When Seth Gleeson, Managing Director of Datum Projects, decided to upgrade their joinery factory with a new CNC router, he knew their existing dust extraction system wouldn’t cut it. What started as a simple joinery factory upgrade became a major project that would completely change their manufacturing environment – and it shows how the right industrial solutions can make a real difference to efficiency and workplace conditions.
Outgrowing the Original System
For nearly a decade, Datum Projects has been making life easy for brands, consultants, and contractors across New Zealand. From their humble beginnings with catering and shop fit-outs in the greater Auckland area, they’ve expanded to become one of the major players in retail, commercial, hospitality, and medical fit-outs nationwide. With award-winning sustainable projects under their belt and a thriving in-house joinery factory, Datum’s success story is built on one simple principle: great people delivering great service.
But success brings its own challenges. As Datum’s operations grew and their joinery factory became more sophisticated, their original dust extraction system simply couldn’t keep up. The addition of a new CNC router was the final catalyst – it was clear that a complete joinery factory upgrade was needed to maintain the high standards that Datum’s clients expect.
The Egmont Air Solution
Enter Egmont Air, trusted suppliers to the wood-working and manufacturing industry. After conducting a comprehensive site visit and evaluation, Egmont’s team calculated an optimised airflow requirement – but they didn’t stop there. Understanding that businesses like Datum need room to grow, they recommended a robust system, delivering more than 400% better performance than the original setup.
The heart of the solution was the Egmont MEC6 Filter Bag-house System, paired with a high-efficiency 50HP fan. This isn’t just bigger equipment – it’s smarter equipment. The MEC Filter Series represents the ideal extractor for New Zealand manufacturers and timber processors, specifically designed to handle generous volumes of waste dust and shavings with maximum efficiency.
More Than Just Powerful Suction
What sets this installation apart is the intelligent engineering behind it. The system features a pre-separation design where dust and shavings enter the hopper section and separate from the air stream before reaching the filter sleeves. This innovative approach reduces dust loading on the filters by an impressive 50-75%, extending filter life and maintaining consistent performance.
The modular galvanised construction ensures years of reliable outdoor operation while keeping the footprint minimal – crucial for Datum’s busy factory environment. But perhaps most importantly, the system includes automatic reverse fan cleaning that maintains the filter sleeves in optimum condition throughout the day, ensuring consistent air quality without manual intervention.
Smart Technology Drives Real Savings
One of the most impressive aspects of Datum’s new system is the Variable Speed Drive (VSD) technology. This isn’t just a fan starter – it’s five devices in one, providing sensitive motor overload protection, adjustable suction control, and most importantly, significant power savings.
The system automatically adjusts fan speed based on which outlets are open, measured by a pressure transducer in the main duct. When outlets are closed, the fan automatically ramps down, saving power. The mathematics are compelling: a small 20% decrease in airflow produces a massive 50% power saving. For Datum’s specific situation, this translates to approximately $7,400 in annual savings – money that goes straight back into growing their business.
The Results Speak for Themselves
“It’s a brilliant system, it’s very efficient and the boys in the factory comment how quiet the system is, and the suction at the machines is incredible,” says Seth Gleeson, Managing Director at Datum Projects.
The joinery factory is now dust-free, creating a cleaner, more efficient working environment that reflects Datum’s commitment to their people. This improvement isn’t just about air quality – it’s about creating the kind of workplace that attracts and retains the best talent. As Datum’s culture statement says, “our people care about doing an epic job because we care about our people.” The new dust extraction system is a tangible demonstration of that commitment.
Strategic Installation for Minimal Downtime
Understanding that downtime means lost revenue, Egmont Air’s team planned the joinery factory upgrade strategically. By locating the new system separately from the existing unit, they could install the new system and ductwork while the old system continued operating. This approach meant that the actual changeover could be completed over a weekend, minimising disruption to Datum’s operations.
The comprehensive installation included new main ducting into the factory, connections to CNC and edge-bander machines, plus complete design drawings and on-site assembly. From deposit to completion, the project timeline was just 4-6 weeks for manufactured components, with installation beginning immediately upon delivery.
Future-Proofing for Continued Growth
Perhaps most importantly, the new system isn’t just about solving today’s problems – it’s about enabling tomorrow’s growth. The modular construction means the system can be expanded as Datum’s joinery factory continues to grow, and the spare capacity built into the design ensures they won’t outgrow this system anytime soon.
Richard Stewart, Egmont Air’s sales consultant, notes that “we’ve sized the system so that it has spare capacity for the future which is awesome”. This forward-thinking approach perfectly aligns with Datum’s own philosophy of building for the long term.
Ready to clear the air in your facility? Egmont Air’s comprehensive design-to-installation service delivers custom dust and fume extraction solutions for manufacturers and timber processors nationwide. Our team of CAD designers, sales technicians, project managers, and installers work together to ensure your expectations and outcomes are exceeded. Contact Egmont Air today at 0800 781 200 or sales@egmontair.co.nz to discuss how we can transform your manufacturing environment and boost your bottom line.