New Zealand to address India’s green building solutions [Dec 2011]

New Zealand to address India’s green building solutionsIndia being a booming industry for several sectors is all set to welcome foreign industries vying for eco-friendly solutions in the construction industry. Growing participation of New Zealand companies specialising in niche construction products displays their sole interest 
Sustainable solutions for IndiaAs India’s construction industry flourishes, exciting market opportunities continue to arise for Indian business from New Zealand’s innovative new building systems. Renowned for its ‘100 percent pure’ image and proud tradition of sustainable development, New Zealand has a long history of developing innovative building products and services that resist earthquakes,  fires and adverse weather conditions.
New Zealand-developed several such products were displayed at the recently concluded building exhibition ACETECH. One of the products on display was pine which can be manufactured into a high-grade material strong enough to be used solely as fire resistant bridges or beams, or treated to create sustainable furniture and interiors. Also unveiled for use in India were a range of sustainable solutions for the manufacturing, construction and architectural sectors. 
Foreign business a welcome changeAccording to Gavin Young, New Zealand Consul General and Trade Commissioner in Mumbai, “India has long been recognised for its growth potential in the manufacturing and industrial sectors. New Zealand companies aim to provide India with technical expertise and sustainable solutions for the steel, infrastructure and wood industry”. Developers looking for an environment friendly choice to fulfil India’s market for wooden flooring and furniture found a sustainable match in New Zealand’s Craigpine Timber Ltd., a company championing sustainable sources of medium-density wood reinforced with a non-toxic chemical, preparing NZ Pine to accept stains and clear finishes evenly before being turned into furniture, flooring or cabinetry.
Jeff Chambers from Craigpine Timber said, “The availability of New Zealand pine as a sustainable and renewable resource makes it an attractive and acceptable alternative for India. The wood can be used for everything from structural uses to beautiful interiors and designer furniture.”
The company is in search for the right partner to grow in the country. Talking about the acceptance of timber products in the Indian market, Mr. Chambers said, “The company already has plenty of customers in the packaging market. In India, we are also involved in the plywood industry and looking forward for furniture industry, hoping for the development. We are looking for partners in India but haven’t found any till now”.
“India is a developing market and is a great place for business. As India would need more sustainable woods and we are the first people to export and have presence for a long time. It’s a slow process but we will keep coming back”, said Mr. Chambers. 
Christchurch, New Zealand-based Redesign Group continued its recent success at the show. The company has expanded steadily in India on the back of the reputation earned completing the Mumbai International Airport food court. Redesign has gone on to develop more than 24 food and beverage and retail sites at the Indira Gandhi Delhi International Airport, and is tendering for further refurbishment work around India.
Also present were New Zealand companies specialising in niche construction products. Hayes International manufacture machinery for customising flat rolled steel and steel framing with a track record of earthquake resilience. This innovative machinery will allow for unique design requirements in high-end Indian commercial and residential construction projects. “Hayes International has executed one major order for the leading metal building player Tata Bluescope Steel”, informed BK Chatterjee, Business Development Manager at Bradbury Group that represents Hayes International in India. Other New Zealand architecture, design and infrastructure companies present at the exhibition were Temperzone, WG-ST Architects and Designers, Cemix, Howick Ltd, Hot Water Heat Pumps, Timber bond, Overclad Cladding System, Framecad and Fisher & Paykel Appliances.

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