From humble sail-making beginnings, Structurflex has grown dramatically and developed new technology to become one of the world’s leading suppliers of innovative tensile membrane structures.

Our History

Click & Drag

2022

Structurflex’s graphics division Signflex receives its first wide format UV cured printer. This investment in technology is a first of its kind machine in New Zealand. This new environmentally friendly printer now gives Structurflex the ability to print inhouse and provide best in class graphic quality, whilst at the same time producing less waste and improving efficiency.

2020

Structurflex NZ moves Signflex into a new purpose built facility on the Structurflex site in Auckland. Custom built spray booths and extraction systems lead to optimal curing conditions, improved quality and best in class health and safety standards.

2019

Structurflex NZ acquires the truck curtain signwriting and clearcoating business from TCC Solutions and names this division Signflex. This now makes Structurflex a one-stop shop for truck curtains, curtain graphics and clearcoating.

2018

Structurflex NZ increases shareholding in Structurflex USA to 80%, and Tim McFadden increases shareholding to 20% and becomes Managing Director of Structurflex USA.

2017

Structurflex moves into its new North American Headquarters at 414 Oak Street in the historic River Market neighborhood of downtown Kansas City, Missouri. The new location includes design and fabrication facilities.

2016

Structurflex acquires Baytex, a business based in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand. Baytex is a leading designer and manufacturer of marquees, commercial tents, alloy framed structures, tensile membrane canopies and lining systems.

2015

Structurflex forms a joint venture with James Mizen to acquire New Zealand based Fabric Structure Systems and Palmer Canvas. The new joint venture, Fabric Structures Limited, will strengthen the Groups Architecture business and increase its capability in Northland, New Zealand.

2014

Structurflex LLC completes its first fabric façade project at Prairie Fire in Overland Park, Kansas, USA. Since then fabric façades have become an important market segment for Structurflex in the USA.

2011

Structurflex LLC establishes a joint venture with Nautika Ltda in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

2006

Structurflex LLC opened an office in Kansas City, to expand the architectural structure business in North America. The office is responsible for marketing, design, engineering and installation.

2005

Structurflex Contracting Middle East LLC opened for business in Dubai to pursue growing demand for innovative tension membrane structures.

2001

Structurflex completed its first major tension structure in North America at HEB Monterrey, a large shopping centre in Mexico. Structurflex completed its first architectural projects in the Middle East.

1999

Structurflex completed its first large tension structure in Asia, covering a large courtyard at the Hong Kong Institute of Education.

1996

Structurflex signed a joint venture agreement with Tan Chong Motor Holdings Bhd, Malaysia. One year later, Structurflex Sdn Bhd commenced manufacturing Flexisider curtainsiders in Kuala Lumpur.

1994

Structurflex achieved ISO 9002 certification for quality systems. This certification provides quality assurance in production, installation and servicing.

1993

Murray Higgs purchased Tony Bouzaid’s shares in Structurflex and joined the company as Marketing Director. Structurflex increasingly focused attention on international opportunities. Structurflex began exporting Flexisider curtainsiders, truck curtain hardware and oil booms to Malaysia.

1992

Structurflex files a patent application for the ‘Tensioner 3’, a breakthrough for fabric and curtainsider tensioning devices.

1988

Structurflex fabricated and installed the membrane structure that covers the Olympic Pool in Papakura, Auckland. At the time, it was the largest air-supported structure in New Zealand.

1984

Covertex was formed, as a subsidiary of Structurflex. Under the leadership of Matthew Bouzaid, grandson of the founder Leo Bouzaid, Covertex developed several new products including rapidly deployable structures, such as those used in conflict and disaster zones. Structurflex moved to a purpose-built factory in Henderson

1981

The company was restructured and Structurflex was formed, as a subsidiary of the sail-making business. The new company focused on the design and manufacture of industrial products, such as truck covers, marker buoys, railway wagon covers and flexible containers. From its inception, Structurflex was committed to creating innovative, cost-effective products using advanced production methods and engineering ingenuity.

1970

Sails & Covers Ltd joined forces with the U.S. based international company Hood Sailmakers Inc. Hood took a 50% interest in the company, which was renamed Hood NZ Ltd.

1962

In 1962 Leo died and his two sons, Tony and Chris, took over the business. Both sons were world champions in yachting and brought their vision and determination to the business. The polymer fabric side of the business grew substantially over the next 20 years.

1950

PVC (polyvinyl chloride) fabric technology was improving rapidly. Recognising the future potential of the fabric, Leo Bouzaid purchased New Zealand’s first high frequency PVC welding machine.

1937

Structurflex began life as Sails & Covers Ltd on 21 July 1937. Owned by Leo Bouzaid, the company designed and manufactured sails and other marine products for Auckland’s talented yachting fraternity. Auckland is often called ‘the city of sails’, because it has one of the highest rates of yacht ownership per capita in the world.

