Experience counts

Since 1974, Hermpac has been at the forefront of New Zealand’s construction industry. Today, manufacturing and supply of speciality timbers is just the tip of the iceberg, with innovation, technical support and sustainability all now firmly embedded in the company’s offering.

The only thing that hasn’t changed in nearly 50 years is a simple promise; “quality first and second to none,” reflects Architectural Specification & Technical Services Team Leader, Carmen Hansen.

The nation’s appetite for timber continues to grow and with that, design and product diversity has had to keep pace. Increased demand for timber has also created new opportunities and Hermpac has noted the rise of new suppliers in the market. However a message of caution is key.

“Trusting the appearance of new products based on styled photography and a polished sales pitch can lead to devastating consequences for the homeowner and industry. There are so many variables in manufacturing a natural product. Technologies and timbers that work in Europe for example, may not stand the test of time in New Zealand’s harsh climate. To minimise risk, customers should do their homework and ask for products that have New Zealand-based systems and certifications,” says Carmen.

“So when I get asked, “why Hermpac?”, I explain that while people think they are buying a fairly straightforward product—we know it is a whole lot more. The complexities are great and without prudent systems there is no guarantee a house will be watertight. Hermpac timbers are based on decades of knowledge, backed with certified systems and solutions. To ensure decision making is easy for its customers, the company has ticked every box.”

The use of timber in homebuilding, renovation projects or commercial applications is a major investment. Customers and specifiers deserve to know about a product’s origins, its testing history, its durability and whether it has met the criteria set by reputable third parties like the Building Research Association of NZ (BRANZ) and CodeMark certification.

Hermpac is the only specialist timber manufacturer in New Zealand that has its cladding systems both BRANZ Appraised and CodeMark certified.

“My thoughts are that thinly-veiled promises from new suppliers with very little track-record in New Zealand’s climate, have led architects, designers and builders to become increasingly risk averse when it comes to specifying timber. Hermpac remains a trusted brand with proven systems and a duty of care to supply only the best possible products.”

Beyond quality and trust, Hermpac also recognises that innovation is expected to keep ahead. About 15 years ago a specialised in-house team was introduced, dedicated to supporting a complete end-to-end timber journey—working with architects and designers at the specification stage, with developers and homeowners in choosing finishes and with builders and contractors during installation.

“Our customers and specifiers know that behind Hermpac’s research and development of new ideas is certainty. Our 40mm cavity system is a good example of an approved and extensively tested design solution. This system offers all of the benefits of the 45mm equivalent, matched with cost savings in materials and labour.

The company website is evidence of a business with strong values and responsibility for the market it serves. Walking the talk for innovation, Hermpac products are supported with technical documentation and construction drawings, with specification and technical support via the Masterspec and Smartspec online platforms.

Learn more about Hermpac’s products and services.