JLE is a privately-owned
New Zealand industrial and
commercial contracting business.

JLE is a multi-discipline contractor and have established themselves as a leading contractor in Aotearoa, servicing New Zealand and International locations. JLE has the largest geographical coverage for a business of its type and has all the systems to manage this. The diversity of JLE’s capabilities gives us the ability to deliver turnkey projects in both the mechanical and the electrical fields, world-wide.

JLE delivers a range of products and services through a series of branches distributed throughout the pacific, and with operations and companies established in New Zealand (head office), Australia and Papua New Guinea.

See some of JLE's history in the timeline at the end of this page.

Our Team

JLE empower each other to create and live better lives for our families and communities. We work safely and positively, and support each other every step of the way. Many of the JLE team have been part of the JLE family for more than a decade. We offer our experience and knowledge to ensure excellent outcomes for our clients worldwide.

CEO

Michael Pigott

Michael Pigott

CEO
LinkedIn

Michael leads JLE as the group CEO.  Michael has extensive experience in electrical contracting, operations and maintenance and has an MBA from Massey University in Business.  Michael is passionate about people, strategies and development and works closely with the JLE team.

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General Managers

Mark Thompson

Mark Thompson

General Manager Operations
LinkedIn

Mark is a qualified Electrician who started at JLE as an apprentice in 1989. Mark has 30 years of experience within the electrical industry and has obtained a broad skill base with specialties skills in the Industrial Electrical, Controls and Automation, Instrumentation and Hazardous Area Electrical work. Mark also has 15 years management experience in the Electrical Contracting /Construction Industry and is responsible for the wider JLE groups day to day Service and Maintenance activities. Mark has a passion for developing skilled electrical tradesmen via training and producing top quality outcomes for a long list of happy clients both here in NZ and South Pacific.

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Kyle Nicol

Kyle Nicol

General Manager Projects
LinkedIn

Kyle is a qualified mechanical engineer who joined JLE in 2011 and leads the project’s stream across the JLE group which includes business development, tendering and project delivery. Kyle has 20 years of experience in delivering and overseeing multi-discipline projects in the infrastructure and industrial sectors across New Zealand, Australia and the South Pacific including mining and mineral processing, petrochemical, oil and gas, power generation, water/wastewater treatment, dairy, pulp and paper, and food processing. Kyle has strong project controls, commercial and contract capability which is applied throughout the JLE business.

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Shelley McKinstry

Shelley McKinstry

Finance Manager
LinkedIn

Shelley is a long-serving member of the JLE team with more than 30 years of service. Her analytical thinking, problem-solving skills and dedication to the company has seen her advance into the role of Finance and Administration Manager across our operations in the South Pacific. With a strong financial background and an outstanding understanding of JLE, Shelley helps to lead the decision-making strategies of the business.

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Cynthia Zehnder

Cynthia Zehnder

Health, Safety, Quality & Environmental Manager
LinkedIn

Cynthia has been with JLE since 2012, beginning her JLE career as a safety watch for the Fonterra Whareroa winter shutdowns. Her extensive interest in health and safety has led her to pursue further study in the HSE fields and obtain a Diploma in Occupation Health and Safety. While expanding her horizons and further developing her skillset she has been able to add Quality Assurance and Environment Sustainability to her repertoire of abilities. Applying her developing knowledge and experience to her role as HSQE Manager makes her an essential member of the JLE Management team.

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Operations Managers

Matt Puckey

Matt Puckey

Financial & Systems Administrator
LinkedIn

Matt has degrees in Management and Accountancy and as Financial & Systems Administrator, undertakes a number of varied tasks including Debtors, IT, HR and Payroll. Throughout his 12 years at JLE, Matt has developed an understanding of what makes JLE distinct, and has a strong commitment to the company. He is excited to be a part of the continued progress JLE is making in attaining, and exceeding, goals throughout New Zealand and the South Pacific.

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Mitch Young

Mitch Young

Electrical Operations Manager New Plymouth
LinkedIn

Mitch joined the JLE team 2017 after completing his apprenticeship in the industrial sector while withstanding the tough conditions of the far south as an industrial Electrician. Mitch has extensive experience and specialises in fault finding industrial enigma's. Mitch has a passion for training and upskilling apprentices and providing top quality service to all clients.

