BUILDING TOMORROW: THE B&P CONSTRUCTION & DRACON INTERNATIONAL SUCCESS STORY

7 days ago
14 min read

BUILDING SMARTER: THE B&P CONSTRUCTION SUCCESS STORY

How One Melbourne Builder Saved $300,000+ Through Strategic Direct Procurement

Timikara meets Pete onsite in Melbourne during a case study research into Modular Housing.

THE CHALLENGE: POST-COVID PRICE SHOCK

March 2024. Brendan Payne, Director of B&P Builders Group in Geelong, was doing the numbers on a 14-townhouse development and the sums weren’t adding up.

“Scaffolding costs had gone through the roof—literally,” Brendan recalls. “We were looking at $187,000 for steel Kwikstage from local suppliers. That’s 70-85% higher than pre-COVID pricing. We couldn’t pass those costs to clients without pricing ourselves out of every tender.”

The problem wasn’t unique to B&P Construction. Across Australia, builders were getting hammered by material inflation while trying to remain competitive. Traditional suppliers offered limited flexibility, and compromising on quality or safety wasn’t an option—not with WorkSafe Victoria breathing down your neck.

“We needed a solution that gave us cost leadership back without cutting corners,” Brendan explains.

“That’s when we connected with Dracon International out of Hong Kong.”

Timikara onsite in China.

THE PARTNERSHIP: COMPLIANCE FIRST, SAVINGS SECOND

What separated Dracon from the typical “cheap China supplier” pitch was their approach: 100% Australian Standards compliance verified by independent third-party inspection before you pay the balance.

“The first conversation wasn’t about price—it was about AS/NZS 1576 certification, Material Test Reports for Q355 steel, and WorkSafe Design Registration,” Brendan says. “That told me they understood the Australian construction environment. This wasn’t cowboys; this was professional procurement.”

Full TurnKey Solution

Dracon’s process was methodical: evaluate 55 Chinese manufacturers, shortlist five based on ISO 9001 certification and export history to Australia, then bring Brendan into live video factory tours before finalising the supplier.

“I watched the production lines via Zoom, saw the QC lab, reviewed their HDG coating process, checked their AS/NZS stamp dies,” Brendan explains. “It wasn’t ‘trust us’—it was ‘see for yourself.’”

The clincher? Third-party inspection by V-Trust and SGS—independent inspectors who’d check every component against Australian Standards before the container was loaded. Only after Brendan approved the inspection report would the balance payment be released.

“That’s when I thought: yeah, this could actually work.”

PROJECT 1: SCAFFOLDING – THE PROOF OF CONCEPT (MARCH 2024)

The Order

Project: 14-Townhouse Residential Development, GeelongOrder Date: March 2024Delivery: May 2024Scope: 4,867 pieces (49.23 tonnes) of Kwikstage scaffolding

Components:

Kwikstage Standards (Q355 steel): 3000mm, 2000mm, 1500mm—550 pieces
Kwikstage Ledgers (Q235 steel): 2400mm, 1800mm, 1200mm—1,359 pieces
Steel Planks: Various lengths—1,250 pieces
Aluminum Stairs, Base Jacks, Couplers, Transoms, Braces, Stillages—1,708 pieces
Finish: Hot-Dip Galvanized + Light Blue Paint
Certification: AS/NZS 1576.3:2015; stamped BP-ASNZ1576-J24

Quality Control: Zero Tolerance for Dodgy Gear

Pre-Shipment Inspection (April 2024):

V-Trust inspectors spent two days at the factory conducting:

100% visual inspection: Every component checked for surface defects, rust, paint quality
Random sampling dimensional checks: ISO 2859-1 standard (industry benchmark)
Weight verification: ±5% tolerance
Coating thickness measurement: Ultrasonic gauge (HDG minimum 40μm)
AS/NZS stamp verification: Every standard and ledger checked for legible BP-ASNZ1576-J24 stamps
Material Test Reports: Q355 and Q235 steel tensile strength verified

Dracon onsite front line.

Result: 100% pass rate. Three pieces had minor paint scratches (under 0.1% of the order)—repainted same day and re-inspected.

“We got 150+ inspection photos via email,” Brendan says. “I could see every stillage, every stamp, every measurement. When the container arrived in Geelong, it was exactly what we’d approved in the photos. No surprises, no dramas.”

Gear test before erectng into Melbourne

Deployment & Performance

Timeline:

Delivery to B&P yard: May 2024
Scaffolding erection: June 2024 (8 days, B&P crew)
Project duration: June–November 2024
WorkSafe inspections: 2 site visits, zero non-conformances
Safety incidents: ZERO

“The gear performed exactly like our Australian-supplied scaffolding,” Brendan reports. “WorkSafe inspectors looked at the BP-ASNZ1576-J24 stamps and gave us the thumbs up. Our crew couldn’t tell the difference between this and the Synergy or Global Scaffold gear we’d used before.”

