When A·one Kitchens & Interiors needed to upgrade their dust extraction system to match their expanding operations, they turned to a supplier they could trust – Egmont Air. What followed highlighted the benefits of efficient installation and a modular extraction system, showcasing why New Zealand manufacturers choose Egmont Air for their dust extraction needs.
A Legacy Built on Quality
A·one Kitchens & Interiors’ story began nearly four decades ago. A reputation for quality craftsmanship quickly outgrew humble beginnings and what started as a backyard venture grew into a respected workshop, laying the foundation of a business renowned for excellence.
In recent years, the torch has been passed to Nick Chatfield and Emile Thomson, two industry professionals with over 40 years of combined experience in building and joinery. Having worked together for more than a decade, their shared vision and hands-on expertise have injected fresh energy into A·one, driving significant growth and expansion.
The Challenge
As A·one expanded their Greerton, Tauranga facility and installed new CNC machinery, their dust extraction requirements evolved dramatically. The company had wisely invested in an Egmont Air Slimline modular extraction system back in 2021, but now needed additional capacity to handle multiple machines running simultaneously while maintaining optimal air quality and production efficiency.
“The larger system allows me to run all my machines at one time, maximising production output of the factory,” explains Nick Chatfield, highlighting the direct impact proper dust extraction has on manufacturing productivity.
The challenge was clear: upgrade the extraction system without disrupting A·one’s busy production schedule. For a growing business serving customers across New Zealand, extended downtime simply wasn’t an option.
The Egmont Air Solution
This is where Egmont Air’s modular extraction system philosophy truly shines. Rather than requiring a complete system replacement, A·one’s existing FMM3 Filter system could be seamlessly upgraded to an FMM5 Filter Bag-house System by adding additional filter modules to the existing infrastructure.
The Egmont Air team calculated A·one’s total airflow requirements at over 22,000m³/hr with all their Biesse Edgebanders and CNC machines operating simultaneously. The solution included connecting the upgraded system with a high-efficiency Egmont 40Hp Fan, complete with reverse fan cleaning to ensure optimal filter sleeve performance.
Minimising Downtime
The installation itself showed Egmont Air’s commitment to customer service. Understanding the critical importance of minimising downtime, the dedicated installation team arrived on Friday and worked tirelessly through the weekend to have the upgraded system operational in record time.
“There’s always challenges that crop up trying to do a major shift over a weekend with minimum downtime and Egmont Air were fantastic!” says Nick Chatfield. “The way they responded to anything that cropped up and got us operational quickly” shows the real-world value of choosing a local supplier with genuine expertise and commitment.
Performance That Speaks Volumes
The results speak for themselves. Nick Chatfield was impressed by the system’s quiet operation: “The system is really quiet – amazing for such a powerful system.”
Beyond noise levels, the upgraded modular extraction system delivers the robust performance A·one needed. The generous filtering area and high-efficiency Superflex media ensure clean air discharge that exceeds stringent environmental regulations, while the automatic cleaning system maintains filter sleeves in optimum condition with minimal intervention required.
Future-Proofed for Continued Growth
Perhaps most importantly, A·one’s investment is protected for the future. The modular extraction system design means it can continue to evolve as the business grows, whether that’s adding more machinery, expanding production capacity, or adapting to new manufacturing requirements.
With A·one now operating across two islands and continuing to build on their legacy of quality while embracing innovation and scale, their relationship with Egmont Air ensures they have the dust extraction capacity to support whatever comes next.
For manufacturers looking at dust extraction solutions, A·one’s experience demonstrates the value of choosing systems designed for New Zealand conditions, backed by local expertise and genuine customer service commitment.
Ready to find the right extraction solution for your workshop? Contact the team at Egmont Air on 0800 781 200 or sales@egmontair.co.nz to discuss your needs and get expert advice customised to your business.