We bring your vision to life
Urban Group offers an extensive range of design and technical solutions for property enclosures with safety, privacy, and aesthetics a priority. Over the last four decades, we have worked on some of the country’s most innovative projects, ensuring Aotearoa New Zealand’s buildings and boundaries look their best with enduring style and performance.
What sets us apart
As the country’s largest aluminium fencing and gate manufacturer, we draw on three generations’ worth of engineering expertise and innovation. Investing substantially in both our people and our plant is what keeps us ahead.
End-to-end support
Our service starts with a wide range of high-quality products, followed by guidance on solutions to suit the architecture, function, and space requirements. We work with you through the life of the project: from scoping and design to engineering, fabrication, and construction.
Design Innovation
As fabricators, we are always prototyping and iterating, looking for better, more streamlined and cost-effective methods. Our design, tooling, and assembly is continually evolving, keeping pace with new ideas, methods, and technologies.
Manufactured here
Our aluminium fabrication plant in Levin is supported by our Auckland and Wellington logistics centres. Our scale means your projects are integrated and streamlined, with every part delivered to site as one co‑ordinated order.
End-to-end support
Our service starts with a wide range of high-quality products, followed by guidance on solutions to suit the architecture, function, and space requirements. We work with you through the life of the project: from scoping and design to engineering, fabrication, and construction.
Design Innovation
As fabricators, we are always prototyping and iterating, looking for better, more streamlined and cost-effective methods. Our design, tooling, and assembly is continually evolving, keeping pace with new ideas, methods, and technologies.
Manufactured here
Our aluminium fabrication plant in Levin is supported by our Auckland and Wellington logistics centres. Our scale means your projects are integrated and streamlined, with every part delivered to site as one co‑ordinated order.
Community support
We’re humbled to be a Smarrt Supporter of the Rapid Relief Team (RRT) NZ. RRT delivers hope and relief to people across the globe. Whether it be fire, flood, or humanitarian needs, RRT expands their support services to meet the crisis at hand.
Established by the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church (PBCC) in 2013, RRT offers quality catering assistance and tangible support to charities, government, and emergency services confronting some of humankind’s greatest challenges.
Led by the Christian principles of care and compassion, RRT’s army of volunteers operates from the heart across the globe and lends a helping hand to people in Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, North and South America, the Caribbean, Canada, and across Europe.
Our Story
1985
FoundedFECO (Farifield Engineering CO.) established by Ormond H. Stewart in the garage at the family home offering general engineering services.
1987
Gates & fencesIn response to the introduction of the pool fencing act, FECO begins making fencing and gates for the Horowhenua and Kapiti Region
2006
FECOFECO Aluminium is established as a breakaway from FECO, focusing on aluminium gates and fences, under the watchful eye of Michael Stewart
2010
New facilityNew 2000m2 Fabrication Facility built in Levin for the manufacture of gates.
2011
Urban GroupFECO Aluminium rebranded to Urban Group ™
2013
Powder-coatingInvests in an in-house powder coating line
2017
ExpansionUrban Group opens a distribution and sales office in Auckland.
2018
V2Urban Group acquires Natronics. Sole distributor for the V2 range of gate automation
2021
StabiWoodUrban Group acquires Stabiwood, adding composite fencing and decking systems to our range
1985
FoundedFECO (Farifield Engineering CO.) established by Ormond H. Stewart in the garage at the family home offering general engineering services.
1987
Gates & fencesIn response to the introduction of the pool fencing act, FECO begins making fencing and gates for the Horowhenua and Kapiti Region
2006
FECOFECO Aluminium is established as a breakaway from FECO, focusing on aluminium gates and fences, under the watchful eye of Michael Stewart
2010
New facilityNew 2000m2 Fabrication Facility built in Levin for the manufacture of gates.
2011
Urban GroupFECO Aluminium rebranded to Urban Group ™
2013
Powder-coatingInvests in an in-house powder coating line
2017
ExpansionUrban Group opens a distribution and sales office in Auckland.
2021
StabiWoodUrban Group acquires Stabiwood, adding composite fencing and decking systems to our range
Meet the team
We’re a close and connected team who foster a positive and supportive work environment.
Fergus Stewart
Managing Director
Fergus has been involved in all facets of the business since 2008 and believes that it has been a privilege to be part of the journey that has brought the Urban Group to where it is today. "The growth of the team, customers, and product range has been rewarding to see. In my role as General Manager, I’m responsible for the overall vision and strategy of the company as well as ensuring operational excellence and ongoing business growth."
Michael Stewart
Director
Building and engineering has long been Michael's passion. After completing a building apprenticeship in the early 80s, he joined the family engineering company, FECO. He has been involved in many facets of the company from management, sales, fabrication, and installation. In 2006, he had the opportunity to purchase the aluminium division of FECO, which was rebranded to Urban Group and is now in its 3rd generation of ownership. "While not involved day-to-day, I keep a close watch and lead large strategic projects."
