When you walk into James Cook Joinery‘s Petone factory today, you might wonder if any work actually gets done there. The space is remarkably clean – so clean that clients in suits can tour the facility without worrying about dust on their clothes. For a company that’s been crafting high-end kitchens and timber joinery for over 30 years, this level of cleanliness isn’t just impressive – it’s a testament to their advanced new extraction system and their commitment to both quality and their team’s health.

A Legacy of Quality, A Vision for the Future

Mike Telfer, Managing Director of James Cook Joinery, knows what matters in the woodworking business. “We have a real name around town for quality, and that’s paramount to what we do,” he explains. From custom kitchens to timber windows, cabinetry to timber benchtops, the company has built its reputation on delivering exceptional craftsmanship.

But when Mike took the helm in 2021 and relocated the business to a larger facility – expanding their capacity by over 300% – he knew that maintaining their high standards meant investing in the right infrastructure. With MDF dust and other airborne particles being genuine health hazards in the woodworking industry, a proper extraction system wasn’t just nice to have – it was essential.

Finding the Right Solution

Above: Egmont Air worked closely with the team at James Cook Joinery to develop a custom solution for their factory.

The challenge was significant. The new factory required a new extraction system capable of managing a main duct extending over 60 metres while maintaining consistent suction across multiple machines. Mike and his team did their homework, evaluating several companies before selecting Egmont Air.

“We went through a lot of design work with them,” Mike recalls. “I thought it was going to take weeks and a lot of downtime, but really, running through the main ducting and hooking up to the machines was just a couple of days. On a reasonable-sized factory like this, that was hugely impressive.”

Results That Speak for Themselves

The impact has been immediate and measurable. The Egmont Air system, featuring automatic filter cleaning, rotary valve discharge, and a power-saving eco-system, has transformed the working environment. The high-pressure fan automatically adjusts airflow based on operational needs, ensuring optimal performance across all machines.

“The air quality is amazing,” Mike says “The guys were well impressed, and if my guys on the floor are impressed, well, that’s saying something.”

The system has even caught the attention of WorkSafe, who gave the facility what Mike describes as an “A+ bigtime” during their site visit. But perhaps the most meaningful validation comes from the annual health testing results. “On all the charts, my guys’ lung function has not gone backwards,” Mike notes. “We’ve invested the money in the right machinery.”

More Than Just Clean Air

Above: The team at James Cook Joinery at work in their Petone Workshop.

The benefits extend beyond health and safety. The pristine working environment has become a point of pride for the team and a talking point with visitors.

“A lot of people come in and say, ‘Do you guys do much work around here?’ because it’s looking so clean,” Mike shares, “We’re very proud of that.”

For Mike, the investment represents something deeper – a commitment to his team. “By putting investments like this in front of them, it shows your team that you care about them. If you’re serious about it, then I think it’s some of the best money you spend.”

The new extraction system has also eliminated the downtime previously spent changing portable dust bags, allowing the team to focus on what they do best – creating exceptional timber products that have made James Cook Joinery a well-known name in the Wellington joinery industry.

Setting New Standards

As James Cook Joinery continues to set benchmarks for premium kitchen and joinery production, their partnership with Egmont Air demonstrates how the right equipment can elevate not just air quality, but overall business performance. In an industry where craftsmanship matters, having a workspace that matches the quality of the products being created isn’t just good business – it’s essential.

For woodworking businesses looking to improve their extraction systems, the James Cook Joinery project offers valuable insights: invest in quality, work with experts who understand your needs, and remember that caring for your team’s health is an investment that pays dividends in productivity, pride, and performance.

Above: Cameron Prestidge (left) Managing Director at Egmont Air, with Mike Telfer (right) Managing Director of James Cook Joinery.

Looking at improving your dust extraction system? Egmont Air offers comprehensive consultation and custom solutions. Contact us at 0800 781 200 to discuss your requirements.