| 17 T T Russell Fredric New building proves a game changer The new Mosgiel building combines the company’s manufacturing facility, office and showroom together on the 4000 square metre site. Design Windows Dunedin & Calder Stewart REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Moving to a new building in Mosgiel was a great start to the new year for Design Windows Dunedin management and staff. Managing director Mark Baker says , after 10 years, the company had outgrown its previous site and 900 square metre workshop in Birch Street in Dunedin’s harbour basin. “We moved in there with a total of six staff. We’ve consistently grown over this time requiring additional buildings to manage the expanding operation. We’d got to the point that we needed a site suitable for 30 staff now and room for future growth,” says Mark, who along with fellow directors and partners Steve Barrow and John Hancock, is ecstatic about their new facility. “It’s been two years in the making, finding the right site which would be suitable to set up our new manufacturing facility in Odlins Place,” Mark says. He says the new building will be a game changer for Design Windows Dunedin, bringing its manufacturing facility, office and showroom together on the 4000 square metre site with the added bonus of enabling greater production capacity. “It’s come at a good time for us to be doing the new build and move; there’s been a lot of change in our industry with the H1 changes in the building code which requires increased thermal performance in products.” To meet the demand for manufacturing to the higher specifications, Design Windows uses high-end Emmegi machinery from Italy, and is adding an additional CNC machine to the new facility. “This machinery provides the precision required for machining and milling aluminium extrusions ready to be fabricated into the finished product.” The H1 clause of the building code regulates the energy efficiency of buildings, and under the new regulations New Zealand has been divided into six climate zones related to energy efficiency. Design Windows utilises the Thermal Heart+ system provided by its main system supplier Architectural Profiles Limited. This comprises Thermal Heart+ aluminium frames and high performance low emissivity (low E) Solux double glazing from Architectural Glass Products, combined with the latest method of installation to provide the ultimate in thermal performance. “This is a high-performance system that uses the best components and technology available in New Zealand.” Design Windows Dunedin has an active training model which ensures it maintains a well-resourced, skilled workforce. Fabricators, estimators and detailers have either completed or are working towards their respective architectural aluminium joinery qualification with BCITO (Building Carpentry Institute Training Organisation). Design Windows manufactures a comprehensive range of Altherm joinery which is available in both aluminium and uPVC, including custom designed door and window options. “Design Windows are proud agents for Johnson & Couzins providing the SkyLouvre range.” The success of Design Windows stems from its core purpose “to provide excellent windows and doors to all concerned, without regret” which creates a culture of excellence for staff, customers and suppliers, Mark says. The past year has provided significant growth in production and moving into the new facility will allow for this growth to continue into 2024 and beyond, he says. “We’re in a unique position considering there has been decline in the construction industry throughout New Zealand over the last year. Most of our business is from return customers and we are grateful of the working relationship that we have with them.” Design Windows Dunedin is part of a larger group that has manufacturing facilities and showrooms in Christchurch, Cromwell, Wanaka, West Coast and Nelson and that collectively has accumulated an impressive portfolio of residential and commercial projects. “It’s been two years in the making, finding the right site which would be suitable to set up our new manufacturing facility in Odlins Place.” Proudly Supporting Design Windows & Calder Stewart Heating, Ventilation and Airconditioning Specialists Authorised Dealer Commercial and Residential Design Build Specialists 03 488 4088 | daviesheatncool.co.nz info@daviesheatncool.co.nz Proud to support Design Windows & Calder Stewart Ph: 03 456 3530 • Cell: 027 242 9337 • www.decoratingservicesltd.co.nz • PAINTERS • DECORATORS • GIBSTOPPING • WALLPAPERING • COMMERCIAL • DOMESTIC
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