When Christchurch-based Westlake Timber, a boutique fabricator with over 20 years of partnership with MiTek, was approached by a builder seeking an innovative construction solution, they saw an opportunity to grow their offerings. To secure the project, Westlake utilised MiTek Sapphire-supported floor cassettes—a decision that has since influenced how they do business.
The use of floor cassettes allowed Westlake Timber to deliver a turnkey solution tailored to the builder’s needs, showcasing the efficiency and value of pre-fabricated components. After experiencing the benefits first-hand, Westlake has become an advocate for floor cassettes, actively recommending them to customers and integrating them into future builds.
Why Floor Cassettes?
For Westlake Timber, the move to floor cassettes wasn’t just a response to customer demand, it was a strategic decision to modernise and expand their service offerings. “We’re a small, approachable team, focused on high-end, custom builds. When this opportunity came up, it was a natural progression for us,” says Michael Woodrow of Westlake Timber.
The project was made possible by MiTek Sapphire’s advanced capabilities. “MiTek Sapphire enabled cassette floors—we couldn’t have tackled this project without it,” says Michael. The software delivered precise designs and allowed Westlake to bundle products like joist hangers and fixings, offering builders a complete package whilst enhancing Westlake’s sales opportunities.
Benefits for Builders and Fabricators
For builders, floor cassettes represent a faster, safer and more cost-effective solution:
- Time Savings: Pre-fabrication reduces on-site labour and ensures weather-resilient components are ready for immediate installation.
- Labour Efficiency: Builders save on high-cost labour by utilising pre-assembled components.
- Safety: Off-site assembly reduces risks associated with working at heights.
For fabricators like Westlake, the benefits go even further. By offering floor cassettes, they’ve opened new revenue streams and enhanced customer satisfaction. “We’re not just selling frames and trusses anymore, we are selling the floor, the fixings and the labour,” explains Michael.
A Differentiator in the Market
Westlake Timber prides itself on it’s boutique approach, working closely with professional builders to deliver high-quality results. Their move into floor cassettes aligns with their commitment to staying ahead of market trends.
Michael sees floor cassettes as part of a larger shift in the industry toward more comprehensive prefabrication. “This kind of fabrication with more products on it—that’s the future. We see it as a step toward frames and trusses being more complete and ready for installation,” he says.
Advocacy Driving Growth
Westlake Timber’s success with floor cassettes has spurred them to actively promote the solution to builders. “It’s about time management on-site and ensuring a smoother, faster build,” Michael shares. For Westlake, this approach has become a powerful selling point, enabling them to win jobs and strengthen relationships with their customers.
As Westlake Timber continues to champion floor cassettes, their partnership with MiTek and use of Sapphire software will remain central to their growth and innovation. By embracing this technology and advocating for its benefits, Westlake is not just meeting the needs of today’s builders but positioning themselves as leaders in the future of construction.