By Rosenfeld Kidson & Co.
A showcase of quality imported timber
At the start of 2021 Rosenfeld Kidson commissioned its new manufacturing site in Papakura, Auckland. This large 2.2 ha. site is the main location for its timber importation, state-of-the-art processing, and dispatch operation.
This site has enabled the business to conduct all functions of its operation at a single location, in an efficient and productive way. These functions include receipt of containers for de-vanning and inspection, timber grading and drying, order selection, timber profiling, coating and dispatch.
Rosenfeld Kidson’s timber manufacturing uses modern machinery comprising of bandsaws, planers, sanders and coating lines. This equipment and the expertise of it experienced and passionate staff ensure the quality timbers that Rosenfeld Kidson is known for, are given the attention they deserve, through the various processes that they undertake.
This facility enables these timbers, sourced from all parts of the world, to be converted to stunning finishing timber products, such as exterior cladding, interior flooring, wall and ceiling panelling, exterior decking, furniture and joinery.
These products are a realisation of the varied and creative visions of the country’s best architects and designers; used in some of New Zealand’s top residential houses.
The Papakura site also consists of a small office, which has been fitted out to showcase these quality products in a variety of end uses.
Included in this fitout is 28mm thick Cedar vertical shiplap weatherboards, with matching soffit panelling. The exterior also features Rosenfeld Kidson’s proprietary Interset recessed window flashing system. Flashings are powder-coated to match the window joinery.
The interior features mainly American White Oak, used in solid timber flooring – Prime grade with a 172mm cover. The walls are clad in Ingrain Oak panelling with a bandsawn finish, stained dark in Sansin SDF ‘Jet Black’ two coat system. Custom designed and hand-made solid Oak cabinetry and furniture is also featured.
The courtyard area also features some of RK’s FSC 100% exterior hardwoods, Garapa and Tonka - used for exterior furniture and decking.
This facility provides a great opportunity for professionals to visit and understand the full process of imported timber handling, manufacturing and installation, all on the one site.
Architect: SGA
Rosenfeld Kidson & Co. Ltd is a specialist timber company stocking New Zealand’s largest range of over 50 species of specialist timbers, both imported and locally grown. These timbers are distributed to joiners, furniture manufacturers, cabinetmakers, boat builders, flooring contractors and the construction industry throughout the country, primarily via selected timber merchant resellers.
The company was incorporated in 1930 when John Kidson and Australian Julius Rosenfeld formed a partnership to import hardwood from Australia. New South Wales hardwoods were in demand during the depression years for wharf and bridge construction, as well as power reticulation.
For the next 65 years the company operated from The Strand in Parnell, Auckland, before moving in 1996 to new purpose built premises in Mt Wellington - an 11,000m2 site with 2000m2 drive-through warehouse and another 1000m2 of covered storage. The business also operates a second 2500m2 site in Auckland where its state of the art timber processing facility is located. It also has a second sales and warehouse facility in Hornby, Christchurch, which manages distribution to our South Island customers.
As Rosenfeld Kidson approaches 90 years in business, the company is in its fourth generation of ownership and operation. The success and longevity of the company has largely hinged on the efforts and experience of dedicated and loyal staff, who are able to provide our customers with a wealth of knowledge about the specialist timbers we sell.