Our Story
"Ideas are not solutions; they are the raw material of solutions".
-Arthur VanGundy
Conceptualisation and creation have been central to Fi Innovations right from its inception.
It is a generational family business. The original company, T D McIntosh and Sons, was Invercargill’s specialist in ornate plaster ceilings. Gareth Dykes’ great-grandfather, Thomas McIntosh, passed on his craft, skills and knowledge to his son, Bill McIntosh.
Although fibreglass was invented in 1938, the technology took longer to reach New Zealand shores. Bill thought fibreglass “might be worth checking out”, so he ordered Southland’s first batch of fibreglass resin. It arrived with no instructions. Taking the lid off, Bill placed the resin pottle in the middle of a large room. Not sure what to do, but also never afraid to take a risk, the approach was to run past and fling the hardener in – just in case it exploded!
A bold and fearless approach to creativity and business have always been central to this family, constantly evolving to meet market needs. By the 1960s, fibrous plaster had almost been forgotten. The business passed to Bill’s son, now trading as Southland Fibreglass. Once again, the company shifted focus by adding non-slip resin flooring alongside their expertise in fibreglass work.
In the 1990s, Gareth Dykes, who also held the family's pioneering spirit, learned the fibreglass trade at his grandfather’s factory. After an extended overseas adventure, he returned to Southland in 2002 with his wife, Melissa.
Passionate and excited to add new dimensions, Gareth and Melissa bring a fourth generation of innovation to this long-established Southland business. With constant investment in technology and a bold approach to development, Fi Innovations is now recognised as an award-winning hub of revolutionary ideas and creativity.
Fi Innovations is a company built on a thirst for innovation. Its future is bold, it is creative and has exciting unknowns, as it constantly adapts to stay ahead of the market. It is focused on inventing, adapting and educating.
At Fi Innovations, we are excited about what lies ahead.
Quite simply, if you can think of it, Fi Innovations can create it.
Our Vision
To be world-class through innovative thinking and manufacturing excellence.