Our People

Mike Gilbert

My parents began this business when I was 8 years old. It has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I started working for GSME at 15 as the “boy” - part of my job description included making the tradesmen cups of tea at smoko. I spent three years completing my Trade Certificate in Light Fabrication and went on to complete a Diploma in Fabrication, the highest qualification available in the field. In 2001, I competed in the National SkillEX finals and placed second in the country for my trade. I progressed from an apprentice to becoming a tradesman. In 2005 I became the Production Manager followed by the Business Development Manager in 2015 and General Manager in 2019. Finally, I have become the Managing Director.

Metal fabrication is my passion. I have been trained in the old school system which included full pattern development, metal manipulation and engineering but have also learned under the modern system having personally operated the CNC machines which are employed in the modern trade. I understand this trade fully and am equally skilled in light fabrication, heavy fabrication, marine engineering and general engineering. I thrive on the challenge of finding a way to produce/engineer something that others say cannot be done and on improving designs, making them better and quicker.

I am proud of what my family have accomplished with this business and look forward to continuing that legacy. It has grown from humble beginnings into a powerhouse of engineering solutions. The range of skills and experience available within our team is astounding. I know that, whatever the challenge, we can meet it. I have and always will stand behind everything we produce, after all it has my name on it.

Darryl Gilbert

I gained my apprenticeship in the area of sheet metal fabrication and served many years building my skill level in all facets of the industry including cabinet making, site work measure, manufacturing and installation of ducting and many other products. Once I had mastered these skills, I then turned my interest to welding and the finishing of stainless steel products

My wife Diana and I set up GSME in 1987 as a small jobbing business which has grown exponentially into a company that now provides a wide range of services and products supporting many industries including engineering, construction and marine to name but a few and employing approximately 50 staff.

I am extremely happy that my son has stepped into the role of Managing Director to drive the company to further successes in the future.

Alan Barson

With some 40 years’ experience within the engineering and industry trades and initially serving my time in marine engineering, my experience covers steel making and processing, heavy plant and equipment, quarrying, marine, ship repair and manufacturing.

I have worked internationally around the globe and been involved in the research, development and implementation of processes required for the repair of quarry/mining equipment etc for the steel industry.

My focus at GSME is on business development and, in short, improving our existing and new customers experience in partnering with us.

Bernard Delaney

I have had a varied career through the years ranging from landscape gardening to heavy structural fabrication after completing my apprenticeship in boiler-making/welding back in the early 90’s. Prior to joining GSME, I was employed in various engineering positions over a 32 year span from workshop manager through to project manager.

Initially employed at GSME as Works Foreman looking after the CNC and Fabrication departments, I was later promoted to Fabrication Foreman and now hold the position of Estimator.

Teesha Gilbert

Born in Waihi and raised in Rotorua, I am descended from Cornish tin miners as well as from Ngati Maniapoto and Ngati Pikiao.

I lived in Beijing, China for my last two years of high school where I attended an international school and was educated under the American system, also completing an International Baccalaureate. At the University of Auckland, I completed a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in English Literature and minoring in both Italian and Chinese. Subsequently, I have achieved a Post-Graduate Diploma in Business majoring in Marketing also at the University of Auckland.

Professionally, my background is mainly corporate, having worked for Westfield New Zealand for many years in Marketing and Centre Management. I also have experience in shop-fitting, the display and exhibition industry and retail.

I started at GSME in 2013 and have filled many functions and roles, mainly focusing on improving systems and procedures. My current responsibilities include financial management, HR and administrative systems.

I am proud to work for a company which is completely kiwi owned. My vision for the future of the company is to build on its family roots by remaining a committed, ethical, stable yet flexible company which provides practical, innovative and high-quality service. I look forward to investing more in training to address the skilled labour shortage in the industry and continuing to encourage more female participation in the industry. We have made a lot of progress on this, but there is still a long way to go.

Tim Rapley

I started my career as a radio/radar technician in the Royal New Zealand Navy eventually progressing to become an instructor of basic computer theory and building blocks for a period of 10 years.

After leaving the Navy, I spent three years as an electronics technician before moving into sales and account management roles. I have now been in various roles for the last 40 years within a multitude of different industries.

Of particular note, in the late 80’s I took on the role as a project manager for the introduction of the first pre-paid card Payphones in New Zealand. This involved all facets of coordination with the import of all payphones and pre-paid cards, liaising with multiple people within the customers’ organisation and making sure that everything ran as smoothly as possible.

Other industries that I have been involved with include plumbing, stationary, tools and UPS’s.

My role as Sales Manager for GSME is to generate and deliver solutions to our varied customers.