| 9 Action Manufacturing Underpinning its success is a design-led approach and can-do attitude to creating and delivering an array of specialised vehicles, servicing the medical, emergency, transport and leisure campervan sectors. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT When Steven Cherrie and Stephen Dunn decided to purchase Star ish Interiors, a decade ago, based in Avondale, Auckland it was an opportunity for them to bring their individual capabilities to the table and propel the upholstery business in new directions. “Stephen came with a jack-of-all trades skill-set, with 20 years of engineering and automotive upholstery industry experience. There’s not much he can’t turn his hand to and is a great problem-solver. Whereas I came from an accountancy and management background, so our complementary skills it together well leading this business,” Steven explains. In total, the team comprises 15 today, having started with 3, testament to the judicious seizing of opportunities and growth that has accompanied this. Having the best quality sewers is fundamental to Star ish Interiors success. Steven says having an excellent team engaged sits at the foundation of the consistently high standard of work the company is known for. “It’s the melding of these physical skills with the use of the modern technologies we have that has put us at the top of our game.” Lead designer Tina is a graduate of architecture and design. Steven says she’s been an absolute super-star these past ive years. Starting out focused on interior upholstery for the motor-home sector, Star ish Interiors has evolved beyond this and into residential and commercial spaces. They now craft lush and luxurious it outs manufacturing the likes of banquettes, window nooks, dining areas, bar seating and restaurant booths. “We do the majority of upholstery for Action Manufacturing and when you think about it a well designed and constructed squab for a motorhome is similar to a domestic squab, so it just made sense at every level for us to embrace this market to expand.” Motor-homes themselves have undergone something of a revolution in style, it-out and performance expectations for their owners. Gone are the days where the basic upholstered item was destined for the small traditional caravans, or retros as they’re known today. “Instead, caravans and motorhomes are extremely sophisticated in their design with elements becoming bespoke and robust in nature. Retro itting to upgrade a caravan or motorhome to meet the demands of modern living is something we’re well versed in delivering.” If a motorhome, for instance, is being built from scratch for its owner, then the team at Star ish Interiors can be called on to input ideas around the soft furnishing elements. “We love itting out motorhomes and we’re upholstering over 1000 each year.” As for the future, Steven says with strong links to the tourist sector, indications of numbers increasing is a healthy sign there will be plenty of work for the company ahead. Asked what makes Star ish Interiors the special company it is, Steven says it simply comes down to people and being one big family. “Stephen and I work in the business everyday and we’re a close-knit group. Sta turnover is very low and we’re exceptionally proud of the team.” The skills and the passion of the team run deep throughout the business and its evident in the products they make. Skill and passion for design Upholstery without limits For over 15 years we’ve been designing and manufacturing the very highest quality soft furnishings for interiors for motorhomes, caravans, buses and boats as well both residential and commercial interiors. A proud kiwi owned and operated company, Starfish Interiors started off in 2003 as a small operation focussed on motorhome and caravan interiors Our business flourished as we became known for our great workmanship, quality and personalised service which cemented successful partnerships with NZ’s top motorhome builders. Customised Interior Strong Customer Service NZ Owned & Operated www.starfishinteriors.co.nz
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