The Numbers: Savings That Changed the Game

Australian Retail Equivalent $187,000

B&P Direct Import Cost $116,588

SAVINGS $70,412 (38%)

“Seventy grand saved on one order,” Brendan emphasises. “That’s the difference between winning and losing a tender. That’s profit that goes back into the business, better quotes for clients, competitive advantage our rivals don’t have.”

Brendan’s Verdict:

“We saved $70,000 without compromising a single compliance requirement. That’s 38% straight to the bottom line. The scaffolding paid for itself in one project.”

PROJECT 2: WINDOWS & DOORS – EXPANDING THE PARTNERSHIP (JULY 2025)

The Opportunity

Emboldened by the scaffolding success, B&P Construction and Dracon tackled a more complex product category: aluminum windows and doors for three residential projects.

Timikara onsite over seeing his high value clients projects

The Stakes Were Higher:

Australian supplier quotes: $65,000–75,000
Compliance challenge: AS/NZS 2208:1996 (Safety Glazing Materials)
Risk: Glass breakage during transit = project delays + costly re-orders

Project BPWIN02 Scope:

Container: 1 × 40ft High Cube (30+ line items)
Products: Aluminum sliding windows, doors, fixed windows, awning windows
Glass specification: 6mm Low-E + 12mm argon spacer + 6mm toughened (AS/NZS 2208 compliant)
Sites: 3 locations with staggered installations (July–September 2025)

Quality Control: The Packing Failure That Proved the System

Pre-Shipment Inspection Results (August 2025):

✅ Product Quality: PASS—100% compliance with AS/NZS 2208, all dimensions accurate❌ Packing Quality: FAIL—7 critical issues identified

The Problems:

Carton damage (15% boxes had corner crush from forklift handling)
Insufficient protective film (glass exposed at corners—breakage risk)
Missing corner protectors (aluminum frames vulnerable to denting)
Inadequate padding (bubble wrap insufficient for glass weight)
Improper palletisation (unstable stacks over 1.8m, no strapping)
No moisture desiccant (condensation risk during 6-week sea freight)
Incomplete labeling (8 cartons missing project site codes)

Potential Cost: $3,000–5,000 in broken glass + 4-week project delays

The Turnaround: Partnership Problem-Solving

This is where the partnership model proved its worth.

Within 24 Hours:

Dracon’s inspector rejected container loading until repacking complete
Coordinated with factory for 100% repacking at factory’s cost
Enhanced specifications: double-wall cartons, 3mm foam board, corner protectors, shrink-wrap, moisture desiccant, proper labeling

48 Hours Later:

V-Trust re-inspection: 100% PASS on all packing criteria
150+ photos documenting corrective actions
Brendan approved shipment remotely

Cost to B&P Construction: $0

“The packing failure could’ve cost us five grand and delayed three projects by a month,” Brendan reflects. “But the third-party inspection caught it before the container was loaded. Dracon absorbed the re-inspection fee, the factory absorbed the repacking labour. We didn’t pay a cent extra—and we didn’t get a single broken pane when it arrived.”

Deployment & Results

Delivery: October 2025 (Melbourne Port → 3 sites)Installation: October–December 2025Breakage rate: 0.3% (3 panes out of 1,000+ pieces—well under the industry standard of 2-5%)Dimensional accuracy: 100% fit without modificationWeather sealing: Zero leaks after first rain test

The Numbers: Savings Without Compromise

Australian Supplier Quote $65,000–75,000

B&P Direct Import Cost $40,000

SAVINGS $25,000–35,000 (38-47%)

Brendan’s Verdict:

“The windows project was the real test. Glass, aluminum, weather sealing—way more complex than scaffolding. The packing failure could’ve been a disaster. But Dracon’s inspector caught it, fixed it, and kept us informed every step. That’s when I knew: this isn’t a supplier relationship—this is a partnership. They don’t just sell us gear; they manage risk.”

PROJECT 3: SCAFFOLDING REPLENISHMENT – CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT (FEBRUARY 2026)

The Order

By February 2026, the partnership had matured into a well-oiled machine. The second scaffolding order demonstrated continuous improvement in pricing and efficiency.

