Since 1959
Wellington's commercial concrete and formwork specialists. Founded in 1959, Wallace Building Contractors is a proud family-owned business with a long and respected history in Wellington’s construction industry.
The business has a strong and experienced management team whose hands-on approach and industry knowledge help drive the company forward. Together, they continue the values, relationships, and quality workmanship that Wallace Building Contractors was built on more than 65 years ago.
1959
Wallace Building Contractors was founded in 1959 by John Leslie Wallace (Les), establishing what would become one of Wellington's longest-standing family-owned construction businesses. Starting as a traditional building and carpentry company, John built the business on a reputation for hard work, quality workmanship, and standing by his word. These values quickly became the foundation of the Wallace name and continue to guide the company today.
1975
By the mid-1970s, Wallace Building Contractors had established itself as a trusted construction company throughout the Wellington region. Under Les's leadership, the business steadily expanded its capabilities and workforce while maintaining a reputation for delivering quality projects and long-term client relationships. The company became known for its practical approach, reliability, and commitment to getting the job done right.
1985
As the business entered its third decade, the second generation of the Wallace family became increasingly involved in operations. The company continued to grow throughout the Wellington region, expanding into larger commercial and industrial projects while investing in people, equipment, and construction expertise. During this period, Wallace Building Contractors cemented its reputation as a dependable contractor capable of delivering increasingly complex projects.
2005
Under the leadership of second-generation Ken Wallace, the business underwent a significant strategic shift during the 1990s and early 2000s, moving away from traditional carpentry and specialising in concrete construction. This decision transformed the company and positioned Wallace Building Contractors as one of Wellington's leading commercial concrete contractors, capable of delivering complex structures, high-rise developments, and seismic strengthening projects.
2015
By 2015, Wallace Building Contractors had become a major force in Wellington's commercial construction industry. The company was delivering concrete structures on some of the capital's most significant developments, including high-rise apartment buildings, commercial office towers, healthcare facilities, and seismic strengthening projects. Its reputation for quality workmanship, programme delivery, and technical capability saw Wallace Building Contractors become the contractor of choice for many of the region's leading builders and developers. In 2016, Gavin Wallace became a Director of the company, marking the beginning of the third generation of family leadership. Building on the strong foundations laid by his grandfather John and father Ken, Gavin brought a new level of energy, ambition, and strategic vision to the business. This period marked a significant evolution for the business, with continued growth in project scale, workforce capability, and setting the platform for the company that Wallace Building Contractors is today.
Today
Today, under the leadership of Gavin Wallace, Wallace Building Contractors is one of the lower North Island's most respected commercial concrete construction companies. While the business has grown significantly since 1959, its success is still built on its people. From site teams to senior leadership, every member of the team plays an important role in delivering successful projects for clients. In recent years, the company has invested heavily in its systems, technology, health and safety, quality assurance, and staff development. Supported by a strong management team, Wallace Building Contractors operates as a professional construction business delivering some of Wellington’s most challenging commercial projects. Despite its growth, the company remains proudly family-owned and guided by the same values that have carried it through three generations of the Wallace family. With an experienced workforce, trusted industry relationships, and a clear focus on the future, Wallace Building Contractors is well placed for continued growth in the years ahead.
The Wallace name may be on the door, but the success of the business belongs to the people behind it. Supported by a strong management team and skilled workforce, Wallace Building Contractors continues to build on the values, relationships, and workmanship that have been at the heart of the company for more than 65 years.
