April 2006
Overview
Building materials exported by New Zealand manufacturers are in demand worldwide for their exceptional performance, durability and innovative design features.
The New Zealand building product manufacturing industries include companies at the leading edge of design technology and manufacture of structural interior and exterior decorative products, and bathroom, kitchen and laundry appliances and fittings.
New Zealand has high levels of individual home ownership and a wide range of weather extremes - from the semi-subtropical coastal environments in the north to the cool temperate and alpine environments in the south. This has provided the ideal environment for building materials companies to develop a diverse product range which meets the needs of a variety of international markets.
The building products industry caters for a wide range of exterior and interior decorative features in home, hospitality and commercial architecture. New Zealand’s wool industry dominates supply to the world’s best carpet manufacturers in New Zealand and around the world.
Many New Zealand building products are derived from New Zealand’s renowned wood products industries. New Zealand leads the world in environmental protection and sustainable plantation management and technologies for the manufacture of pine products.
New Zealand also offers excellent consultancy services where engineers, designers and architects will work together to ensure a complete package for clients.
Major markets
Most New Zealand building materials and supplies are exported to Australia, China and Japan and the United States.
Industry facts
Building products’ export sales for the calendar year ended 2005 totalled NZ$1.6 billion. Key markets for wooden building components include the US, Japan and Australia.
For all other building material segments (including bathroom and kitchen fittings, floor and wall coverings, glass building materials and stone and cement products), Australia was the number one export market in 2005.
Industry structure
The New Zealand building products exporting industries comprise publicly listed and privately owned companies. Most companies are of small to medium size, enabling them to respond very specifically to individual demands from export customers.
New Zealand suppliers are specialists at creating custom-designed short-run items for construction projects. Companies are flexible enough to meet the diverse demands of their international customers.
Innovations
A combination of factors has lead to an active and innovative building products supplies and building materials sector.
Research and development programmes supporting the timber industry have underpinned the development of world-leading structural products conforming to the highest international standards of earthquake and fire protection.
Stringent structural and fire safety standards in New Zealand mean structural building materials from this country comply with – and in many cases far exceed - most building standards around the world.
New Zealand’s interior design trends have also been driven by innovation, new technology and changing lifestyles. As a result our products are often made with high performance fabrics and materials which often exceed building standards while enhancing the built environment through innovative design.
Success stories
Futurebuild: Shaping the future of building
Futurebuild is Australasia’s leading manufacturer of laminated veneer lumber (LVL) engineered building products. Its innovative products are used in everything from residential homes to high-rise apartments, offering strength, stability and dimensional accuracy beyond traditional construction materials.
McIntosh Timber Laminates: Engineering solutions
If you ever get the opportunity to take a dip at the Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club swimming pool look skyward. With a 50-metre span and made from laminated timber, the pool’s octagonal roof is a spectacular edifice and one that is attracting attention from international markets.
Ecoglo: Glow technology takes off
A Christchurch company which manufactures and markets special glowing products such as stair nosings, signs and hand rail markers is now set to expand further into the United States.
