In 1995 two Dargaville brothers decided to combine their complementary talents and energies. One, Ken Simpkin, was a qualified joiner with established customers for his products. The other, Mervyn Simpkin, had a head for figures and a strong entrepreneurial streak. Compac Furniture was formed.
28 years later Compac Group is a flourishing multi-faceted business. With three generations of the Simpkin family contributing to our on-going success and growth.
Now employing a staff of 70, Compac Group makes a significant contribution to the local economy.
Our quality, locally made, sustainable products – laminated panels, flat pack and assembled furniture, and custom commercial fit-outs – are an integral part of daily Kiwi life. From homes, sleepouts, caravans, and boats, through to student accommodation, social housing, and aged care facilities.
The Group is made up of three mutually beneficial and aligned companies: Compac Panels (producing laminated MDF and ply panels for re-processors and manufacturers and other Compac Group companies), Compac Home (producing flat pack and assembled furniture for retailers), and Compac Commercial (providing a custom source and supply service to high volume accommodation projects).
As a Group, we are committed to supporting New Zealand and Australian retailers, manufacturers, quantity surveyors and construction companies sustainable, fit-for-purpose, great value solutions.
Compac Furniture is founded. The Warehouse is an early flat pack furniture customer.
1995
We move from leased premises to our own purpose-built factory, on the current 10 Mako Street, Dargaville, site.
1998
Aaron Simpkin joins the company – the first of the second generation of the Simpkin family at Compac Group
The Australian-sourced particle board previously used is discontinued. From this point we use only 100% New Zealand-grown, sustainably harvested radiata pine.
2003
After significant research, we switch from foil laminates to quality, wood-based European paper roll laminates.
James Simpkin joins the company.
2004
Our first European panel PVA laminating line is installed giving us to end-to-end control of our supply chain.
2005
Sensora (now Compac Panels) is formed to supply pre-finished laminated MDF and plywood panels to the architectural, automotive, and casket industries.
2006
Enhance Accommodation Furniture (now Compac Commercial) is launched with a focus on custom source and supply services for high volume accommodation projects.
Ryan Simpkin joins the company.
2013
With the admin team growing, the new office block is rebuilt.
2015
A world-leading, high volume PUR lamination line significantly adds to our capabilities, particularly in kitchen and bathroom products
2017
Deliveries using our own trucks and drivers begin. This improves service to resellers and re-processors, saving time by reducing cross-docking.
2018
With staff numbers growing, our existing team structure with team leaders is developed.
2019
A state-of-the-art, European designed and manufactured beam saw is commissioned – delivering enhanced cutting precision, and additional capacity in a smaller footprint.
The factory is also expanded to a footprint of 7,500 square metres, with new machines, and a new assembly line, significantly increasing capability and efficiency.
2022
The company is rebranded Compac Group. The three component brands – Compac Furniture, Sensora, and Enhance – are re-named Compac Home, Compac Panels and Compac Commercial respectively.
2023
The Compac Group team are good people making great products.
Our diverse, hard-working staff (from designers to IT; machine operators, to hand-assemblers) put their hearts and talents into what they do. As a family company, that’s something we really appreciate and value.
Our Group culture is based on respect and support – aiming to bring out the best in each other, every day.
Founder
Business Development Manager
Operations Manager
Sales Manager
Account Manager
Account Manager
Office Manager
Customer Service
Despatch Manager
Sales Support
Production Manager
Production Lead
Production Lead
Accounts
IT Manager
Marketing Coordinator
Compac Group is committed to providing a safe, healthy working environment, and a good quality of work-life for all staff. We respect and acknowledge the diversity of our employees and value and recognise the contribution of every member of the team.
Good factory design keeps a safe distance between staff and machinery including forklifts, and ensures any potential physical hazards are contained.
We have an inclusive internal approach to health and safety. Zero harm days are everyone’s responsibility and everyone’s focus. Robust processes are in place for reporting any incidents, or near misses, however minor.
To ensure everyone has the opportunity to be involved in health and safety a group representing staff meet monthly. They raise any issues that may arise along with ideas for education, or actions.
First aid training (and regular refresher courses) is provided to ensure Compac Group’s first aiders are qualified and confident in their roles. Defibrillators are clearly indicated onsite and designated staff are trained in their use.
We also take a wider responsibility for the wellbeing of staff. Free flu vaccinations are provided, along with free annual hearing and eye tests.
Compac Group’s 7,500 square metre factory, assembly plant and offices are situated at 10 Make Street, Dargaville in the north of the North Island of New Zealand.
Dargaville is our family’s hometown. Has been for over 50 years.
The thriving area also provides Compac Group with significant operating advantages. A stable population is combined with relatively low operating costs and reliable access for delivery of raw materials, and routes to market.
Dargaville is a great place to live and work. We wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.
Compac Group is committed to supporting youth in Dargaville.
We do this in two ways.
Firstly, through our preparedness to employ locals who want to make a positive change in their lives.
Secondly by donating to the Dargaville Blue Light- Community Sponsorship programme. This programme delivers excellent support for young people. Spearheading it is a local police officer who is also a former Compac Group employee.
To be a leading supplier of New Zealand made furniture and panels through exceptional design, quality, and sustainability.
Enhancing living spaces through great value New Zealand made products.
Honest – We demonstrate integrity in every transaction.
Active – We actively & energetically respond to every request – every time and on time.
Reliable – When design, quality, delivery and service is never in question.
Team – We team with our staff, suppliers and customers. This means we listen, interact for the benefit of each other.
Divisions of Compac Group
Head office:
10 Mako Street
Dargaville 0310
New Zealand