Our People

Mike Gilbert

My parents began this business when I was 8 years old. It has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I started working for GSME at 15 as the “boy” - part of my job description included making the tradesmen cups of tea at smoko. I spent three years completing my Trade Certificate in Light Fabrication and went on to complete a Diploma in Fabrication, the highest qualification available in the field. In 2001, I competed in the National SkillEX finals and placed second in the country for my trade. I progressed from an apprentice to becoming a tradesman. In 2005 I became the Production Manager followed by the Business Development Manager in 2015 and General Manager in 2019. Finally, I have become the Managing Director.

Metal fabrication is my passion. I have been trained in the old school system which included full pattern development, metal manipulation and engineering but have also learned under the modern system having personally operated the CNC machines which are employed in the modern trade. I understand this trade fully and am equally skilled in light fabrication, heavy fabrication, marine engineering and general engineering. I thrive on the challenge of finding a way to produce/engineer something that others say cannot be done and on improving designs, making them better and quicker.

I am proud of what my family have accomplished with this business and look forward to continuing that legacy. It has grown from humble beginnings into a powerhouse of engineering solutions. The range of skills and experience available within our team is astounding. I know that, whatever the challenge, we can meet it. I have and always will stand behind everything we produce, after all it has my name on it.

Darryl Gilbert

I gained my apprenticeship in the area of sheet metal fabrication and served many years building my skill level in all facets of the industry including cabinet making, site work measure, manufacturing and installation of ducting and many other products. Once I had mastered these skills, I then turned my interest to welding and the finishing of stainless steel products

My wife Diana and I set up GSME in 1987 as a small jobbing business which has grown exponentially into a company that now provides a wide range of services and products supporting many industries including engineering, construction and marine to name but a few and employing approximately 50 staff.

I am extremely happy that my son has stepped into the role of Managing Director to drive the company to further successes in the future.

Alan Barson

With some 40 years’ experience within the engineering and industry trades and initially serving my time in marine engineering, my experience covers steel making and processing, heavy plant and equipment, quarrying, marine, ship repair and manufacturing.

I have worked internationally around the globe and been involved in the research, development and implementation of processes required for the repair of quarry/mining equipment etc for the steel industry.

My focus at GSME is on business development and, in short, improving our existing and new customers experience in partnering with us.

Bernard Delaney

I have had a varied career through the years ranging from landscape gardening to heavy structural fabrication after completing my apprenticeship in boiler-making/welding back in the early 90’s. Prior to joining GSME, I was employed in various engineering positions over a 32 year span from workshop manager through to project manager.

Initially employed at GSME as Works Foreman looking after the CNC and Fabrication departments, I was later promoted to Fabrication Foreman and now hold the position of Estimator.

Teesha Gilbert

Born in Waihi and raised in Rotorua, I am descended from Cornish tin miners and I whakapapa to Ngati Maniapoto and Ngati Pikiao.

I spent my final two years of high school in Beijing, attending an international school where I studied under the American system and completed the International Baccalaureate. I later graduated from the University of Auckland with a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in English Literature and minoring in Italian and Chinese, followed by a Postgraduate Diploma in Business majoring in Marketing.

My professional background is primarily corporate. I spent many years with Westfield New Zealand in Marketing and Centre Management, and I also bring experience from the shop‑fitting, display, exhibition, and retail sectors.

I joined GSME in 2013 and have since worked across a wide range of functions, with a strong focus on improving systems and procedures. Today, my responsibilities include financial management, HR, and administrative systems.

I am proud to contribute to a company that is 100% Kiwi-owned. My vision for GSME is to honour its family foundations by remaining committed, ethical, stable, and adaptable—while delivering practical, innovative, and high-quality service.

I am particularly passionate about investing in training to help address the skilled labour shortage in our industry and about opening more pathways for women. While we’ve made real progress, there is still plenty of work ahead—work I’m excited to continue.