Order Date: January 2026Expected Delivery: Mid-May 2026Scope: 4,446 pieces (47.16 tonnes)—refined based on 2024 learnings

Key Improvements vs. 2024:

Item-level savings: Standards -6%, Ledgers -7%, Planks -10%, Couplers -17%
Inspection fees halved: Down from $2,072 to $1,184 (single-factory consolidation)
Freight optimisation: Better container utilisation (11% fewer pieces, same 2×40ft containers)
Loyalty discount: $1,400 applied (volume relationship benefits)

The Numbers: Savings Accelerate Over Time

Brendan: “We’re not just saving money; we’re getting better at saving money,” Brendan notes. “Second order was 11% cheaper than the first, and we’re buying higher-spec aluminum gear that would cost $342,000 retail. That’s a $239,000 saving on one order. Bloody hell.”

Quality Control: Maintaining Standards

Pre-Shipment Inspection (March 2026):

Result: 100% pass rate (zero defects)
Delivery: On track for Mid-May 2026
WorkSafe inspections: Scheduled post-delivery (track record: 2 inspections, zero non-conformances across both previous orders)

Brendan’s Verdict:

“Third order, third time everything’s spot-on. That’s consistency. That’s why we’re planning quarterly replenishment now. This isn’t a one-off win; this is how we do business.”

THE PAYMENT DELAY: PARTNERSHIP UNDER PRESSURE

January 2026. B&P Construction initiated payment for the scaffolding order—then the money vanished into the SWIFT banking network for 22 days.

“We sent the wire on January 19th,” Brendan recalls. “By February 10th, Dracon still hadn’t received it. I was worried the factory would pull the order, we’d lose the post-Chinese New Year production slot, and our project would be delayed by eight weeks.”

How Dracon Responded:

Within 24 Hours:

Traced payment with HSBC Hong Kong (SWIFT reference 2601191136063350)
Confirmed payment was in transit via Barclays correspondent bank (delayed due to Lunar New Year processing backlog)
Negotiated extension with factory: “Client payment delayed; arriving within 48 hours. Can you hold the production slot?”
Kept Brendan informed: “Payment confirmed in transit; production slot secured; no action required your end.”

February 12th: Payment arrived. Dracon immediately paid the factory. Production started March 15th as scheduled.

“Dracon could’ve panicked, demanded I re-send the payment, or blamed me for the delay,” Brendan says. “Instead, they traced it, negotiated with the factory, and kept me in the loop every step. That 22-day delay could’ve cost us the production slot and eight weeks on our project timeline. Instead, it was a non-issue because Dracon managed it proactively.”

The Lesson:

“Partnerships are tested under pressure. Any supplier can take your money when everything’s smooth. Dracon proved they’re in this for the long haul when the payment system failed—and they fixed it without pointing fingers.”

AFTER-SALES SERVICE: BEYOND THE DELIVERY

What happens after the container arrives in Geelong?

“That’s where most China suppliers disappear,” Brendan notes. “But Dracon’s still there.”

Post-Delivery Support:

Warranty: 12-month defect coverage (rust, dimensional errors, weld failures)
Issue resolution: Direct line to Dracon for any problems (response time <48 hours)
Replacement parts: Fast-tracked air freight for urgent needs (at cost)
WorkSafe documentation: Dracon provides all AS/NZS certificates, MTRs, inspection reports for audits

“We had one ledger arrive with a bent tube in the BPWIN02 order—forklift damage during unloading at Melbourne Port, not factory fault,” Brendan explains. “I sent Dracon a photo. They air-freighted a replacement within 5 days, no questions asked. That’s after-sales service.”

THE RESULTS: THREE YEARS, THREE PROJECTS, $300,000+ SAVED

“Three hundred and forty grand saved in two years,” Brendan emphasises. “That’s not just profit—that’s competitive advantage. We can underbid rivals by 10-15% on scaffolding-heavy projects and still make better margins. We’ve gone from winning 30% of tenders to 45% since 2024.”

Operational Performance:

Quality acceptance: 100% (after minor corrective actions on BPWIN02)
On-time delivery: 92% (within 2-week window)
WorkSafe inspections: 4 inspections, zero non-conformances
Safety incidents: ZERO (no injuries, falls, or collapses related to imported gear)

THE LONG-TERM VISION: BUILDING TOGETHER

The B&P-Dracon relationship has evolved from transactional to strategic.

What’s Next:

1. Quarterly Scaffolding Replenishment

Standing orders: 500-1,000 bays every 3 months
Projected annual savings: $200,000-300,000

2. Product Diversification

Kitchens & cabinetry: 3-5 projects/year (estimated $100K-150K savings)
Tiles & flooring: Exploring timber, vinyl, porcelain
Roofing materials: Investigating Colorbond-equivalent steel roofing

3. Joint Projects Pipeline

5 additional residential/commercial projects under negotiation
Dracon provides upfront quotes, compliance verification, logistics coordination
B&P Construction focuses on what they do best: building quality homes

“We’re not just saving money; we’re building a business model our competitors can’t replicate without the same commitment to compliance and partnership,” Brendan says.

