improved functionality

Aswe race through the year it’s good to reflect on our business and industry achievements.We’re pleased to launch new products website improvements which share in our regular updates.

In May we welcomed Brent Coutts to the Laminex team as our new National Operations Manager. Brent comes to us with a wealth of experience having worked in senior leadership roles overseeing Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Distribution and Engineering functions in the packaging and steel industries; some may even remember his name from when he worked for Laminex/Fletcher Wood Panels earlier in his career. Brent has spent the last few weeks getting reacquainted with our business and understanding the opportunities to improve with our customers using technology.

On the subject of improvement, our digital team has enhanced our online ordering functionality on the Laminex website. There is now a ‘Related products’ function, and ‘See and Buy’ page (formerly Locator page). The ‘Related products’makes it easier and faster for you to find matching board, edging accessories all at the click of the button. The ‘See and Buy’ page helps users find distributors, designers, and fabricators, with frequently sourced information. We’ve included an editorial piece on page 54 to share more information about how you can have your business profiled.

We are excited to launch Surround by Laminex™ - a modern range of easy-to-install, pre-primed MDF, paintable wall panels used for interior dry areas. There are five stunning profiles to add warmth and depth to residential and commercial spaces.

In other exciting news, our showroom is finally open at our Christchurch branch. For those in the region, you and/or your clients can stop by to view over 90 decors in larger sized samples across our popular brands of Caesarstone, Melteca, Laminam, Laminex Laminates and much more.

The last time we deployed our customer survey, the common feedback we received was that our customer service levels can be inconsistent, and our stock communications and estimated delivery times can be a challenge. As a result, we increased the size of our customer services team, increased stock holdings of product and are now sending out weekly stockout updates. With the great insights received, we recently deployed another survey. Thank you to everyone that participated. We look forward to sharing further service improvements in future.

Looking ahead, we are thrilled to attend industry events again, especially the Master Joiners Conference in September being held in Marlborough. If you have not registered yet, we highly recommend you do as there is a great schedule of content focused on inspiring development and leadership; we are proud to be Host sponsor of the conference to support content that plays a vital role our industry. See you at conference in September!

Mike Arthur General Manager Laminex New Zealand

Hutchco to distribute Technomelt Dorus

Henkel NZ is a leading supplier of high-quality edge banding hotmelt adhesives to the cabinet and joinery markets with the leading Technomelt Dorus brand of hot melts. Technomelt Dorus range of EVA and PUR adhesives are preferred by many of NZ industry’s leading manufacturers of cabinetry and joinery products.

Henkel announces a significant addition to its distribution network, from June 2022 Hutchco Enterprises will distribute the Holzher tested and approved Technomelt Dorus HKP range of both PUR and EVA cartridge exstock from their newly upgraded Distribution Centre in East Tamaki, Auckland.

Mark Leith Managing Director of Hutchco Enterprises says of the new addition “our customer centric supply model and proactive tech support makes this extension to our range of European brands a natural fit, our customers’ books are full, they need quality materials, fast delivery with pick up options and stable supply, they know they will receive this from Hutchco and we’re committed to showcasing and growing this industry leading brand.”

Technical Machinery Services who are the New Zealand agents for Holzher are excited by this new opportunity. Mike French, Managing Director, says “the industry has been crying out for a long time for closer support from adhesive suppliers and that this new arrangement will go a long way towards delivery this”.

Henkel NZ business manager Warren Grigsby says the initiative of direct access to technical support and fast-moving product distribution comes as a result of customer demands for a higher level of technical support. The wider distribution strategy will enable customers to have greater access to both technical and product support, which is valued by those customers using hot-melt based adhesives. Grigsby says he is looking forward to working with Holzher and Hutchco in creating additional value to a booming NZ construction and joinery industry.

New GM of Operations for Häfele

Manuela Koenig joined the team at Häfele in April, taking on the role of GM of Operations based at their head office in East Tamaki. Manuela has an extensive background in operations and supply chain management, with past roles with companies such as HRV and Scott Panel & Hardware (now known as Laminex).

Manuela’s extensive experience in Operations will be a great asset to her role which includes looking after Warehousing and Logistics, IT, HR and Customer Services.

Jacks technician gets back

The reopening of NZ borders bought some welcome news to Jacks last month, with a longawaited return of technician Creslin Hofstander. In March 2020 he was on holiday in South Africa when the NZ borders closed, shutting him out. Having only recently moved to NZ he didn’t qualify for a critical worker exemption and it’s only with the recent borders opening Creslin has been able to return to the tool box he left in Auckland two years ago!

Creslin’s return adds some much needed capacity to the very busy Service team at Jacks. Jacks are currently recruiting for additional technicians across all technologies and skill levels – including a entry-level role based in the Auckland warehouse. To find out more contact info@jacks.co.nz

Pordenone, Italy

18th to 21st October

With 6 months left to SICAM the energy that showed up in the last edition has transformed to expectation and anticipation for the next one. There are many companies that have chosen Pordenone to present all the news to the furniture industry in the usual autumn event. The exhibition of components, semi-finished products and accessories for the furniture industry promises to be a vast showcase in which all product sectors will be represented with the best of international production.

View the exhibitors list at www.exposicam.it

Xylexpo

Milan, Italy

12th - 15th October view exhibitors list at www.xylexpo.com

Based on daily feedback from the exhibitors, the next edition will be a real “new start” with strong enthusiasm that seems unaffected by the troubles that the world is still facing. So far, more than 220 exhibitors have finalized their registration to the Milan exhibition, for a total exhibition area close to 34,000m2. It's going to be an endto-end showcase where industry operators can "experience" all the technology for the value chain: from primary operation to solid wood processing, from panel machines to finishing, from tools to equipment.