New Zealand’s thriving woodworking industry—comprising kitchen-makers, joiners, and timber processors—serves as a cornerstone of construction and design for residential, commercial, and retail projects. From bespoke cabinetry to large-scale shop fit-outs, the sector is both dynamic and highly skilled. However, this industry faces unique challenges, especially as modern machinery, stringent environmental standards, and evolving business models transform the landscape.
At Egmont Air, with our decades of expertise and commitment to innovation, we offer comprehensive woodworking industry solutions tailored to these air pollutant challenges. As a trusted, family-run business deeply connected to the community, we understand the specific needs of businesses large and small. Let’s explore the common challenges and the Egmont Air solutions that can help your business thrive.
Dust Management and Modern Machinery
The rise of advanced woodworking equipment—such as CNC machines and speed sanders—has significantly improved efficiency and precision in joinery and kitchen-making. However, these machines generate vast amounts of dust, requiring effective extraction systems to operate safely and optimally and ensure joinery dust control.
The Problem:
Without adequate dust extraction, fine dust particles can infiltrate machine components, causing breakdowns or inefficient performance. Furthermore, excessive dust in the air endangers workers’ health, increases cleaning costs, and creates a potential fire or explosion hazard in the workshop.
The Egmont Air Solution:
Egmont Air offers state-of-the-art wood dust extractors and high-efficiency fans that seamlessly integrate with modern woodworking machinery, to control dust. Our systems are designed to ensure powerful and consistent dust removal, protecting both your equipment and your team. These dust collector solutions not only optimise machinery performance but also contribute to clean and safe working conditions.
Centralised Dust Collection: Space-Efficient and Effective
Traditionally, many woodworking facilities relied on multiple bag extractors scattered throughout the workshop. While functional, these systems are space-intensive, prone to leaks, and often outdated – unable to meet the demands of modern manufacturing processes.
The Problem:
Outdated systems can compromise the workspace, consuming valuable floor area and requiring significant maintenance. Dust leakage from these systems contributes to a messy environment and additional cleanup costs.
The Egmont Air Solution:
Our centralised dust collection systems revolutionize the way dust is managed in your factory. By collecting all dust into one central bin, these systems save space, reduce maintenance, and simplify disposal. With Egmont Air’s tailored on-site consultancy and custom ducting solutions, we design systems that fit seamlessly into your factory layout, allowing you to maximise productivity while maintaining a clean, professional working environment.Worksafe also has advice on how to choose an effective dust vacuum.
The Health Risks of Fine Respiratory Dust
Woodworking creates large quantities of fine dust, invisible to the naked eye yet hazardous to human health. Prolonged exposure can lead to respiratory issues, allergies, or even more severe conditions such as occupational asthma.
The Problem:
According to Worksafe regularly breathing in dust presents an airborne risk to the health of workers, and can cause diseases like:
- lung cancer
- asthma
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD, including emphysema and other breathing difficulties)
- silicosis (including accelerated and acute silicosis).
The Egmont Air Solution:
Egmont Air’s dust extraction systems are equipped with high-efficiency anti-static filtration, capable of capturing dust particles as small as 0.3 microns. Our systems achieve up to 99.999% clean air, creating a healthier environment for your team while meeting stringent air quality standards.
We also provide on-site airflow testing to ensure your factory or manufacturing plant meets compliance requirements and functions at peak efficiency. With our dust extraction and air filtration expertise, your business can confidently offer a safe and attractive workplace, while ensuring high timber processing productivity.
Meeting Environmental Standards
Environmental awareness is a requirement. Neighbours, regulatory bodies, and local councils expect woodworking factories to minimise their environmental impact.
The Problem:
Outdated cyclones and bag-houses often fail to meet modern clean-air emission standards, leading to potential fines, community complaints, or environmental harm.
The Egmont Air Solution:
Egmont Air specialises in designing and installing systems that meet and exceed environmental standards. Our modern dust extraction systems utilise advanced filtration technologies that prevent dust and debris from being released into the atmosphere. This not only ensures compliance but also demonstrates your commitment to sustainability—an increasingly important factor for customers and stakeholders.
Supporting Factory Relocation and Growth
The woodworking industry is undergoing a rapid evolution. Factors such as technological advancements, lean manufacturing practices, and the need for larger, more efficient facilities have led many businesses to relocate or refurbish their factories.
The Problem:
Relocating or upgrading a factory can be a logistical challenge, especially when it comes to integrating existing machinery and dust extraction systems into a new space. Businesses must also balance downtime during the transition to avoid disrupting production schedules.
The Egmont Air Solution:
Egmont Air offers comprehensive support during factory relocations or upgrades. Our on-site consultancy service ensures your dust extraction system is tailored to your new facility’s layout, machinery, and operational needs. By working closely with your team, we ensure a seamless transition with minimal downtime, so your business remains productive and efficient. When James Cook Joinery recently relocated, our team was on hand to design a dust extraction solution that would keep up with the demands of their new facility. “The Egmont Air filter system also features automatic-filter-cleaning, rotary-valve discharge, power-saving eco-system, and guaranteed clean-air discharge to ensure the James Cook factory can perform at optimum levels”, Cameron Prestidge – General Manager Egmont Air.
Enhancing Productivity with Reliable Systems
In a manufacturing environment, every second counts. Downtime caused by unreliable dust extraction systems can result in costly production delays and missed deadlines.
The Problem:
Poorly maintained or underperforming dust extraction systems can cause bottlenecks, as machines reliant on effective dust removal cannot operate efficiently.
The Egmont Air Solution:
At Egmont Air, reliability is our priority. We design and install robust, high-performance dust extraction systems built for long-term efficiency. Our solutions are tailored to the unique demands of your business, ensuring uninterrupted operation and consistent productivity.
Additionally, our systems are easy to maintain, with readily available spare parts and support from our experienced team. Regular servicing and airflow testing further guarantee the reliability of your system, giving you peace of mind and a competitive edge.
Why Choose Egmont Air?
With decades of experience and a reputation for excellence, Egmont Air is the trusted partner of New Zealand’s woodworking industry, helping businesses to achieve environmental compliance (NZ). Our family-run business is committed to providing tailored solutions that enhance safety, productivity, and environmental compliance.
What sets us apart?
- Expertise: Our team’s deep understanding of the woodworking industry allows us to provide innovative, practical solutions for businesses of all sizes.
- Comprehensive Services: From consultation and system design to installation and maintenance, we offer end-to-end support.
- Custom Solutions: We work closely with you to design systems that meet your specific needs, whether you’re a sole trader or a large-scale manufacturer. Such as the dust extraction solution we provided for Placemakers. This solution required a custom prototype hood made from plywood to enclose two-thirds of each drop saw, particularly targeting the area where sawdust was being expelled.
- Community Focus: As a family-run business, we take pride in building long-term relationships with our clients and contributing to the success of local businesses. Recently we undertook work with the Otorohinga Menz Shed, installing a bag house dust extraction system, which greatly improved the air quality in the workshop.
Take the Next Step with Egmont Air
Whether you’re upgrading your equipment, relocating your factory, or simply seeking to improve air quality at your current site, Egmont Air has the expertise and solutions to help. Contact Cameron or Todd today to discuss your dust extraction needs, and let’s work together to create a cleaner, safer, and more efficient workspace.