OUR HISTORY
The Eckford name has been synonymous with engineering excellence since the 1920s. The story began with C. A. Eckford Ltd, a company established to service and maintain the river ships that once sailed the Opawa River.
In 1950, Bert Eckford, brother of Tom, came ashore after many years working as a chief engineer on coastal trading vessels. Taking over C. A. Eckford Ltd, Bert continued servicing riverboats while expanding the business into general engineering. The company’s first premises were located on the banks of the Opawa River — a fitting home for its maritime beginnings.
In 1970, Bert sold the business to Jack Gleeson and Colin Mortimer, who began trading as Eckford Engineering Ltd. Three years later, in 1973, the company relocated to new premises at 16 Auckland Street. Continued growth led to Paul Corbett purchasing Colin Mortimer’s shares in 1976, joining Jack in managing an expanding portfolio of mechanical service projects throughout the Marlborough district.
As Marlborough’s wine industry began to flourish, Eckford Engineering adapted to meet the region’s evolving needs, branching into structural steelwork under Jack Gleeson’s direction. This new focus drove significant expansion, requiring more staff and larger facilities.
In 1991, a purpose-built workshop was established at 1 Auckland Street, on the former Caltex Fuel Station site. From this location, the company became a key supplier of structural steel, tank walkways, and platform systems to many of Marlborough’s leading wineries.
In 2002, Jack and Paul passed the torch to Phillip Gleeson, Jack’s son, who had begun his career with the company as an apprentice fitter and turner in 1986. After completing his apprenticeship, Phillip transitioned into the structural steel division, specialising in welding, fabrication, and on-site erection. Under his leadership, the company became Eckford Engineering 2002 Ltd, proudly continuing the family’s legacy of innovation and craftsmanship.
In 2014, Sam McConway became a partner in Eckford Engineering 2002 Ltd. Sam had started his apprenticeship with the company in 2004 and, after completing his training, spent several years working in the Australian mining industry, gaining valuable experience and technical expertise before returning home to join the leadership team.
Today, Eckford Engineering 2002 Ltd proudly continues to serve the Marlborough region, offering a comprehensive range of services including general engineering, structural steelwork, walkways, seismic strengthening, and precision machining. With over 100 years of continuous service, the Eckford name remains a cornerstone of Marlborough’s engineering landscape — respected for its history and enduring commitment to quality.
our team
PHILLIP GLEESON
Managing Director
Phil started with Eckford Engineering in 1986. He served his apprenticeship as a Fitter & Turner gaining his trade certificate in 1990. Phillip then began training in the structural side of the business gaining a number of 4711 welding qualifications.
After a period of time travelling through Europe and a season in South Africa playing cricket, Phillip returned home to carry on working with Jack.
In 2002 Phillip bought the business off Jack Gleeson and Paul Corbett setting up Eckford Engineering 2002 Ltd.
After a period of time travelling through Europe and a season in South Africa playing cricket, Phillip returned home to carry on working with Jack.
In 2002 Phillip bought the business off Jack Gleeson and Paul Corbett setting up Eckford Engineering 2002 Ltd.
SAM McCONWAY
Managing Director
Sam started with Eckford Engineering in 2004. He served his apprenticeship and gained his Heavy Fab 4 Qualification on 2007.
Sam travelled to Australia to work in the mines doing two number stints from 2008 – 2010 and from 2012 – 2014. Between 2010 – 2012 Sam returned to work at Eckford’s and learnt to price works and to use AutoCad to create shop drawings.
In 2014, Sam bought 50% of the shares in the business.
Sam travelled to Australia to work in the mines doing two number stints from 2008 – 2010 and from 2012 – 2014. Between 2010 – 2012 Sam returned to work at Eckford’s and learnt to price works and to use AutoCad to create shop drawings.
In 2014, Sam bought 50% of the shares in the business.