54 | Firm at the cutting edge The company’s work is mostly in the commercial sector, and that spills over into the residential sector where it takes on large multi-residential developments. Cabtec T T Hugh de Lacy REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT With an eye to innovation in commercial cabinetry since its founding in 1993, Northland family company Cabtec has been quick in its uptake of zero-silica stone bench tops. Between its two locations in Northland and Auckland, and with a staff of 35-plus, Cabtec was supplying standard and low-silica stone bench tops until nationwide company AGB Stone launched its silica-free range a little over a year ago. The problem with the silica in most stone bench tops was the potentially fatal lung disease silicosis, derived from dust created during its fabrication and installation. AGB Stone pioneered the development of zero-silica engineered stone produced in factories in Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, Christchurch and Cromwell for a nationwide clientele. Cabtec took up the zero-silicon option as a safer alternative for both workers and building owners. Today, the company’s work is mostly in the commercial sector, and that spills over into the residential sector where it takes on large multi-residential developments and similar contracts. Additionally, Cabtec produces cabinetry for commercial fit-outs for medical facilities, apartments, educational and government projects in workplaces, rest homes, retirement villages, hospitality outlets, airports and sports complexes, among others. The company was founded in 1993 by Dennis Burgess and his son Peter Burgess, and with a small workforce they began supplying the New Zealand market with bedroom and office furniture before transitioning to cabinetry fit-outs in the late 1990s. From there it grew steadily to become reputable name in the industry today. The Cabtec factory is a 1500sqm building the Burgesses erected soon after starting the company, and its broad range of work is facilitated by the projects office in Auckland. The zero-silica innovation is an important one for the wider industry, not just for Cabtec and AGB Stone, Shanon Burgess, son of Peter Burgess, says. “It was becoming ever more apparent that silicosis was a real danger to people fabricating and handling engineered stone, so we leapt at the opportunity to replace it where possible with non-silica product,” Shanon says. “Like most innovations, it has taken time to win recognition, but last year it really started gaining traction, and we can see it replacing silica stone entirely, relatively quickly. While it’s relatively early days, there are still plenty of high-silica products on the market,” he says. “We are often governed by clients and project specifications where silica products are nominated. Knowing our select fabricators’ strict safety practices, we still allow silica products to be used on our projects, but will guide clients to silica-free options where possible. “Silicosis is not a new disease and only poses health risks when handled or machined without correct protective measures in place, so for this reason we only partner with reputable stone fabricators. We visit their manufacturing premises to see for ourselves that their processes well exceed industry levels for silica control.” The past couple of years have been trying for the building industry as it grinds its way out of recession, but Shanon believes the outlook for 2025 is a lot brighter than it was last year. “It’s still an uphill climb, but the signs are there that the building industry is starting to warm up, and we’re expecting business to pick up steadily over the six to 12 months. While the main centres such as Auckland are still growing, we have seen an increased rate of growth in the regions also, and that’s showing up in the pattern of demand where we’re building and installing cabinetry for a growing clientele in the provincial markets. Cabtec Ltd The Silica Free Stone Alternative Imperio Eurodesign Benchtops CABINET HARDWARE | DESIGNER CABINET HANDLES | LED LIGHTING
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