Our Story
- History of ColorCote
The ColorCote story began in 1917, evolving from a manufacturer of aluminium venetian blinds to a leader in pre-painted long run metal roofing substrates.
Over the decades, we’ve set the industry standard with innovations like Aluminium/Magnesium/Zinc (AM) substrates and water-borne paint technology.
Today, as part of the Fletcher Building group, we continue to lead with our commitment to quality and sustainability for our people, our environment, and our community.
Our Journey
Established in 1917, we began as a manufacturer of aluminium venetian blinds. Over the decades, we’ve evolved into ColorCote® – an industry leader in pre-painted, long-run metal roofing substrates.
In the 1960s, under the ownership of Hunter Douglas, we expanded into the commercial market with a state-of-the-art continuous paint line. In 1982, Hunter Douglas launched the ColorCote® brand, introducing New Zealand’s roofing industry to Aluminium/Magnesium/Zinc (AM) substrates for superior coastal protection, and pioneering water-borne paint technology for greater sustainability. Simply put, we’ve always been at the forefront of setting the benchmark for quality and innovation.
The acquisition by Fletcher Challenge in 1988 marked the establishment of Pacific Coil Coaters, further reinforcing our commitment to the New Zealand building industry.
Why ColorCote?
Pacific Coil Coaters has shaped who we are today. As we move forward, we’re embracing the ColorCote name to better reflect our focus on sustainability, innovation and quality. This change honours our past while positioning us for a future dedicated to building a better, more environmentally friendly New Zealand.
It’s true, the right roof always lasts longer, but “Steel Made Better” has been the driving force behind our journey and is what continues to drive our purpose and vision.
At ColorCote, innovation is our tradition. For over 15 years, we’ve set the benchmark for durability and corrosion protection across New Zealand’s diverse climate. With a 50-year warranty and our dedicated technical team, we ensure you make the right choice from the start.
With a proud history of firsts in paint and substrate technologies, ColorCote remains dedicated to the betterment of steel for our people, our environment, and our community.
- Our Manifesto
Steel Made Better
New Zealand loves steel. It’s the material that shapes our baches, homes, offices and skylines. But on its own, steel is vulnerable. Corrosion, wear, and the harsh forces of nature that our climate throws at it demands steel to be better.
That’s why we don’t just work with steel.
We coat it in colour to be stronger, longer-lasting and better made to withstand the salty air of the coast, the relentless sun of the plains ,and the freezing winds on the mountains.
With over 40 different colours to suit every taste, design and latest trend, ColorCote isn’t just steel. It’s steel made better.
- Our Cultural Pillars
- The Betterment of Steel
Our journey to the betterment of steel
In our journey to the betterment of steel, we upgraded to three electrically powered Infrared Ovens (IR), replacing our outdated gas-fired ovens in 2021. Better doesn’t happen without its challenges, and the transition from gas to our IR ovens has not been without its setbacks. However, our commitment to the betterment of steel includes decarbonising our operations and reducing carbon emissions to net 0% by 2050.
Greater Temperature Control
Our IR ovens provide precise temperature control across multiple stages, ensuring consistent quality for ColorCote products.
Energy Efficiency
Unlike traditional gas ovens that require a lot of energy to maintain temperature, NIR ovens heat up almost instantly and turn off when not in use, reducing energy wastage.
Improved Quality Control
The rapid heating and cooling capabilities of IR ovens enhance the overall quality of our ColorCote products.
Environmental Impact
By switching to NIR ovens, we’ve significantly reduced our CO2 emissions, contributing to a more sustainable future.
- How it works
See our IR ovens in action.
1. When the ColorCote® paint line is turned on, the IR oven elements are activated and reach the required temperature almost immediately.
2. The ovens operate similarly to a household toaster, providing consistent and controlled heat.
3. When the paint line stops, the IR ovens turn off immediately, unlike gas ovens that need to stay on to maintain temperature, thus saving energy and reducing emissions.
- Our Partners
At ColorCote, we pride ourselves on maintaining strong partnerships within the building industry.
We have established robust connections with industry and professional organisations, group home builders, architects, and specifiers. Our dedicated Specification and Technical team is always available to help you choose the best products for your project’s specifications.
Check out our top five distributors below.
is New Zealand construction industry’s top manufacturer & supplier of rollformed architectural roofing, including tray & metal roofing…
Locally designed and manufactured metal roofing, cladding, fencing and rainwater products for residential and commercial application…
Continuous Group specialises in internal gutter replacement using high-performance Conform+ system. Designed for NZ’s extreme weather…
Quin Roofing is a family owned and operated roll forming business based in Horowhenua. We have been manufacturing steel products since the mid 1980’s…
Roofline Canterbury is a 100% locally owned and operated Roofing and Cladding manufacturer and roofing installation contractor…
Find a Distributor Near You
This website is primarily to help you choose the right roof. When you or your team of professionals want all the technical details of AlumiGard like design, engineering and installation requirements simply download our brochure or we’ll post you one.