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Steve Westlake

Steve Westlake

Electrical Operations Manager Hawera
LinkedIn

Steve has enjoyed over 40 years working in the electrical industry within the UK and NZ as an electrician, supervisor, site manager, branch manager, senior project manager and operations director, with a focus on the Industrial, commercial, education and mines/quarries sectors. Moved to NZ in 2007 with his family and settled in New Plymouth, working for JLE out of the Hawera office as an electrician, on various Fonterra projects. Having left JLE for a management role around 12 years ago, Steve returned to JLE in 2019, managing the Hawera office, where his varied experience and formal qualifications in Business Management and Project Management are put to good use in providing effective and cost-efficient solutions for our varied clients.

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Dave O'Neill

Dave O'Neill

Mechanical Operations Manager
LinkedIn

Dave joined JLE in 2013 & after 40 years of experience across all aspects of the mechanical industry, he is now leading the mechanical division for JLE based out of Hawera. This covers servicing/maintenance & projects of any size. Dave thrives on quality and time delivery in all aspects of his work while incorporating a high level of health and safety throughout the company.

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Ian Minchin

Ian Minchin

Operations Manager PNG & Australia
LinkedIn

Ian is a qualified Electrician working in Industrial Electrical Construction sector since 2004. Starting out in New Zealand, Ian has an extensive range of experience in timber, food and beverage, petrochemical and mining. To complement his trade-based background he has completed various courses in Electrical Engineering, Commerce, Business Law and Project Management. Ian’s career has seen him successfully deliver projects nationally and internationally including, Australia, USA, China, Thailand, Brunei, and an extensive period in Papua New Guineas remote mines. Ian’s passion for adventure and multi-faceted experience has given him the skillsets to operate in culturally diverse environments delivering successful outcomes for his clients.

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Ian Drummond

Ian Drummond

Estimating Manager
LinkedIn

Ian is a New Zealand Registered electrician who joined JLE in 2001, and now heads the estimating team for the JLE group. Ian has experience in the construction, supervision, and management of industrial projects across New Zealand including dairy, food processing, petrochemical, water and wastewater. Ian is JLE’s key contact for any estimations required, with the ability to transform the most intricate requirements into understandable, client-friendly submissions.

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Nick Groenewegen

Nick Groenewegen

Auckland Operations Manager
LinkedIn

Nick has been in the electrical industry for over 18 years and has worked across three different countries as a qualified electrician.  Nick is currently studying for a Diploma in Construction Management at UNITEC.  Nick has a passion for exploring new places, cultures and unique & unforgettable experiences. Nick has an established career as a construction and service electrical technician and facilities manager. Having come from the tools; Nick has  know-how-can-do and the ability to connect well with people from all walks of life; giving a rounded approach in people management.

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Project Managers

Mitchell Smith

Mitchell Smith

Project Manager
LinkedIn

Mitch joined JLE in 2013, already holding an Industrial Electrical qualification earned from a local Aluminium manufacturing plant with heavy automation and I&E presence. Since his time with JLE he has spent 1 year away from home in PNG working for Oil and gas companies, Facilities offshore of Taranaki in hazardous area environments and as leading hand on projects around the North island within multiple industries. His career moved into managing/coordinating the electrical team in Hawera and working in with local clients on a daily basis to execute service and maintenance tasks. Mitch is now JLE's Project Manager. He thrives on the Technical, Quality and Efficiency of any sized project & displays that within the team and JLE as a whole.

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Mohammed Riaz

Mohammed Riaz

Senior Project Manager Áuckland
LinkedIn

Mohammed Riaz is a qualified electrician by trade who joined JLE in 2007 as a Trade assistant and now leads Auckland Projects division, consisting of project delivery, service and maintenance, business development and estimating. Mohammed Riaz has 12 years of experience in delivering and overseeing projects in infrastructure, industrial and commercial sectors across New Zealand including petrochemical, oil and gas, power generation, water and wastewater treatment plant, food processing, dairy and animal feed processing. Mohammed thrives on quality, health and safety, client satisfaction, and profitable business.

