First Principles Constructors (FPC) was established in 2018. Since then, we’ve quickly earned a reputation as one of New Zealand’s leading design-build contractors for industrial and process facilities. Our company has grown by focusing on innovation, safety, and end-to-end project delivery.

FPC is a nationwide construction company. Our ability to deliver projects anywhere in the country is an absolute strength. Simply put, we go wherever our clients go. While our work takes us far and wide across New Zealand, we have four offices based in Wellington, Auckland, Tauranga and Christchurch.

To contact the team or find one of our offices, visit our contact page.

FPC has a core team of around 75 highly skilled professionals, supported by a network of trusted design partners and subcontractors. This structure enables us to deliver projects of any scale efficiently and safely.

We operate with robust Health, Safety and Wellbeing systems, proactive training, and innovative initiatives that empower our teams to take ownership of safety— with the goal that everyone on our sites returns home safely every day.

Our Safety Management System and site practices are benchmarked against globally recognised standards and assessed to tier-one level by both Impac Services and Site Safe NZ. We’re proud to hold a 5-star rating from Impac Services, reflecting our commitment to excellence.

We develop our methods of engagement and support to align with the established ‘Safety Model 1’ and the emerging ‘Safety Model 2’ taking the best aspects from both.

FPC offers professional development programs, leadership courses such as Outward Bound and Calm Under Pressure, and support for professional memberships. Employees also enjoy travel opportunities across New Zealand, wellbeing allowances, and a strong focus on personal growth.

We’re always on the lookout for great people to join the FPC team. If you’re interested in a career at FPC, you can learn more on our careers page.

FPC specialises in industrial and process facilities, including dairy plants, meat processing facilities, food and beverage manufacturing, horticulture, and energy projects. We also undertake large-scale commercial builds, and smaller projects through our dedicated Small Works division.

Industrial construction focuses on specialised facilities like processing plants, requiring strict compliance with hygiene, safety, and operational continuity standards. A key focus is understanding the interface and coordination of process plant and equipment with the construction of the building. Unlike residential or commercial builds, industrial projects demand advanced engineering, integration of complex systems, and minimal disruption to ongoing production.

We specialise in design and build work – because we back our tailored, innovative solutions and thrive on solving complex problems. We are comfortable working with fixed price and guaranteed maximum price contracts, and we are committed to working through with our clients regarding best approach, based on key drivers. We are highly experienced working under all forms of NZS contracts and FIDIC contracts, providing our clients with the right advice about what contract is most fit for purpose for their project.

  • Fast track design, consent and construction process
  • End-to-end capability (design through to execution)
  • A thorough understanding of interface and coordination with process contractor requirements and installation
  • Proven track record in complex industrial projects
  • Strong health and safety systems
  • Ability to work in remote or challenging environments
  • Transparent communication and collaborative approach.

FPC works across the dairy, meat processing, horticulture, food and beverage, manufacturing, and energy sectors, delivering tailored solutions for each industry’s unique requirements. We’re always looking for more opportunities and believe our design and build expertise and live operational environment experience can be applied across sectors. Feel free to contact us to discuss your needs in whatever sector you work in.

Visit our case studies page for detailed information about some of our previous projects, but a few examples are linked below. Each showcase our ability to deliver complex builds on time and on budget.

  • Synlait – Infant Milk Formula Plant
  • Ofi – Dryer I project Tokoroa
  • Westland Milk Products – Butter Production Plant (world-leading facility upgrade)
  • T&G Global Packhouse (Southern Hemisphere’s largest apple packhouse)
  • Life Health Foods – Chilled Facility Expansion

FPC provides a complete design-to-build solution, covering concept design, interface and coordination with process contractor requirements, feasibility studies, building consents, and compliance. This integrated approach ensures efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and seamless project delivery.

FPC Small Works is a dedicated division for minor civil construction, maintenance, facility upgrades, and site-specific improvements. It applies the same high standards as large-scale projects, delivering fast, agile solutions for jobs ranging from $50k to $3M.