Our People

Simon Higgs

MANAGING DIRECTOR

Responsible for the overall management of Structurflex Group, Simon also guides the sales and marketing activity for Structurflex NZ. In addition to driving domestic sales, he monitors the international market closely by attending trade shows and providing targeted support to Structurflex offices in the United States and Malaysia and its New Zealand based subsidiaries, Baytex, Fabric Structures and Covertex. Simon holds a B Com, with majors in Finance and Economics, and a postgraduate Dip Com in Finance. With previous experience in the corporate banking sector, Simon is well-equipped to work with customers and develop lasting business relationships.

shiggs@structurflex.co.nz

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Bernard Hyde

GENERAL MANAGER

A qualified engineer with a NZCE in Civil Engineering, with a background also in Civil Construction, Bernard heads up the New Zealand operations including the membrane production of all international markets. Bernard has been in the GM role for more than 15 years, prior to this position he was the production manager in the factory and both a tensile membrane project manager and engineering manager. His commitment to the business is paramount and his extensive knowledge of the operations ensures production, design and construction runs smoothly.

bhyde@structurflex.co.nz

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Darryl Parker

FINANCIAL CONTROLLER

Experienced Finance and Commercial Manager with broad expertise and proven leadership skills, Darryl keeps the back office of Structurflex and its New Zealand offices operating smoothly and efficiently — a task he manages with consummate ease. Darryl enjoys a strategic view of Structurflex and its five subsidiaries, which enables him to contribute to key business decisions. Darryl maintains strong relationships with suppliers and provides valuable input on the Group’s future direction.

dparker@structurflex.co.nz

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Dave Lyon

TRANSPORT SALES MANAGER

David has responsibility for sales related to Structurflex transport products, including curtain siders, curtain graphics, clearcoating, roller doors and tensioners. His extensive knowledge of the transport industry, gained through running his own transport company, helps him to understand clients’ needs and recommend products that will go the distance. In addition to his sales involvement, David is actively involved with planning production in the Structurflex and Signflex factories. His commitment to the highest level of customer service helps to ensure that orders are delivered on time, every time.

dlyon@structurflex.co.nz

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Peter Meadowcroft

SALES & MARKETING MANAGER

As Structurflex Sales and Marketing Manager, Peter understands that delivering the best solutions doesn’t just appear off the shelf. You need to work closely with the customer to understand their business needs, and he thrives on creating strong and enduring business relationships. Peter brings to the business a wealth of international market experience and a proven sales and strategic expertise to this role. His experience includes his time as an owner manager in a variety of industries including safety, industrial PPE, marine, textiles and the garment sectors. Peter is a people person who loves rolling up his sleeves and getting things done. His journey as a dynamic leader has been defined by his unwavering passion for innovation, growth, and transformation.

pmeadowcroft@structurflex.co.nz

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James Bunn

PROJECT ENGINEER

Working with tension membranes gives James the opportunity to exercise his logical thinking skills and engineering knowledge. He enjoys planning and organizing each step of the project delivery process, and relishes the feeling of a job well done when a completed structure meets with everyone’s approval. James holds a BEng (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering (Coventry University), is a Chartered Engineer (UK) and a member of the Institute of Professional Engineers in the UK and New Zealand. He has been involved with project management since 1995. Before joining Structurflex, James project managed the installation and commissioning of new paint facilities for both Ford and Mitsubishi in Australia.

jbunn@structurflex.co.nz

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Trish Henderson

OFFICE MANAGER

Trish is responsible for the efficient operation of the back office at Structurflex. Trish has extensive knowledge of Structurflex systems and processes, her core responsibilities include invoicing, processing stock movements, accounts receivable, credit control, payroll and supporting the purchasing function. Trish also supports Structurflex subsidiaries Covertex and Baytex by undertaking specific functions. Trish has good knowledge of Structurflex products and can support sales when required.

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Kylie Thomas

SALES AND ADMINISTRATION

Kylie is responsible for the front desk at Structurflex. She directs the phones and welcomes visitors to the business. Kylie assists the sales function with the efficient processing of transport hardware and manufactured product orders. Kylie coordinates our export orders with freight providers and keeps customers up to date. In addition to this Kylie has responsibility for processing Structurflex creditors and closing off purchase orders. From time to time, she also assists with invoicing and keeping the company’s ISO and Health & Safety documentation up to date. No job is to big or small for Kylie, she undertakes them all with ease.

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Sharlene McGhie

TRANSPORT SALES COORDINATOR

Sharlene works alongside David in the Structurflex Transport division, coordinating sales of curtain siders, curtain graphics, clearcoating, roller doors and hardware. Sharlene also has a specific roll within Signflex, where she is responsible for accounts payable, supports the purchasing function and assists with curtain graphic and clearcoating production scheduling. In addition to this, her role within Signflex requires a good eye for detail and creativity to help with customers design requirements. Sharlene has grown within the roll in a short period of time, coming from a previous Office Manager Role. Sharlene has a can-do attitude, she prides herself on a high level of customer service believing that good communication along with good planning is the key to keeping the customers happy.

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