Construction businesses across New Zealand know waste is a big issue, which is why Wood Solutions general manager Andrew Bellamy has sustainability front of mind.
When the South Island joinery company moved factories five years ago, Bellamy and the team took it as an opportunity to invest in an impressive new dual extraction system.
Sustainability is a major focus at Wood Solutions, and Bellamy wanted to ensure the team was doing its part to minimise waste where it could.
“The extraction system separates the clean timber shavings from the finer board dust, which allows us to put the shavings to good use,” Bellamy says.
“We sell them to farmers to use as animal bedding during the calving season, and to the equestrian community for stables. This allows us to turn our waste products into something more productive, and provides us with a small additional profit stream,” he says.
“It also includes a smart system that senses which machines are in use and adjusts power consumption to suit, and a re-circulation heat recovery system that pushes clean air back into the factory, reducing heating costs.
“These systems help lower the environmental impact, and make Wood Solutions one of the most state-of-the-art factories in the South Island.”
It isn’t just about environmental sustainability — it’s also about making a healthier, more welcoming workplace.
An in-built dust extraction system in all workbenches allows floors to be vacuumed quickly rather than swept, as is traditional.
Acoustic, sound-absorbing panels are fitted throughout the factory, making for a cleaner, quieter and more pleasant work environment overall, meaning the team can focus more on creating exceptional joinery.
Another challenge is retaining and attracting good talent.
Which is why Wood Solutions has not only focused on creating a sustainable business, but also prioritised diversity —an essential ingredient in creating a thriving workplace, where all ages, ethnicities, genders and backgrounds are welcome.
Members of the Wood Solutions team include five apprentices who are all training through BCITO Te Pukenga.
“We currently have five apprentices, two female and three males. And a quarter of our workshop team are female,” Bellamy says.
“Our apprentices are all at different stages of their courses — we purposefully stagger them so we can better cater to each apprentice at each level.
“We also find they can learn more from each other and better support one another when there are different levels of experience in the group.
“We foster a collaborative environment, which means the apprentices are learning all the time.”
Bellamy would strongly encourage anyone who is considering an apprenticeship to give it a go.
“As someone who’s been in the trades for a long time, I highly recommend them as a career option.
“Whether you are a school leaver or switching career paths, an apprenticeship gives you a good skill set, and it’s something you can always fall back on.
“It’s also a really diverse sector that allows you to take pride in your work, and offers a lot of different paths for people of all backgrounds. Anyone can give the trades a go.”
New Zealand needs more people to consider a career in the trades. The BCITO has the resources and support systems in place to ensure everyone has an equal shot at success.
To learn more, visit https://bcito.org.nz.
