LGP Benchtops, where skilled craftsmen have been creating premium kitchen surfaces in Palmerston North since 1994, made a significant investment in industrial dust extraction to enhance their team’s health and workplace safety. When current owners took over the business in January 2021, they inherited not just a reputation for excellence, but also a responsibility to maintain the highest standards for both their products and their people through advanced dust extraction systems.
The Challenge: Dust in a Quality-Focused Environment
LGP Benchtops specialises in manufacturing premium laminate benchtops and acrylic solid surfaces for both commercial and residential customers throughout the Lower North Island. Their modern factory houses highly skilled craftsmen who demand precision in every cut, every edge, and every finish. However, the very processes that create these beautiful surfaces also generate significant amounts of airborne dust and particles.
For owner Jeremy Carnegie, the decision to upgrade their industrial dust extraction system wasn’t just about compliance or convenience—it was about creating the safest possible environment for his team. “Respiratory dusts are of increasing concern and awareness in production environments,” Jeremy explains. “We knew we needed to do better for our people.”
The health implications of airborne particulate matter in manufacturing environments are well-documented. These particles don’t just cause immediate discomfort; they can accumulate in the lungs, enter the bloodstream, and cause both respiratory complications and long-term health issues. For a business built on craftsmanship and attention to detail, ensuring effective industrial dust extraction was as important as ensuring quality surfaces.
The Solution: Egmont Air’s Comprehensive Approach
After careful consideration, LGP Benchtops selected Egmont Air to design and install a comprehensive industrial dust extraction system. The solution centred around the Egmont FMM3 Filter Bag-house System, powered by a high-efficiency 25HP fan, calculated to handle the facility’s total airflow requirements of 9,548m³/hr.
What sets this system apart is its intelligent design. The Egmont FMM series features sturdy galvanised construction suitable for New Zealand’s outdoor conditions, while its modular design ensures the system can grow with the business. The compact footprint was crucial for LGP’s space-conscious facility, and the pre-separation system reduces the load on filter sleeves, extending their life and maintaining efficiency.
Perhaps most impressively, the system includes an innovative Eco-Power system featuring a Variable Speed Drive (VSD) that automatically adjusts fan speed based on real-time suction measurements. This isn’t just about performance—it’s about sustainability and cost-effectiveness.
Real-World Results: The Transformation
The impact was immediate and dramatic. “The new Egmont system is amazing,” Jeremy reports. “We noticed an immediate reduction in airborne dust, and the amount of dust the system collects is incredible. It’s great how everything is extracted to one central collection point where it can be disposed of easily.”
The modular ducting system connects directly to each machine, capturing dust at its source before it can enter workers’ breathing zones or spread throughout the workspace. This “capture at source” approach is fundamental to effective dust control, preventing contamination rather than simply trying to clean it up afterward.
Staff members quickly noticed the difference in their working environment. The industrial dust extraction system’s intelligent suction control maintains optimal extraction levels as various machines are turned on or off throughout the day, ensuring consistent performance while minimising noise and energy consumption.
The Economics of Clean Air
The financial benefits of the Egmont Air system extend well beyond health and safety compliance. The VSD system delivers substantial energy savings—in LGP’s case, potentially saving around $3,700 annually through its power optimisation features. A modest 20% decrease in airflow can produce up to 50% power savings, demonstrating how smart engineering can deliver both environmental and economic benefits.
The system also includes practical features like vacuum tools for general housekeeping, ensuring the entire facility maintains the pristine conditions that LGP’s quality standards demand. This attention to cleanliness isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about creating an environment where precision work can thrive.
A Partnership Built on Performance
LGP’s choice of Egmont Air came down to reputation, capability, and results. “We chose Egmont Air because they came highly recommended, were able to guarantee performance, and they delivered!” Jeremy emphasises. “Their install team and workmanship was excellent, and we’d highly recommend them too.”
This recommendation carries weight in New Zealand’s manufacturing community, where word-of-mouth and proven performance matter more than marketing promises. Egmont Air’s comprehensive approach—from initial site evaluation and CAD design through to project management and installation—ensured LGP received a complete solution tailored to their specific needs.
Ready to Improve Your Workshop Environment?
If you’re facing dust and air quality challenges in your manufacturing facility, don’t wait to take action. LGP Benchtops’ experience shows that investing in professional industrial dust extraction delivers immediate health benefits for your team and long-term cost savings for your business.
Egmont Air’s expert team can assess your specific requirements and design a custom dust extraction solution that meets your needs and budget. From initial consultation through to installation and ongoing support, we’re committed to delivering systems that perform exactly as promised.
- Phone: 0800 781 200
- Email: sales@egmontair.co.nz
Don’t let dust compromise your team’s health or your product quality. Get in touch with New Zealand’s industrial dust extraction specialists and discover how clean air can transform your workplace.