William Stewart
Director
William embarked on his journey in 2003, starting from the ground up on the factory floor, immersing himself in welding and fabrication. Over time, he has grown alongside the business, progressing from installation and production roles to a more expansive managerial position. He has been instrumental in the inception of Belcanto Group and the groundbreaking development of our remarkable range of industry-leading brands.
Darby Stewart
Director
Darby has developed a deep-rooted understanding of plans, products, and people. His comprehensive knowledge of the construction industry was honed through years of hands-on experience as a qualified builder, along with his time in the family business. This background equips him to navigate project management with precision, emphasising critical paths, health and safety protocols, and ongoing client satisfaction. "My straightforward, results-oriented approach guarantees effective delivery, reflecting my commitment to getting the job done right."
Jim Green
Key Account Manager
Jim draws upon his extensive experience within the fencing industry to excel at nurturing and expanding our key client partnerships. His in-depth understanding of the industry allows him to anticipate and address client needs effectively, ensuring customer satisfaction.
Caleb Smith
Finance & Systems Manager
Having worked in various industries and roles, Caleb has gained skills and experience and uncovered passions that have allowed him to thrive in his role here at Urban. Researching and implementing systems, process automation and improvement, and solving problems at the root cause are some of the things he truly enjoys. "Working at Urban with an awesome bunch of people and excellent leadership makes coming to work each day a pleasure."
Cherry Thelmo-Fernandez
Marketing Manager
With over 15 years of diverse experience in marketing and communications across various industries, Cherry is a versatile professional who brings her passion for brand storytelling, engaging events, and all things digital to the Urban Group.
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Jordan Mirelli
Automation Specialist
Jordan has always been heavily involved in technical product sales and building strong relationships with clients to offer solutions based on their wants and needs. Being part of the fence and gate industry for many years, he has a deep technical understanding of gates, automation and access control, and understands the importance of having fit-for-purpose solutions for projects.
Maddison Richards
Internal Sales
A relatively recent addition to the Urban Group team, Maddi has been contributing to the team's success in internal sales. With a fresh perspective and enthusiasm for urban fencing, she brings a passion for connecting people and enthusiasm to explore the possibilities that lie ahead.
Mason Parker
Business Development Manager
Mason has been managing sales and new business development across multiple roles and industries. It was a natural move for Mason to join the Urban Group last September 2021 and provide our South Island customers and specifiers access to the best-in-class fencing, gates, and automation solutions.
Doug Tait
Key Account Manager
With many years of practical experience Doug is the ideal person to discuss your boundary projects with. Since joining the team in 2021, Doug has been involved in successful new product launches and is now the Sales Manager for the Lower North Island. Doug take’s pride in what he does and is very passionate about supporting his customers, going over and above to get them what they need when they need it (even if it does cost him the odd smoko shout!). If you need some on-site support or advice, get in touch with Doug today.
Wayne Shuker
Internal Sales Team Leader
Wayne joined the Urban Group team in 2020, armed with a reputation for attention to detail and a calm demeanour he has already made a significant impact in the business. Working along side some of the big players in the field, he has provided off the shelf solutions to some complex and demanding gate and fence projects. Waynes experience with these projects has made him a valuable member in the Urban Group team and he is highly regarded in the industry.
Chris Cheeseman
Operations Manager
Chris' primary focus revolves around driving business growth while ensuring optimal output alignment for our shareholders. Through meticulous planning, collaboration with cross-functional teams, and the implementation of innovative methodologies, he orchestrates and oversees production processes that contribute to the company's expansion. "By striking a balance between strategic vision and hands-on execution, I play a vital role in advancing Urban Group's production capabilities and overall success."
Steven Dowd
Fabrication Manager
Steve is the longest-serving member at Urban Group other than the Stewarts who founded it. He started in 2011 as a fabricator and has seen the business evolve from a small family business to the 30+ employee company it is today.
His skills have also grown in a big way from starting off sweeping the floors to knowing the ins and outs of every bit of fabrication we do, to his current role as fabrication manager overlooking a big part of the production line.
Damion Strydom
Internal Sales Representative
Damion joined Urban Group’s internal sales in January 2024, enhancing our solutions for Lower North and Southern customers. With international experience and a focus on detail, he offers competitive, customer-centric project pricing.
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Deborah Cargill
Accounts Payable/Payroll
At Urban Group, Deborah is driven by the unwavering support and trust of the management team. "Their belief in my abilities to perform my responsibilities with precision and confidentiality motivates me to excel in my role. I take pride in contributing to the seamless functioning of the company's financial operations, ensuring accuracy and confidentiality at every step."
Louise Jones
Accounts Receivable
For the past decade, Louise has been a dedicated member of the Urban Group team. She fosters positive relationships with our team and external and internal stakeholders.
Steven Raikes
Design Engineer
Steven joined the Urban Group team in 2018, with a passion for design and product development, starting as a draftsman doing fabrication drawings, he has expanded his skills greatly to help the business since then, from extrusion design, CNC programming, to designing new products, as well as helping the business to expand into more complicated gates including sectional sliding gates, telescopic gates, etc.
Join our team
We are always happy to talk to nice, talented people interested in joining the Urban Group team.