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Graeme Clough

Graeme Clough

Technical Manager
LinkedIn

Graeme has over 35 years’ experience with JLE in all aspects of Electrical work, Projects, Construction, and Business Management. Graeme worked his way through the ranks starting with JLE as an Electrician, followed by gaining NZ Advanced Trade Certificate, Hazardous Area Inspector Registration, QLD Electrical Licence and is a Work Place Assessor. Specific skills and experience include Project Management, Project Management Systems (Planning, Cost Control, Procurement, etc), Innovation & Design, Autocad, Risk Management, Operations Support, and Maintenance. Industries worked in include Oil and Gas, offshore, mining, petrochemical, and Food/Dairy Companies. Graeme is committed, energetic, enthusiastic and result-driven. He enjoys responsibility, working with and motivating a team of people to produce excellent results. Graeme learns new technology quickly given his diverse experience in the past.

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Our Vision

The trusted choice in the industrial and infrastructure sectors, delivering electrical and mechanical solutions through collaboration with our Aotearoa and international partners.

At JLE we make a positive difference to the lives of those in the communities we work in; for our team, their families, our clients, contractors and suppliers.

We also make a difference to the environment with a sustainable and innovative focus that gives us pride and passion in our business and the environment.

Two JLE industrial electricians

Our Mission

Industrial and Infrastructure solution providers

JLE operates to provide solutions and resources for our clients within the industrial and infrastructure sectors, delivering electrical/mechanical construction, fabrication and maintenance services

Pride, Passion and Professionalism

We live our values

We highly value our relationships and people

We’re focused on maintaining a great team culture and environment that builds reliability and loyalty with staff and clients

We provide a safe and healthy work environment

We respect each other and tell it how it is and are confident to contribute and say what we think

We Value...

A great team culture and safe work environment

Positive relationships built on trust, equality and respect

Growing our people to reach their highest potential

Our Purpose

Empowering our team and clients to create and live better lives

We make a positive difference to the lives of those in the communities we work in, our team and their families, our clients, contractors and suppliers.

We make a difference to the environment with a sustainable and innovative focus that gives us pride and passion in our business and the environment.

Careers - Job Vacancies - Express your interest in working with JLE and Apply Now

JLE offer their team great remuneration, added benefits, allowances, free medical insurance, varied site work & locations; and a paid day off work for your birthday. JLE's philosophy is health, wellbeing and family comes first!

Electrical Trades people

New Plymouth

We have an exciting opportunity for several new recruits to join our Electrical Trades team in the New Plymouth region. You will be responsible for providing high quality work in the industrial electrical sector. Opportunities to work within existing industrial maintenance teams and equally, the opportunity to be involved in Industrial construction projects.

Apply Now

Electrical Trades people

South Taranaki

We have an exciting opportunity for several newrecruits to join our Electrical Trades team in the South Taranaki region. Youwill be responsible for providing high quality work in the industrial electricalSector. Opportunities to work within existing industrial maintenance teams andequally, the opportunity to be involved in Industrial construction projects.

Apply Now

Electrical Trades people

Auckland

We have an exciting opportunity for several new recruits to join our Electrical Trades team in the Auckland region. You will be responsible for providing high quality work in the industrial and commercial electrical sectors. Opportunities to work within existing industrial and commercial maintenance teams and equally, the opportunity to be involved in Industrial and commercial construction projects.

Apply Now

Dual Trader/Instrument Technician - New Plymouth

New Plymouth

Industrial instro with water, waste-water and petrochemical experience required for New Plymouth and beyond. Top rates and conditions offered.

Apply Now

JLE Mechanical Welders & Fabricators

Hawera, Taranaki

JLE are seeking talented steel fabricators with welding experience; ASME IX, Stainless steel. We offer a great team culture with interesting work onsite and offsite. NZ based. Open to New Zealand residents, citizens or those with a valid work visa.

Apply Now

Electrical Project supervisor

Auckland

JLE are seeking a fully qualified Electrician, EWRB registered, experienced project supervisor for Auckland area and beyond.

Apply Now

Industrial Electricians

New Plymouth

JLE are seeking fully qualified, EWRB registered, experienced Electricians; required for industrial work in New Plymouth.. and beyond!

