Downer EDI Works Limited.
Structure
Works is one of New Zealand's leading infrastructure companies, but employs people in various countries, including New Zealand (around 2,700 employees), Australia, Asia and the Pacific region. Its annual turnover exceeds NZ$600 million, with a 2006 financial year surplus of NZ$16 million.
Over 75% of the business of the company is with the various branches of New Zealand Government (including local authorities), for which it is involved in much of the construction and maintenance of the country's roads. 300,000 tonnes of asphalt are produced by Works per year.
Awards
The Accident Compensation Corporation awarded Works Infrastructure Limited the ACC 'ThinkSafe' Workplace Safety Award in 2005 for its workplace safety culture.
In September 2007 Downer EDI Works Limited won the Manukau Business Excellence award for 'Employer of Choice' and 'Supreme Business of the year' award presented by Helen Clark (Prime Minister) and Sir Barry Curtis (Mayor of Manukau).