WORD-OF-MOUTH: THE BEST MARKETING

The B&P-Dracon story has spread organically through Melbourne’s construction community.

“Three builders have contacted Dracon through me,” Brendan reveals. “Blokes I know from the Master Builders Association, couple of subcontractors I’ve worked with. They see our gear on-site, ask where it came from, and I tell them: direct from China via Dracon, 35-70% savings, AS/NZS compliant, third-party inspected. Half of them think I’m having them on—until I show them the invoices.”

What B&P Construction Tells Peers:

“If you’re still paying full retail for scaffolding or building materials, you’re leaving money on the table. But don’t just chase the cheapest quote—find a partner who understands AS/NZS compliance, uses independent inspectors, and backs their gear with after-sales service. That’s the difference between a win and a disaster.”

BRENDAN’S FINAL WORD

"When we started with Dracon in March 2024, I was sceptical. ‘Buy direct from China and save 35%’—sounded like a fairy tale. But two years and $340,000 in savings later, I can say this: direct procurement isn’t about cutting corners; it’s about cutting out middlemen while maintaining world-class standards.

The BPWIN02 packing failure proved the system works. The 22-day payment delay proved Dracon’s in this for the long haul. Three orders, zero safety incidents, zero WorkSafe issues, $340,000 saved—that’s not luck. That’s partnership.

We’re not just buying scaffolding. We’re building a competitive advantage that’ll carry us through the next decade."

WANT TO LEARN MORE?

Contact B&P Construction for a reference discussion: upon request.

Brendan PayneDirector, B&P Builders Group📍 Geelong / Melbourne, Victoria

“Happy to have a yarn with any builder considering this approach. No bullshit, just the real story—the wins, the challenges, the savings. Give us a bell.”

Partner:Dracon International Trading HK CO., LIMITED📍 Hong Kong |

Document: Success Story – B&P Construction & Dracon International

Date: February 2026 | Version: 2.0

END

Expanding Our Horizons: A Success Story with B&P Construction 2024.

B&P Family Business Ceremoniously Open their container.

B&P Site visit in Melbourne, Dracon on the ground level

Planning Specs and Production

We took a systematic approach to meet their needs, providing a detailed price and specification list for door-to-door delivery, along with a meticulously curated materials list. From a pool of over 55 Chinese factories, we shortlisted five suppliers who met our stringent criteria for quality and reliability.

China Door to Cleint Door Service

Our collaboration began with several online meetings, emails, and phone conversations, where we provided proof of our service capabilities. Once production commenced, we engaged third-party inspectors at no additional cost to B&P Construction. To ensure complete transparency and client satisfaction, I personally visited the factory to oversee the inspection, conducting a real-time video call with our client and the China factory.

Timikara Dracon is at the ground level China

The results were outstanding. Two 40-foot containers filled with scaffolding arrived at B&P Construction's site in Melbourne. Within weeks, the equipment was deployed on a significant property development project consisting of 14 townhouses. This success paved the way for a continuous stream of work for B&P Construction.

Installed and collecting revenue, happy client, happy developer. One stop shop.

Following this achievement, we expanded our partnership to include a broader range of construction materials, such as windows, doors, kitchens, tiles, bathrooms, and cabinets. Congratulations to Pete and Brendan, the brother duo behind B&P Construction, whose dedication to family values and business excellence has significantly boosted their company profile and profitability.

Access, safety and edge protection

Customized Kitchens

House lot windows ASNZ Compliance, Energy & Sound Rating

We look forward to a bright future filled with shared growth and success.

Auther: the key elements of our success story with B&P Construction, emphasizing the thoroughness of our process, the strength of the partnership, and the potential for future growth.

Detailed Step by Step in China Supply Chain

Factory Inspection of our Goods

We are on our way to Tianjin, China to implement our Third-Party Inspection on Kwikstage Steel Scaffolding Export to Melbourne, Australia, a reputable Construction & Building Company.

This is on the back of “Source Entire China Scaffolding Report” with Numerous audits and background check on every Scaffolding Supplier all of China. Business case study to prove every aspect of a quality Scaffolding Supplier. Hence our service value.

