Above: The new timber dust extraction system designed and installed by Egmont Air
Halswell Timber, a family-owned timber yard in Christchurch, upgraded their outdated timber dust extraction system with a modern solution designed and installed by Egmont Air.
Established in 1997 when Peter and Barbara Stuart purchased the business, Halswell Timber has deep roots in the New Zealand timber industry. As a third-generation sawmiller, Peter expanded the business from a small team into a thriving operation that now handles both local and imported timbers. From native timbers in the early years to today’s wide range of species — including NZ Oregon, Macrocarpa, Western Red Cedar, American Oak, and Purple Heart decking — Halswell Timber has continually evolved to meet customer demand. With the acquisition of a furniture factory next door, they also began machining up to 85% of orders into finished products, such as weatherboards, flooring, stair treads, and custom mouldings.
Time to Upgrade an Outdated System
Above: The old system that was no longer meeting the needs at Halswell Timber
With a growing focus on processing both treated and untreated timbers, Halswell Timber needed a timber dust extraction system that could match their operational complexity. Their existing setup was outdated and no longer met the demands of their high-performing machinery, including CNC machines, high-speed moulders, and wide-belt sanders—equipment that requires consistent high air-suction rates of 30–35 m/s at cutting heads.
Without adequate extraction, issues such as premature cutter wear, sensor dust build-up, and marks on finished products were more of a risk, leading to increased downtime and reduced productivity. They needed a system that could deliver precision performance, reduce manual intervention, and improve safety.
Three-System Integration
Egmont Air engineered and installed a custom solution using three interconnected modular extraction systems. This setup enables Halswell Timber to efficiently separate and manage dust and shavings from both treated and untreated products, directing each material stream to its appropriate destination.
Above: The new extraction system designed and installed by Egmont Air
Key Features:
Advanced Modular Filter Units
Each system is equipped with ultra-high-efficiency sleeve-type filters featuring Egmont Air’s SUPER-FLEX media. These galvanised units provide continuous automatic unloading and superior cleaning performance compared to traditional filter sleeves.
Smart Material Handling
Two bin-load systems handle non-treated shavings, feeding them into existing containers, while treated material is routed to dedicated bins. Pneumatic diverters and bin-full sensors with strobe light alerts keep operators informed and maintain uninterrupted workflow.
Optimised Ducting and Fan Performance
New ducting for the 4-sider and bandsaw, along with upgraded fans for all three lines, ensures each machine gets the high-performance suction it needs. The ECO-Power system, featuring Variable Speed Drive technology, automatically adjusts fan speeds based on real-time usage—cutting energy consumption by up to 50% when machines are inactive.
Engineered for Efficiency
Egmont Air’s system was designed with a balanced approach to duct, fan, and filter sizing, eliminating performance bottlenecks. This careful engineering ensures optimal extraction at each machine while minimising energy use.
According to Halswell Timber’s Machine-shop Manager, “From plans to fruition, the system works exactly how we envisioned, more than halving our downtime.”
The result: better machine performance, fewer product defects, and a safer, cleaner workspace — all made possible through an expertly implemented timber dust extraction system.
Supporting Health, Safety & Compliance
“Our goal is to provide dust extraction that increases efficiencies and productivity by removing waste, allowing machines to perform better and providing a workplace that is healthy and clean from respiratory dusts,” says Todd Prestidge of Egmont Air.
The Halswell Timber installation came with full compliance documentation, including clean-air discharge certificates, detailed CAD drawings, electrical schedules, O&M manuals, and hands-on training for on-site staff—ensuring performance from day one and well into the future.
Local Experts in Dust & Fume Control
Egmont Air has been delivering innovative timber dust extraction solutions since 1996. As a 100% New Zealand-owned and operated family business, they understand the unique needs of local industries. Their end-to-end service — from site evaluation and CAD design to installation and scheduled maintenance — means clients get complete, future-proofed systems tailored to their needs.
Halswell Timber’s upgrade is a clear example of how smart engineering and local expertise can transform traditional timber operations into safer, more efficient, and more productive workplaces.
Looking to upgrade your timber dust extraction system?
Contact Egmont Air today to discuss how we can help improve your operational efficiency, safety, and compliance.