"For quite a while now I have wanted to improve the K-Compact System," says KerMac Industries' Managing Director Kerry McAuliffe. "Talking to architects, I came up with three things that needed addressing: one is affordability, two is robustness, and three is accessibility."

The Kermac K-Compact system now features compact laminate boards for walls and doors, paddle locking handles and an updated in-house process.

"Affordability is addressed by changing our style of hardware and suppliers of the product, and in-house processes," explains Kerry. "Robustness is sorted by the use of 13mm phenolic resin compact laminate board for walls and doors, and our new lock-in type pedestals, and accessibility is improved with paddle locking handles to simplify the opening and closing action of the doors," explains Kerry.

The pre-finished compact laminate panels are water, graffiti and impact-resistant with very low maintenance required over the long term. Compact laminate has a 10 year warranty and the KerMac warranty for installation and hardware is 5 years.

The hinges and door hardware bolt through the 13mm laminate with stainless steel fastenings to create a strong system. Hinges are available in either spring adjustable open or close design, depending on the requirements, while simple indicators are also offered with a paddle handle for ease of operation.

The Kermac K-Compact system is ideal for toilet and shower cubicles for schools, public toilet blocks, gymnasiums and stadiums. KerMac make kit-sets for those 'away' jobs, and a K-Compact system is currently being exported to upgrade the BCI Stadium in Rarotonga (Cook Islands) for the rugby sevens next year. Current installs in Auckland are Valley School in Pukekohe and Browns Bay public toilets.

Architects and specifiers may choose from a large selection of colours from the Laminex Compact range, KerMac Compact range or the 13mm Swiss CDF Board range.

KerMac also manufactures vanities from compact laminate which will complement toilet partitions and can provide a full service for future projects.