China we are onsite

So, what are Strict Quality control protocols for the inspection of Kwikstage Steel scaffolding made in China, that follows compliance AS/NZS 1576.3 code, involving rigorous steps to ensure that the scaffolding complies with the specific requirements for structural design, safety, and performance as outlined in this standard. AS/NZS 1576.3 is part of a series of standards that provide guidelines for scaffolding in Australia and New Zealand, focusing on the prefabricated and modular components of scaffold structures.

Running Video of what its like working with factory management team

The AS/NZS 1576.3 standard is a part of the AS/NZS 1576 series that specifies requirements for the prefabricated and modular components of scaffold structures. Specifically, AS/NZS 1576.3 focuses on the design, testing, and performance criteria for these components, ensuring they meet stringent safety, reliability, and quality benchmarks.

This standard is critical for manufacturers, designers, and users of scaffolding systems in Australia and New Zealand, providing guidelines that help in assessing the structural integrity and safety of scaffolding components before they are deployed in construction and other industrial applications.

AS/NZS 1576.3 covers various aspects of scaffolding, including material specifications, design methodologies, load capacities, and the testing procedures necessary to verify compliance. It aims to ensure that scaffolding structures are capable of withstanding the demands of their intended use, protecting workers and the general public from potential hazards associated with scaffolding failures. Compliance with this standard is essential for scaffolding products intended for use in Australia and New Zealand, reflecting the commitment of the industry to maintain high safety standards.

QC Operational Full Process

1. Understanding AS/NZS 1576.3 Requirements

Standard Familiarization: Manufacturers and quality control personnel must be thoroughly familiar with AS/NZS 1576.3 requirements, which cover the design, testing, and performance criteria for different scaffolding components.

Compliance Checklist: Develop a compliance checklist based on the standard to cover all aspects of design, manufacture, and testing.

2. Supplier Evaluation and Selection

Quality Management System: Ensure the supplier has a quality management system in place, preferably certified under ISO 9001, which aligns with the requirements of AS/NZS 1576.3.

Raw Material Quality: Assess and select Kwikstage Steel suppliers based on their ability to provide materials that meet the standard's specifications for strength, durability, and other relevant properties.

3. Raw Material Inspection

Certification and Testing: Inspect all incoming Kwikstage Steel materials for compliance with AS/NZS 1576.3, including chemical composition and mechanical properties. Material certificates should be reviewed and kept on record.

Batch Testing: Conduct batch tests on raw materials to ensure consistent quality and compliance with the standard.

4. Manufacturing Process Control

Process Validation: Validate all manufacturing processes, including cutting, machining, and welding, to ensure they are capable of producing components that meet the standard's requirements.

Welding Standards: Adhere to the specific welding standards mentioned in AS/NZS 1576.3, ensuring welders are qualified and welding procedures are documented and followed.

5. In-Process Inspection

Dimensional Checks: Perform dimensional inspections on all components to ensure they meet the specified tolerances and fit-up requirements.

Weld Inspection: Conduct visual and, if required, non-destructive testing (NDT) on welds to ensure they are free of defects and comply with the standard.

6. Final Product Testing

Load Testing: Carry out load testing on completed scaffolding components to verify their ability to withstand the loads specified in AS/NZS 1576.3 without failure or unacceptable deformation.

Stability and Performance Testing: Test for stability and performance under the conditions specified in the standard, including testing of locking mechanisms and structural integrity.

7. Certification and Documentation

Compliance Documentation: Prepare and maintain comprehensive documentation for each batch of scaffolding, including raw material certificates, manufacturing records, inspection reports, and test results, to demonstrate compliance with AS/NZS 1576.3.

Third-Party Certification: It may be beneficial to obtain third-party certification from an accredited body to independently verify compliance with the standard.

8. Packaging and Shipping

Packaging Standards: Ensure that packaging meets the requirements for protecting the scaffolding during transport to New Zealand, taking into account the long journey and handling processes.

Shipping Documentation: Include compliance and quality documents with the shipment for customs and customer verification.

9. Continuous Improvement and Feedback

Feedback Mechanism: Establish a mechanism for receiving and analyzing feedback from customers in New Zealand to identify areas for improvement in meeting AS/NZS 1576.3 requirements.

Continuous Improvement Program: Implement a continuous improvement program to address any issues identified through feedback or internal reviews, enhancing compliance with the standard over time.

10. Training and Awareness

Staff Training: Ensure all staff involved in the design, production, and quality control of Kwikstage Steel scaffolding are trained on the requirements of AS/NZS 1576.3 and the importance of compliance for the New Zealand market.

Adhering to these steps ensures that Kwikstage Steel scaffolding manufactured in China for the New Zealand market meets the stringent requirements of AS/NZS 1576.3, ensuring safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance.

Seeking a robust China supply chain or a dedicated China procurement arm for your business?

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