The founders are sons of the late H.V. KERR who with his partner V. VISCOE operated a very successful building construction and joinery manufacturing company (Kerr and Viscoe Limited). This company was split into two companies, one being primarily a property company and the other a joinery and allied products manufacturer.
During the buildup of Kerr Construction Ltd over the next twenty-four years, the principals were careful to keep the overall structure of the company in line with the developing requirements of the local market. This market had violent fluctuations with various recessions and "boom and bust" situations caused by the refinery, power stations, etc. but the company retains key personnel and expertise by operating in other areas to maintain employment.
Kerr Construction Ltd was restructured in 1984 into Atlas Cranes Ltd which operated as a plant hire company and Kerr Construction Whangarei Ltd to carry on the traditional building operations
