Our Story
The Airflow Story
We are Uniquely Airflow
Precision in Every Cut, Perfection in Every Design
Built on Family, Backed by Experience
Airflow Engineering (SI) Ltd — known simply as Airflow — is a Christchurch-based, independent supplier of Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Air Movement products. We also specialise in precision laser cutting for metal items, delivering high-quality, custom solutions across a range of industries.
We believe in a straightforward way of doing business, earning customers through the way we work, not buying them. The approach is simple: treat people how we’d want to be treated, with respect, patience, and clear communication.
We’re small enough to take pride in every job, and practical enough to take on projects of all sizes. Our experience, approach, and consistency are what our customers rely on.
With over 34 years in the industry, we’ve built a reputation not just on what we do, but how we do it.
Our Founder
Airflow was founded in 1988 by Derek Thompson as Derek Thompson HEVAC Sales, supplying filters and heating elements. In 1992, the business became Airflow Engineering (SI) Ltd.
Derek built the company on strong relationships, trust, a handshake and doing what you say you’ll do — values that still guide the business today.
Carrying the Legacy Forward
In 1994, Derek passed away after a battle with cancer — a significant loss for both the family and the business.
Following this, his daughter Cherry stepped in to lead the company. Through resilience, hard work, and consistency, she carried the business forward and laid the foundation for what Airflow is today.
Cherry has now built and run the business for over 32 years, continuing the values her father started.
Growing the Business
Airflow has always been a family-driven business.
In 2003, Cherry’s husband Kevin joined as a director, managing warehouse operations and light manufacturing
In 2021, youngest son Chris became a director and part-owner, bringing fabrication expertise and expanding the workshop. Chris established the sheet metal division and developed in-house manufacturing capabilities
In 2021, Eryn, Chris’s wife, joined the business in administration, supporting day-to-day operations
In 2023, Alex, eldest son, became a director and part-owner, strengthening sales and development
In 2025, Kevin retired from his role at Airflow and as a director but still remains involved as a legacy shareholder
With the next generation at the helm, Airflow continues to evolve, building on decades of hard work, innovation, and family values to shape a stronger future.
Expanding What We Do
As the business evolved, so did our capabilities.
We now operate as one company with two focused areas:
The HVAC Shop
Supplying a full range of HVAC products for residential and commercial projects, backed by practical advice and reliable service.
The LASERCUT Shop
Precision laser cutting and custom fabrication, delivering accurate, high-quality results for a wide range of applications.
With in-house CNC machinery, fibre laser cutting, press brake forming, and a full sheet metal setup, we’ve got the capability to produce accurate, consistent work across both divisions.
Both operate under the same team, the same workshop, and the same standards.
Our Workshop & Workplace
Located at 3 Langstone Lane (off Langdons Road), we've proudly called this vibrant community home since May 2018. The collaboration and camaraderie between our team and the neighbouring businesses make it a truly special place to work, innovate, and grow.
It’s a practical, working workshop, always moving, always improving. We’re constantly adapting the space and equipment to keep up with demand.
- We’ve kept things simple:
- Easy access and off-street parking
- A small showroom you can walk into
- A friendly, no-fuss environment
- If you stop by, you’ll get a coffee and a straight answer.
How We Work
- We keep things straightforward:
- Do the job properly
- Be easy to deal with
- Stand behind the work
Most of our relationships are built over time, that’s how we prefer it.
Our Approach
“A customer is the most important visitor on our premises; he is not dependent on us. We are dependent on him. He is not an interruption in our work. He is the purpose of it. He is not an outsider in our business. He is part of it. We are not doing him a favour by serving him. He is doing us a favour by giving us an opportunity to do so.” – Mahatma Gandhi
Looking Ahead
Airflow continues to grow, with the next generation leading alongside Cherry.
We’re building on decades of experience while continuing to invest in new equipment, new capabilities, and better ways of working, without losing what made the business in the first place.