Built from the ground up: Meet the force behind Klackers Enterprise
What started as a conversation around a typical Friday afternoon BBQ, has grown into one of Wiri’s steadily rising industrial maintenance and engineering businesses. WiriLink sat down with Friedrick and Liana Klackers, founders of Klackers Enterprise, to chat about their journey, the realities of running an industrial business, and what it takes to build something from the ground up.
Klackers Enterprise specialises in industrial mechanical maintenance, fabrication, conveyor and material handling systems, shutdown support, plant upgrades, and on-site engineering services. Their work spans industries including construction, manufacturing, waste and recycling, logistics and heavy industrial operations – sectors where reliability, safety, and quick response times are critical.
“We’ve always focused on being the team that clients can rely on when things need to get done,” says Friedrick.
“Industrial sites can’t afford unnecessary downtime and when equipment fails or projects need to move quickly, clients need people who will turn up, take ownership, and deliver solutions – not excuses.”
That approach has helped Klackers build strong relationships across the industry and contribute to several significant projects around the country. One standout project was supporting the installation of the Green Gorilla construction and demolition waste recovery facility near Huntly – a major operation capable of processing up to 150,000 tonnes of waste annually.
The company has also spent months on-site contributing to transfer station installations in Tauriko, completed equipment upgrades for companies like Smart Environmental, and even supported the local community by fabricating durable table frames for Manurewa High School.
A leap of faith
Originally from South Africa, Friedrick and Liana moved to New Zealand in 2018 in search of a better future for their family. What began as a bold leap of faith quickly evolved into a vision for building something of their own.
“We wanted more control over our future and more flexibility for our family,” says Liana. “Starting the business wasn’t just about making money – it was about building something meaningful together and creating opportunities for the people around us.”
Like many small businesses, Klackers started from humble beginnings. In the early days, the couple worked from home, took on whatever jobs they could secure, and gradually built a reputation through hard work and word of mouth.
A major milestone came in 2024 when the business moved into its own workshop facility on Kellow Place in Wiri. Having a dedicated base allowed the company to operate more efficiently and complete more fabrication work in-house.
Team work makes dream work
Since then, Klackers has expanded into a team of around 10 staff, supported by multiple field crews operating across industrial sites throughout Auckland and beyond. Despite the growth, the company has worked hard to maintain the same hands-on attitude and close-knit culture it started with.
“Our team is the biggest part of our success,” says Friedrick. “Whether it’s late-night breakdown callouts, shutdown work, or long days on-site, the guys consistently show up and deliver. We genuinely couldn’t do this without them.”
Training and development remain a major focus for the company, with ongoing investment into apprenticeships, upskilling, and creating opportunities for people to grow within the business. The company believes that building strong systems and strong people go hand in hand.
“You can teach technical skills,” Liana explains, “but you can’t teach work ethic, accountability, or a willingness to solve problems. We’ve built a team that backs each other and takes pride in what they do.”
Safety is another area where Klackers continues to raise the bar. The business holds SiteWise Gold certification and maintains strict health and safety processes across all projects, reflecting the high standards expected within the industries they work in.
Rising to the challenge
Like many business owners, Friedrick and Liana have experienced the pressures that come with building a company from the ground up – long hours, financial risk, and the responsibility of supporting employees and their families.
One of the toughest moments came when Friedrick suffered a leg injury that temporarily left him unable to work. For a hands-on business, the setback was significant, but it also became a turning point.
“It forced us to step back and strengthen the business structure,” says Liana. “We realised the importance of building a team and systems that don’t rely too heavily on one person. In the long run, that challenge actually made the business stronger.”
Today, Klackers Enterprise continues to grow steadily and intentionally.
“When businesses grow too quickly, they can lose what made them good in the first place,” says Friedrick. “For us, it’s about continuing to improve, building a strong reputation, and creating something that lasts.”
Looking ahead, the company plans to continue expanding its capabilities across industrial maintenance and engineering sectors, while strengthening its presence within industries such as manufacturing, waste and recycling, logistics, and food and beverage processing.
To learn more about Klackers Enterprise Limited, visit www.klackers.com or contact the team at in**@*********co.nz.
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