About Us

We would like to introduce our company to you – R&B Aluminium Ltd is a predominantly family-owned company founded in Penrose, Auckland and now with 3 branches nationwide. We are involved in the distribution of Standard Aluminium Extrusions, Sheet, Plate, Security Mesh and other products all over NZ.

With the in-depth knowledge we have of the aluminium industry, we offer a high-quality service and supply deal for your requirements, for both new extrusions to your specific design and for metal ex stock.

Our individual aluminium experience includes working in the production side of sheet, foil, surface finishing and extrusion plants, involvement in the technical department and remelt facility for those plants and in the sourcing and distribution of many types of locally produced and imported aluminium.

We have a combined total of over 75 years experience between us in the industry. With the recent retirement departure of Glenn, R&B have sourced addition industry expertise and staff to add to our knowledge base. We look forward to doing business with you.

Arthur Burns . b 1949

Joined Alcan NZ Ltd as a graduate trainee ( B Sc, Auckland) in 1974 , trained in Sheet , Extrusion and Anodising  departments , then joined the Sales department. By 1979 was in charge of Foil Mill and Import Agency sales, also studied part time at Auckland University (Diploma of Business & Industrial Administration)

From 1980 to 1986 was in charge of Alcan Cory Metals Ltd’s  Auckland distribution centre.

1987 to 1992 worked for  Fletcher Steel  as  Aluminium Product Manager.

In 1992 was headhunted by Comalco to take over management of their Auckland Service Centre that was experiencing a decline in performance. Over the next 6 years the profit increased over 7 fold.

Glenn Root b 1951

Retired from R&B July 2025

Previous Industry experience:

Joined Alcan NZ Ltd as a laboratory  technician, carrying out metal analyses for alloying in the Remelt Mill and quality control for  Sheet , Extrusion and Anodising Departments , then in the early 80,s joined the Sales Department.

Worked for Juralco selling aluminium security products in the late 80’s and then joined Arthur at Comalco in 1993.

 

The 2 directors have known each other since 1974 and have worked together since 1993, and have used their experience to build a profitable secure business.

Now retired, Glenn’s contribution over the years has helped secure R&B’s position in the NZ Aluminum industry.

 

We experienced rapid growth as a result of this expertise and quality service. In 2003 we were ranked 26^th in New Zealand in the Deloittes/Unlimited  “Fast 50” list of New Zealand’s top growth performers. We now have branches in Wellington and Christchurch to better serve our national customer base.