TECHNICAL MEMBER FEATURE – POLYTEC
For many of us the sight of the polytec logo on the side of a vehicle is commonplace so we decided to scratch the surface and in doing so discovered a real regional connection for this Australian board and compact laminate supplier.
As part of the Borg Group which employs approximately 2,500 people predominantly across the regions, polytec draws its product from purpose-built facilities at Oberon in the Central West, Charmhaven and Somersby on the Central Coast of New South Wales and Mount Gambier in SA. They have both sales reps and affiliate Selection Studios across the country making access to samples, solutions and stock a seamless local experience for those in the regions.
This network is a serious point of difference for polytec, bringing resources close to home for specifiers and joiners. Another point of difference is they have one of the largest mass-scale custom door manufacturing facilities in the world, and a purpose built cut-to-size compact laminate facility – which was put to good use in the construction of the new Sydney Football Stadium (or Allianz Stadium).
One of the key points in the design of the new stadium was the 160% increase in the number of public toilets where each of the 1000+ cubicles were enclosed using the polytec Cinder Matt 13mm Partitioning System. This entire scope was custom designed and manufactured to fit within the forms and constraints of the building as were the locker, shower and change rooms along with the recovery area for players – dressed in Natural Oak and Natural Ply Compact Laminates.
Depending on which side you are on, these partitions and doors no doubt take a beating from both players and fans as the frustrations of the score line take hold, though the winner here is the architect and their client as polytec’s compact laminate is virtually indestructible.
Back in the regions, these same products have been used for the West End Oval Sport Complex in Griffith and the forthcoming Wentworth Golf Club in Orange. Though at a smaller scale, it is the proven durability that gives the architects confidence.
A further test of durability for polytec is in the correctional services area where they supply compact laminate for beds, benches and other furniture. Many of these locations are in regional areas like Cessnock in the Hunter Valley and have internal programs for the residents (inmates) who make furniture for other locations.
While prisons may seem a little far from home to their mainstay in the residential space, it is reassuring to know polytec’s compact laminates are specified here. The harsh reality is they cannot be turned into sharps by inmates, and attempts to damage beds or furniture are fruitless. Even in the kitchen the most elaborate evening of entertainment would see a surface free of damage.
Speaking of damage, polytec are conscious of their environmental footprint and have, in recent years, launched Redirect as part of their focus on a circular economy. Using demolition waste and customer offcuts – on average 65% of their particle board is produced with reclaimed timber waste. As a regional business they also understand the impact of recent natural disasters and the flow-on effect to tree stock. These new initiatives mitigate the use of new growth timbers and certainly help the environment.
For more information on polytec products and processes or to connect with a regional rep visit www.polytec.com.au
