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Franchise New Zealand | Spring 2026 | Year 35 Issue 03
Lidar Windows and Doors
www.lidarwindows.co.nz
Contact
Darrell Gane
027 881 1664
darrell@lidarwindows.co.nz
Advertiser Info
For Taupō-based Jason and Kushla Caldwell, investing in a Lidar Windows
and Doors franchise earlier this year has been the perfect answer to the
challenges of a competitive building industry. They now combine the reach
and resources of a national network with the hands-on local expertise of a
dedicated specialist team.
With a 40-year track record in aluminium and glass, including running their
own small factory, the couple can now finally see a much less stressful future,
thanks to their new Lidar Windows and Doors franchise.
Life has immediately become much easier with no staff to employ and no
factory of their own to manage and maintain. And now the Lidar brand is
right there backing them up to ensure delivery is always on time and on
spec. “This is manufacturing and delivery at scale,” explains Jason, “with
every challenge much more easily overcome with help and advice from
the franchisor.”
“The business model has also allowed for major cuts in our overheads,” adds
Jason. “Meaning even with the recent economic downturn, we’ve been able to
continue operating as normal.”
A fast-growing brand
Darrell Gane, general manager of Lidar
Windows and Doors, says the business,
which originated from the well-known
Vistalite brand, is growing quickly. This is
all thanks to proven systems, advanced
computer-controlled manufacturing
technology based in Auckland and
Christchurch, and full training, tools and
operational support from a team that really
understands the building industry.
“Company director, David Su and I have been
in this industry for 25 years, so we know a
thing or two about how these businesses
should be run successfully. Lidar provides
training materials that cover marketing, sales, installation and technical
aspects of the business, so new franchisees have good processes to follow.
Lidar’s hands-on training also allows a new franchisee to pair up and shadow
a salesperson or installer to learn how everything works.”
Darrell explains that Lidar’s ideal franchise candidate is a go-getter with
industry sales or installation experience looking to run their own business
without tying money up in assets, or an experienced business person looking
to enter an established and growing industry. The franchise investment level
of around $100,000 covers the training, software, tools, vehicle, and working
capital needed to get started in a Lidar Windows and Doors business. Access
to additional cash flow could also be required at start up.
“We want our franchisees focused on finding and servicing clients, spending
more time measuring up jobs, relaxed in the knowledge that the Lidar team
will always be right there behind you.”
Excellent pedigree
The Lidar brand operates at the forefront of window and door fabrication in
New Zealand and was FMI Building Innovation’s first XLab partner.
XLab’s state-of-the-art computer-controlled cutting and machining delivers
an accuracy and consistency that traditional fabrication simply can’t match.
Darrell says this ensures every Lidar product meets the exact required
specifications, without any compromise, “The product is second to none, and
we have opportunities available right across the country.”
More peace of mind
Not surprisingly, Jason and Kushla are enjoying the stress-free life that their
franchise provides. On-time delivery remains one of the greatest benefits of
their new business arrangement and one of the main factors that led to them
making the decision to become franchisees.
“If you can imagine a small factory with four people working on the floor
and one person away for whatever reason. That meant the factory was
often running 25% below full output,”
explains Jason, “which was incredibly
frustrating.
“Now that we have access to the Lidar
manufacturing facility, even if one day
they had ten people away sick, let’s
just say they would hardly notice,” he
laughs. “We absolutely recommend
Lidar Windows and Doors – give
Darrell a call to find out more.”
Less stress for franchisees of Lidar
Windows and Doors sales and
installation business
Opportunity: Home & Building
WINDOW OF
OPPORTUNITY
FMI brand ambassador Greg
Murphy and Darrell Gane (R)