Alloyfold New Zealand’s aluminum folding chair is known for it’s performance in the Rental Sector but the companies’ customers in Christchurch New Zealand, are now finding there is a new market for the chair.
Christchurch’s February Earthquake that struck on the 22nd of February, has had a massive impact on the infrastructure of the city. Many homes have been devastated and it is estimated that 80% of the central city has been referred to as “red stickered” meaning the buildings will be torn down for a complete re-build. Approximately 50,000 central city workers alongside schools, homes, community centres and churches have had to relocate from their damaged premises to either temporary locations or entirely new premises. To make this re-location even more difficult, the strain on available buildings is pressured and with a shortage of options, many organisations are seeking more creative alternatives to house their schools, groups or functions. Make shift big top tents have been set up as lecture rooms or campus cafes at the University of Canterbury and many high schools have been using marquees for as temporary classrooms, chapels or communal areas. St Margaret’s College is one of these schools and has a 10 x 40 metre marquee as a school gymnasium and one posing as their school chapel/auditorium. Alloyfold’s customers supplied St Margaret’s college with Alloyfold aluminum chairs for their “new” auditorium and have been struggling to keep up with demand for chairs for these make shift locations. Other events such as university graduations and even cafes have re-located into big top tents creating a demand for temporary seating and keeping local hire and rental businesses busy at what is usually the quiet autumn/winter months. Alloyfold’s International Sales Manager Gregg Hagen says “Alloyfold’s aluminum chair has been in all sorts of locations in Christchurch of late. Being lightweight, customers love the easy set up and transportation particularly at a time when life is already stressful. Some of the harder hit areas are near the beach too so the no rust feature of our chair has definitely been a plus”. Alloyfold are glad to be able to help their local customers and their local community in the re-build of the city.