| 95 T T Sue Russell Bamboo products draw increasing demand Kim and Steven Roughan of Plantation Bamboo. Plantation Bamboo “Builders love the fact that every board is very straight and true, and is quick to install.” MANUFACTURING Choosing to leave the corporate world behind some 10 years ago, Steven Roughan, director of Kapiti-based Plantation Bamboo, says seeing the business blossom has been hugely satisfying. He bought the existing business, with wife Kim, determined to see the brand grow, and today the team comprises seven in total. Their bamboo products are displayed from three show-rooms — in Paraparaumu, Auckland and Christchurch — and on their comprehensive website. Steve says that as consumers begin to research and learn about the array of bamboo decking, cladding, flooring and joinery options available, and the sustainability, hard-wear and quality of the products, he’s not surprised that demand is growing. “We are the only specialist bamboo provider in New Zealand and we’re proud that we have aligned with Dutch company MOSO Bamboo, to be their exclusive partner in NZ.” Steve says they chose MOSO as their key supplier after making several visits to see how their factories in China process the bamboo from the raw plant to a highly refined and quality product. “MOSO placed importance on quality above all else, were heavily invested in innovation and sustainability and had the range and volumes to future-proof supply.” Bamboo Decking is the leading product line today; however, Steve says when they first started trading, flooring was their main product — and it still plays an important part in sales. “Decking planks manufactured from bamboo, undergo a super-heating process, which stabilises the molecules, creating a very strong, stable and durable product which doesn’t expand and contract like timber or composite decking tends to. “It carries a 25-year warranty and once laid it can be left to naturally weather-off or be oiled to a preferred colour. Builders love the fact that every board is very straight and true, and is quick to install.” As importers and selling direct to customers, be they renovators, builders on new projects, it’s a very efficient marketing model, Steve says. “We’ll sell direct to homeowners as well as those in the building trade. We also send free samples of our range to designers and architects, so they’re aware of the quality, look, feel and benefits that come from using bamboo. “When we show customers our bamboo range, they can’t believe that the finished product was once a hollow bamboo stem.” One of the key messages Steven wants to emphasise is that in the processing of the bamboo plant, nothing is wasted. “It only takes three to five years to grow bamboo to full maturity for harvesting, which means it is very renewable in terms of growing new bamboo where old has been harvested.” Crops can be harvested by hand annually, reducing carbon emissions, and providing employment opportunities for local Chinese farmers. Steve says Plantation’s bamboo X-treme decking and cladding have proven a real game changer. “It’s an extremely strong, solid, high-density bamboo decking or cladding plank made from compressed strand-woven bamboo. “The patented ‘thermo-density’ heat treatment manufacturing process makes bamboo X-treme highly suited to New Zealand’s harsh sun and environment.” Plantation Bamboo are happy to send free samples of their products to customers nationwide. “Or people can visit one of our showrooms, to see our full range on display — or check out our website to have any questions you may have answered.” NEW ZEALAND’S ONLY BAMBOO SPECIALISTS Request a free sample today at www.plantationbamboo.co.nz
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=