I sat down with Martin and Alex, the co-owners of Fribesco Ltd, to ask them about 15 years in business, what keeps them going in an ever-changing industry and what they’re excited about in 2026.
What led you to start Fribesco 15 years ago?
Martin: “We came to New Zealand from Switzerland in 2009, and I didn’t have my tools with me at first. So I had to get some in shops around Nelson. What a challenge that was. I managed to get a decent rivet gun for $180 that would last a lifetime, to the surprise of my workmates, who bought a $40 rivet gun from Bunnings every few weeks.
We moved up to Auckland, and other roofers told me constantly that you can’t get these tools in New Zealand. Well, that word ‘can’t’ stuck with me. I got in touch with manufacturers in Europe and ordered the first shipment of tools for fellow roofers.”
What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced in the past 15 years, and how were they overcome?
Martin: “When I was still working to generate income and trying to sell tools and clips, while Alex was working on our first web-shop, running her massage business, and investing everything we had into our dream. We both worked 50 hours a week, and on top of that, we attended A&P shows on weekends to promote our business.
Alex: “Rapid growth, for sure. It took a solid network, the right support, and a lot of juggling to meet those challenges head-on.”
What is your favourite product or roofing innovation that Fribesco sells?
Martin: “Only one? Well, I have two.
1. Pelican Snip: This snip has changed the way roofers cut their iron and flashings. Perfect long cuts every time.
2. The WUKO bender. Finally, you can roll a flashing on-site to any shape needed and finish barges and window flashings on the go”.
Alex: “Rather than a product we sell, my real passion is our Roofing and Cladding Academy (RCA). It’s all about passing on knowledge — making sure anyone can access valuable know-how and helping future generations upskill.”
How do you stay ahead of the game?
Martin: “The building industry is changing, and so are we. Going overseas to trade fairs and educating ourselves is key to staying ahead of the game. Collaborating with like-minded individuals worldwide, exchanging information, and working together.”
What are you most excited about in 2026?
Martin: “Expanding our training offerings at RCA (Roofing and Cladding Academy) to include additional courses. Our next curriculum will be based around:
School leavers’ basic pre-training on bending machines and production of sheet metal products for roofing and cladding
Non-ferrous metal courses
Soldering and brazing of copper and zinc
Combination standing seam roof and wall: refresh and advanced level training
Rain-screen cladding systems
Non-combustible cladding solutions
To make this happen, we need more support from the industry to make a real change effectively. So far, we have covered all the expenses and investment for the RCA. To proceed to the next stage, we require additional machinery, tooling, teachers and support crew. Get in touch if you’d like to be a part of RCA!”
This week, to celebrate 15 years in business, we’ve made everything 15% off* just use the code Happy15 at checkout.
*Offer valid from Friday 28th of November to Monday 1st of December at 8am 2025.
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