| 53 T T Hugh de Lacy A stairway to growth Top Flyte Systems manufactures and stocks a range of DIY external H3.2 stair stringers and treads, and also imports pull-down attic ladders. MANUFACTURING Top Flyte Systems Taking a step up by expanding the family stair and balustrade manufacturing business is definitely on the mind of Jude Beetham, operations manager for the family-owned Tauranga company, Top Flyte Systems. “We were buoyed by the building boom in 2022, and whilst the last two years have been challenging, we have been able to navigate through it, which has enabled us to have successful years throughout this time,” Jude says. “This year looks better, and even though demand has been inconsistent, the goal of further expansion of the business is back on the cards. “We’ve got a nationwide distribution system for our products, about 95% of which are sold into the residential construction market. We’re now seeing early signs of growth in that space, which is positioning us well for the upswing.” Top Flyte Systems was founded in 1974 by Terry Beetham, Jude’s grandfather, as Beetham Stairways, but when his son Quentin came aboard in 2002, the name was changed to its present one to reflect the diversification of the product range that took place in that year. The company is based in Judea, Tauranga, with teams operating across two closely linked sites, the main office and manufacturing plant on one side, and the inwards and outwards freight facility directly across the road. Quentin still serves as director, but daily management of the business has devolved on to his sons, Jude, Hudson and Jacob. The core of the business is the construction of stairs, handrails and balustrades of varying timber species. “We primarily stock a lot of raw pine timber, which we use for our stairs, handrails etc., and all exotic timber species are purchased through a New Zealand-based timber importer.” Top Flyte Systems manufactures and stocks a range of DIY external H3.2 stair stringers and treads, and also imports pull-down attic ladders. Its products are represented around the country by big distributors that include TimberWorld, Independent Timber Merchants, BuildLink, Bunnings, Carters and PlaceMakers. Top Flyte Systems also imports its own range of brushed stainless handrail brackets, along with other stainless components used predominantly on the company’s external timber stairs. Stairs are offered for both indoor and outdoor use, and the product range is filled out with balustrades and hand-rails. “We primarily stock a lot of raw pine timber, which we use for our stairs, handrails etc., and all exotic timber species are purchased through a New Zealandbased timber importer.” Beyond New Zealand, the company has dabbled in exporting, including a one-off shipment to Japan a few years ago, and a later container-load of white oak stairs to Panama for beach houses. The Pacific Islands also take Top Flyte products. “Generally, though, we focus on the domestic market where we distribute full assembled stair sections round the country from North Cape to the Bluff, to developers, builders and end-users,” Jude says. “We’ve now got more than 50 years of service to our markets behind us, and over 100 years of industry knowledge, and have established a reputation for top-quality work,” he says. “We’ve expanded steadily over the years, varying our product range by building on our expertise to ensure our stairs and balustrades reflect the highest standards of workmanship.” 26 Business Parade North, Highbrook, Auckland 0800 900 905 | plytech.co.nz At every step, you deserve certainty. Top Flyte Systems’ artistry, supported by Plytech’s resilient plywood, delivers stairways that feel effortless. It’s strength you never see, but you’ll always feel. - Built to perform. Trusted without hesitation.
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