Fraser-Mac Structures is a family-owned construction company specialising in steel fabrication. Led by a father-and-son team, James and Robert Fraser-Mackenzie, the company blends traditional craftsmanship with modern engineering expertise, offering a unique service in the highly competitive engineering and construction sector.
Fraser-Mac Structures is largely the brainchild of James, an Oxford-educated engineer with a wealth of experience in steel fabrication.
After years of working for various engineering companies, James decided to branch out on his own, establishing an outfit that would merge engineering precision with the art of steel construction. In 2022, they bought an old lime mill in Ruwa, transforming it into a cutting-edge steel fabrication hub, giving life to Fraser-Mac Structures.
Their inaugural project in April 2022—a mezzanine for a distributing company in Southerton—set the stage for what Fraser-Mac Structures is today. It is this project that established the company’s reputation for meticulous attention to detail and the ability to deliver on their promises. From agricultural sheds to city warehouses, mezzanines, staircases, and other bespoke steel structures,
Fraser-Mac Structures has shown remarkable versatility, tackling projects of varying scales and complexities with unyielding precision.
At the heart of Fraser-Mac Structures is a commitment to engineering excellence, a principle that drives every project they undertake. James’ extensive experience, complemented by his Oxford education, gives the company a unique competitive edge.
On Sustainability and Local Engagement
Fraser-Mac Structures is committed to building a sustainable future. The company is in the process of transitioning to off-grid operations, a move that aligns with their broader commitment to sustainability. This decision is not merely environmentally responsible but also strategically sound. With the aim to invest in advanced CNC technology, uninterrupted power is vital to maintain high standards of quality without the interruptions that plague other companies.
In addition to their sustainability initiatives, Fraser-Mac Structures is deeply committed to supporting the local economy. They source materials from local hardware stores and steel suppliers in Ruwa meaning that their success contributes to the prosperity of the local community. Moreover, they recycle all waste steel, selling it to nearby foundries, thereby reducing waste and supporting local industries.
Beyond their technical expertise and commitment to sustainability, Fraser-Mac Structures is a company that values its people. They have cultivated a work environment where employees are not just workers but integral members of the Fraser-Mac family. This is reflected in their employee reward system, where workers who maintain perfect attendance are gifted with a hamper from ProHampers at the end of the month—a small but significant gesture that reinforces the company’s commitment to its team.
Factory Expansion to Meet Growing Demand
As Fraser-Mac Structures continues to gain momentum, they are expanding their operations to meet the increasing demand for their services. In 2023, they embarked on an ambitious expansion of their factory, adding 1,200 square meters to their existing 500-square-meter facility. This new space, operational as of April 2024, includes dedicated areas for cutting, drilling, assembly, welding, painting and dispatch. With this expanded capacity, Fraser-Mac Structures can now deliver projects more swiftly and competitively, enhancing their ability to meet the needs of a growing client base.
A Portfolio That Speaks for Itself
Fraser-Mac Structures’ portfolio is a clear reflection of their expertise and versatility. From constructing expansive warehouses for Mega Save in Marondera and Mt Darwin (underway) to fabricating fuel canopies for filling stations like Thuli, their work spans a diverse range of sectors and applications. In the residential sector, they recently completed a 9-unit housing complex on Princess Drive in Newlands, where they designed and installed a mezzanine floor and a custom spiral staircase, showcasing their ability to blend functionality with aesthetic appeal.
Other notable projects include the structural steel for a multifunctional building at Far and Wide Zimbabwe in Nyanga, where they installed a stunning spiral staircase that required meticulous attention to detail.
At Mozambik Chisipite, they are nearing completion on a steel structure that is set to be both functional and visually striking. Each of these projects highlights Fraser-Mac Structures’ ability to deliver bespoke solutions, whether for commercial, agricultural or residential purposes.
From: S&D ISSUE 68
