We’re aiming for world class Health & Safety procedures. Our team are our greatest priority.
Building local
since 1939
We build like we live where you live.
Because we do.
We’re Building an Outstanding Construction Business
From our humble beginnings in 1939 to today, we have remained family-owned and operated. We’ve evolved from well-respected local contractor to a leading construction company servicing clients from around New Zealand, and the world.
We take exceptional pride in living where we work. For Breen, it has always been about being local. Have a presence, employing people in our towns and building a community of familiar faces who connect easily with one another, with clients, suppliers and sub-contractors.
It’s not just about the structures we build but how we build them. We hold ourselves to the highest standard – raising the bar for our people, our communities and the industry as a whole. We’re committed to building an outstanding construction business today, and everyday into the future.
Through the Years
1935
The Beginning
L.J. (Jim) Breen began contracting on his own account in Invercargill in 1935, his first contract being a joinery factory for G.A. McEwan. C.F. (Charlie) Breen joined Jim in 1936 for the Kew Kindergarten job. George Brockett also joined him and the partnership of Breen and Brockett was formed. Jim and his brothers Charlie and N.F. (Norman) contracted all over Southland and Central Otago. They built the Queenstown Post Office in 1937.
1939
The Breen Construction Company
The Breen Construction Company Limited was incorporated in Invercargill on 30 August 1939. Jim Breen being the Managing Director, and Jack Breen (the boys Dad) and E.J. Breen (Jim’s wife) being the minor shareholders. Charlie and Norman both became shareholders in 1940.
1945
St Gerard's New Primary School
Built by L. J. Breen prior to C. F. and N.F. Breen returning home from the Second World War. Photo c.1948; John Breen (son of Charlie Breen) is one of the wee fellows sitting at the bottom left.
1946
Carruth Establishment
Jim set up shop in Omakau, buying out builder Tom Carruth. The former Carruth establishment became the Breen headquarters. Charlie and Norman both became directors of the company in 1946.
1960
Civil Works
Breen Construction diversified into civil works with the first project being a contract to build the Alexandra sewage works.
1961
Alexandra Centennial Pool
The pool walls were tilt-slab constructed on the pool floor which was a first. The walls were lifted into place with a converted Tea Ferguson farm tractor. Charlie Breen did the building, and J.D. Watt was the engineer.
1935
The Beginning
L.J. (Jim) Breen began contracting on his own account in Invercargill in 1935, his first contract being a joinery factory for G.A. McEwan. C.F. (Charlie) Breen joined Jim in 1936 for the Kew Kindergarten job. George Brockett also joined him and the partnership of Breen and Brockett was formed. Jim and his brothers Charlie and N.F. (Norman) contracted all over Southland and Central Otago. They built the Queenstown Post Office in 1937.
1939
The Breen Construction Company
The Breen Construction Company Limited was incorporated in Invercargill on 30 August 1939. Jim Breen being the Managing Director, and Jack Breen (the boys Dad) and E.J. Breen (Jim’s wife) being the minor shareholders. Charlie and Norman both became shareholders in 1940.
1945
St Gerard's New Primary School
Built by L. J. Breen prior to C. F. and N.F. Breen returning home from the Second World War. Photo c.1948; John Breen (son of Charlie Breen) is one of the wee fellows sitting at the bottom left.
1946
Carruth Establishment
Jim set up shop in Omakau, buying out builder Tom Carruth. The former Carruth establishment became the Breen headquarters. Charlie and Norman both became directors of the company in 1946.
1960
Civil Works
Breen Construction diversified into civil works with the first project being a contract to build the Alexandra sewage works.
1961
Alexandra Centennial Pool
The pool walls were tilt-slab constructed on the pool floor which was a first. The walls were lifted into place with a converted Tea Ferguson farm tractor. Charlie Breen did the building, and J.D. Watt was the engineer.
Committed to Building a Better Future
We’re building a training and wellbeing plan that sets our team and our business apart.
Waste reduction, on-site recycling and electrifying our fleet – we’re on the road to a more carbon effective future.
Community Matters
Every year, we work hard to create a platform for young people, organisations, sporting teams and charities to succeed. Whether it’s through volunteering our time to help with planting, sponsoring the local netball team or providing a scholarship to a high-achieving student, we’re here for it.