“Many who work in building and related industries are unfamiliar with what is involved in the manufacture of carpet, despite specifying the product regularly and purchasing carpet often for their projects,” says Varo Pasupati, Head of Commercial Sales for Godfrey Hirst.

Varo has been with the business for more than 30 years, during which time he says he’s had the pleasure of working with a fantastic team. “My role involves leading the sales team, delivering excellent customer service and finding innovative flooring solutions for our clients. We work closely with developers, government departments, architects, designers and facility managers to ensure that we provide the right products for their specific needs.”

Last month, GH Commercial opened their doors to industry professionals, offering an opportunity for a behind-the-scenes look at their manufacturing processes. “We regularly organise factory tours for key customers to provide insights into the creation of both wool and solution-dyed nylon carpets,” Varo says. “The recent factory tour was attended by architects, designers and other industry professionals who were interested in learning more about GH Commercial's carpet and flooring solutions. It was also approved for CPD points, which is a huge bonus!”

GH Commercial offers three main types of carpets: tufted, tile and woven. “Our tufted carpets are made by stitching yarn through a backing material and are available in various pile heights, textures and densities,” Varo says. “Carpet tiles are created by cutting tufted carpets into squares and backing them with a dimensionally stable structure. Woven carpets are made on a loom and are known for their superior durability and intricate patterns. During the Auckland factory tour, the focus was solely on the production of tufted broadloom carpets. Participants had the opportunity to witness the different stages of the manufacturing process, including finishing of this particular type of carpet.

“We also offer two main styles of carpets that participants were able to see: cut pile and loop pile. Cut pile carpets have the yarn cut at the top of the loop, creating a soft and plush surface that is ideal for areas with low foot traffic. Loop pile carpets have the yarn looped, creating a more textured surface that is suitable for high-traffic areas. The aesthetic of these two styles is different, with cut pile offering a more luxurious look and loop pile being more casual.”

In addition to a first-hand view of GH Commercial’s products and production processes, participants learned about the various quality control measures that ensure every carpet meets the highest standards. “We also offered attendees the opportunity to ask questions about our company sustainability practices, product innovation and the latest industry trends. At GH Commercial, we're committed to locally made, high quality products, excellent after-sales service and sustainability. I'm proud to be part of a team that values those principles,” Varo says. “When we opened the floor for questions, we found that participants were particularly curious about the environmental sustainability of our manufacturing processes and products, the company's approach to design and innovation, and how our products can be customised to meet specific design requirements.”

The tour experience provided participants with a deep understanding of both the manufacturing and the quality control processes, Varo says, while also showcasing the full range of products offered by GH Commercial. “This knowledge will likely inform the way participants approach future flooring requirements, as they will now have a better understanding of the materials suitable for each project, customised design options and sustainability considerations.”

Varo is already looking forward to the next tour, which he says that GH Commerical is committed to offering every quarter. “We believe that this experience is not only the quickest but also the most exciting way to learn about everything we do. These tours offer the opportunity to immerse yourself in an unforgettable educational adventure into the production of one of the most ubiquitous materials in the built environment.”

Looking ahead, Varo says the team is always striving to continue innovating and expanding the GH Commercial product range. “We’re working hard to meet the demands of a continually evolving marketplace, while also continuing to prioritise sustainability and responsible manufacturing practices.” He encourages anyone who wants to connect or see their production first-hand to contact GH Commercial directly. “We have a team throughout New Zealand that will be able to help with any enquiries and we’d love to welcome you on our next factory tour.”

To learn more and view their full product range, visit https://www.ghcommercial.co.nz/, and follow GH Commercial on LinkedIn and Instagram.