Merv joined Farra straight from school, just over 40 years ago. He completed his Sheetmetal Apprenticeship and worked his way through the workshop to Sheetmetal Foreman, and then Foreman of Fabrication & Sheetmetal when they were combined. Subsequently Farra Lift Components was born and a workshop was set up on Bachop Street, with Merv becoming the Works Manager for this department. As of 2018 with the combining of all of the Farra workshops into One Farra Merv has become a Project Manager for Light Engineering.
Merv enjoys the variety of work that is offered at Farra. He enjoys mentoring staff and watching their development, and the relationships he has grown with customers over the years.
His most memorable job was the refurbishment of Parliament House in Wellington. Farra was tasked with building and installing new lifts and Merv was involved in the whole process, from manufacture through to on site installation. The job coincided with Wellington’s 150th anniversary celebrations so the city was a great place to be at the time. Being able to walk around Parliament House freely was very exciting and Merv particularly enjoyed the opportunity to sit in the speaker’s chair!
Merv's top tip:
- Take any opportunity that comes your way, including training, so you can advance yourself at every opportunity.
Outside of work Merv enjoys gardening, photography and finding new coffee shops to try out with his wife Jill.
