OfficeMax Head Office Reigns Supreme

Media Release
29 June 2009

OfficeMax Head Office Reigns Supreme

OfficeMax New Zealand’s head office has won the excellence awards in the CB Richard Ellis Industrial Property category at the Property Council Awards.

The property has been developed at Highbrook Business Park in Auckland’s East Tamaki by joint venture partners Goodman Property Trust, Goodman Group and the estate of Sir Woolf Fisher.

John Dakin, Chief Executive Officer of Goodman in New Zealand said, “We are delighted to have won this award in conjunction with OfficeMax. We have worked together to achieve a high quality, design led property solution that matches their needs in a unique business environment at Highbrook”.

The judges were particularly impressed with the sustainable and aesthetic elements of the design, the scale of the facility and the financial parameters of the project. Designed by Ignite Architects, the OfficeMax building was one of four finalists in the Industrial Property Award category.

OfficeMax managing director Kevin Obern said, “We are delighted to have won this category and recognise that it is a reflection, not only of good design and construction but a really brilliant interpretation of the staff and company’s needs. It does more than keep the rain out – it is a physical representation of our business”

“Having over 400 of our employees under one roof in a modern, purpose built facility has ensured that from our front desk to our dispatch, employees have what they need to do their jobs effectively,” says Mr Obern.

OfficeMax is hugely committed to sustainability and Highbrook Business Park has been designed to reflect this. From features that minimise electricity usage, to desk tops that are low formaldehyde emitting MDF; every nook and cranny has been carefully designed with people and the environment in mind, he said.

“Being environmentally conscious is not just about being a good corporate citizen, it makes good business sense too,” says Mr Obern.

The head office design incorporated feedback from their staff every step of the way. Early and broad communication was engaged in and a survey on their ideal facility was implemented with one on one interviews identifying employee needs.

Centrally located, Highbrook is the perfect location for OfficeMax’s needs as a distribution hub. The location is well served by public transport and the site has plenty of space for employee car parking – the company actively encourages car pooling.

“Highbrook’s proximity to the motorway is perfect for distribution and transport. The site itself provides a fantastic park like environment with excellent views and all amenities nearby,” says Mr Obern.

ENDS

About the OfficeMax Head Office

• The new 15,000sqm distribution centre and 4,500sqm office has replaced three Auckland sites

• The building is purpose built for OfficeMax which means there was no wasted construction activity and materials caused by re-designing and re-building post construction in order to meet the needs of tenants.

• The air conditioning system negates the need for a cooling tower which is both a potential health risk and decreases the waste of mains water

• The distribution centre is ventilated via a combination of natural and fan forced ventilation with a manual occupant controlled louvre

• AAA rated, technically advanced plumbing fixtures and fittings have been installed that reduce water consumption

• All enclosed offices and meeting rooms are provided with separate individual switches ensuring lights are not used unnecessarily

• From light fittings to fridges, all equipment purchased for the building have a high efficiency rating

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