Applicants must be a NZ citizen, resident or hold a current work visa to be considered.

Apply Now

Company History

1970-1979
1980-1989
1990-1999
2000-2009
2010-2019
2020-Today

1977

Lobb & O'Connor Electrical became established in New Plymouth Central & Eltham.

1977

1980

Graeme Clough joins Lobb & O'Connor Electrical as Senior Electrician.

1980

1989

Mark Thompson joins Lobb & O'Connor as an apprentice.
Shelley McKinstry started as Office Junior.

1989

1990

Tegel Foods New Plymouth plant expansion / upgrade.

1990

1991

Neil O'Conner leaves the company and the company name changed to John Lobb Electrical.

1991

1992

John Lobb purchases the "Selectrix" appliance retail business and rebranded as John Lobb Electrical.

1992

1993

Port Taranaki Fiber upgrade and security camera project.

1993

1994

Kiwi Dairy Ltd Whareroa Hawera, major Cheese Plant upgrade

1994

1995

New World supermarket new construction, New Plymouth.

1995

1996

Kauri Dairy factory upgrade completed for Nucon ltd.

1996

1997

Tegel foods Henderson Auckland major Electrical upgrades.
Charles Holme joins JLE.

1997

1998

JLE Electrical company name established, changing from John Lobb Electrical
Hawera and Auckland JLE divisions established.
Charles Holme, Stuart Bruce and Graeme Clough became shareholders.
Graeme Clough qualified as an Electrical Inspector for JLE.

1998

1999

Endendale powder 2 plant Southland.

1999

2000

JLE Divisions in Nelson, Christchurch, Napier and Hamilton were established.

2000

2001

Ian Drummond joined JLE as an Electrical Apprentice.

2001

2002

Taranaki base hospital upgrade.

2002

2004

Pohokura production station.

2004

2005

Ian Drummond moves to manage Hawera Electrical team.

2005

2006

IGL Pharmaceutical plant in Kapuni Taranaki.

2006

2007

Kupe Production Station Project.
Mohammed Riaz joins JLE as a Trades Assistant.

2007

2008

RCR Synlait 1 Boiler upgrade.
JLE Napier sold to EMF Electrical.
Balclutha RCR boiler project.
Chillcott Chicken shed upgrade.
Open Country Cheese Project.
Waharoa RCR Boiler upgrade.

2008

2009

Fonterra Collingwood Expansion Project.
Matt Puckey joins JLE as National Administrator.
RCR boiler installation for Dairy Trust.
Technix Tank Farm.

2009

2010

Stockton Coal Mine Project. CEO
Craig Brydon appointed.
Murray Group took over JLE shareholding.
Todd Maui B China Accommodation Modules Project.
Nelson Mussel Factory upgrade.
Todd LPG Project
CNPC China - CCDC NZ Electrical compliance conversion

2010

2011

Victoria Park Tunnel Electrical Services.
Kyle Nicol joins JLE as Manager for Major Contracts.
JLE Australia and PNG Established. First Project - Dulux Factory.
RCR Synlait 2 Boiler upgrade.
RCR Darfield Boiler installation
Nelson Forest sawmill sorter project.
Solid Energy Huntly CSG.
Solid Energy Huntly UCG.
Halliburton Instrumentation Upgrade.
Mangahewa D Pilot Surface Facilities - Origin Energy.

2011

2012

Easternwell Flux Rig upgrade Australia.
Shelley McKinstry is promoted to JLE's Finance Manager.
Dave O'Neill joins JLE as Project Engineer.
Interoil PNG Terminal Upgrades Project.
Latimer Hotel Christchurch upgrade.
Interoil PNG Rabaul, Speybank, Mt Hagen, Aircorps, Goroka and Idubada upgrades.
Ulverstone Gas Metering Skids
TasGas Australia.
Ballance Shutdown Instrumentation and Electrical Support.

2012

2013

Interoill PNG Kagamuga, Madang, and Wewak upgrades.

