Minister Opens Gunnersen New Zealand Offices

AUCKLAND – June 26, 2008 – Gunnersen New Zealand Ltd. celebrated the opening of its new offices on Patiki Road in Avondale, Auckland. The Honourable Dover Samuels, MP, gave the key note speech marking the occasion.

"In opening these new offices, Gunnersen is sending a clear signal to the New Zealand building industry,” says Nils Koren, Managing Director Gunnersen Limited. “We are acknowledging the importance of this market to our business and we are saying that we are here for the long haul: we’re investing in this market despite the current decline in the building industry."

Established in 1879, Gunnersen Pty (the parent company) is the largest independent distributor of wood-based panel products, timber and decorative surface materials in Australasia. Nils Koren, together with Nils Gunnersen, Executive Director, heads the family company, while New Zealander, Peter Rickerby, is the General Manager for Gunnersen New Zealand.

"Gunnersen recognises that the New Zealand market is different from Australia and local management of the operations is critical for success" says Mr Rickerby.

"The opening of our new offices and warehouse operations in Avondale, as well as the launch of our new catalogue and website, are demonstrations of just how committed we are to New Zealand," says Mr Rickerby.

Gunnersen arrived in the New Zealand market five years ago with the launch of Gunnersen Inspirations.

"Gunnersen Inspirations has been one of our most successful product ranges, and after the acquisition of Plywood and Panel two years ago, we’ve really seen the business grow,” says Mr Rickerby.

Gunnersen is continuing its commitment to the responsible management and sustainability of global forest resources by obtaining Chain of Custody certification under both the Australian Forestry standard (AFS) and the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) schemes.

"Minimising the total environmental impact of construction is important to our customers, who want to be assured that our products were created with respect to the environment," says Mr Rickerby.

The office opening coincides with the launch of Gunnersen’s new catalogue and website, both feature the full range of Gunnersen wood products.
 

Contacts:

Allan Botica Botica Butler Raudon Partners 64 (09) 303 3862 or +64 021 400 500 This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Peter Rickerby Gunnersen New Zealand Ltd. +64 (09) 8282089 or +64 027 662 4004 This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it