2013

2014

Dulux Brisbane 'after flood' rebuild.
Dave O'Neill becomes Mechanical Service Delivery Coordinator.
Waikato branch closes moving their operations to Auckland JLE.
Fonterra Hautapu Coolstores upgrade.
Todd Mangahewa A new well site installation.
NZ Defense Force stores.
Easternwell Flux Rig Installation Australia.
Interoil PNG Kanudi upgrade.
Energyworks Mangahewa Skid build.
Auckland Meat processors Waste Water Treatment Plant.
Worleys Mangahewa site works.

2014

2015

Waltz Rocklands Copper Processing Plant Project.
Contact Energy Poihipi Power Station Project.
Holcim Cement Timaru upgrade.
Technix Bitumen Reactor Project.
Envirowaste new build for Calder Stewart.
Fonterra Pipe support removal and replacement.
Lihir Gold Ltd - Fabricate & deliver SAF 2205 Tank.

2015

2016

Vale Nickel Dewatering Project New Caledonia.
Holcim Cement Auckland Upgrade.
Logicamms Skid instrumentation and electrical installation.
Port Taranaki Lightning Protection.
Worley Mangahewa Expansion project.

2016

2017

Stretch Sense Manufacturing Facility Project - electrical, mechanical and instrumentation.
JLE shareholding purchased by Zeecol.
Ian Murray deceased.
GN Solids hazardous area audit & supervision China.
Interoil PNG Kimbe upgrade.
Ongas Bottle Swap Project.
Waterview Tunnel Lighting Project.
Clelands Laminator automation, & safety system.
Tegel Feedmill Steel work Modifications.

2017

2018

Tegel Feedmill Upgrade Stage 3.
Ralph Gallyer joins JLE as an Electrician.
Michael Pigott is promoted to JLE's new CEO July 2018.
Kyle Nicol is promoted to General Manager Projects.
Mark Thompson promoted to General Manager of Operations.
Pacific Energy Erima Terminal Project PNG completed.
Southern Cross Hospital Upgrade New Plymouth

2018

2019

Mohammed Riaz is promoted to Auckland Operations Manager.
Mitchell Smith progressed to become Lower North Island Project Manager.
Ok Tedi Mining Crusher Relocation Project.
Worley Offices Lighting Replacements.
Ballance Shutdown Instrumentation, Electrical and Mechanical Support.
Vertex Manifold manufacture.
Fonterra Brands Fabrication and installation of Manual Vats.

2019

2020

Cynthia Zehnder is promoted to JLE's Health, Safety, Quality and Environmental Manager.

Ralph Gallyer moves into New Plymouth operations coordinator role.

Steve Westlake joins JLE as Hawera Electrical Coordinator.

Ngawha Geothermal Power Station Project.

Vertex Westland Dairy Upgrade.

McKechnie Switchboard Upgrade and New Store electrical services.

Fonterra Ammonia Pipework upgrade.

2020

2021

Nick Groenewegen joins JLE as Auckland Operations Manager.

Mohammed Riaz moved to Project Portfolio Manager for Auckland.

Waikato 50 Water Treatment Plant Project.

CNG Compressor Auckland University project.

Downer Henwood & Mountain Road Reservoir Construction.

2021

Ethical Business Statement

JLE is committed to conducting business professionally and ethically. This includes ensuring all people engaged with JLE operations are treated with dignity and respect and in a manner, which is consistent with the Human Rights Act 1993, the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990, and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

JLE will do this by

Complying with applicable laws and regulations intended to promote human rights where JLE conducts business.

Supporting responsible sourcing of materials throughout the supply chain.

Conducting due diligence and take other measures to avoid exploitation of people via forced labour, human trafficking, and child labour

Promoting ethical business practices and continuing our efforts to reduce and prevent the risk of corruption.

Promoting equal opportunities, fair treatment and take appropriate steps to eliminate discrimination in access to employment, training, and working conditions, on grounds of race, age, religion colour, sex, political opinion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, country of origin, or social origin.

Undertaking initiatives to promote greater environmental responsibility and sustainability, including the implementation of environmentally acceptable technologies.

Protecting the privacy and data security of our workers, suppliers, and customers.

Supporting impactful social programs including those focused on critical human needs, healthcare, education, and economic empowerment.

JLE encourages all suppliers and partners to uphold these same values with similar policies and practices.