Our Story
The Airflow Story
We are Uniquely Airflow
Precision in Every Cut, Perfection in Every Design
Airflow Engineering (SI) Ltd, known simply as "Airflow"
We are a Christchurch based independent supplier of Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Air Movement products, also specialising in precision Laser Cutting for Metal items, offering high-quality, custom solutions for a variety of industries.
At Airflow, we believe in a better way of conducting a business, a more valuable way, where customers are earned, rather than purchased. We're obsessively passionate about this, the foundation for our company is very simple. To treat people like we would want to be treated, with friendliness, patience, and respect.
Our success is not only due to the quality of our work; it’s down to our attitude, our approach, and the way we treat our customers. We are small enough to take personal pride in every job and agile enough to take on projects of all sizes. Our team’s enthusiasm, deep knowledge of our industry, and customer-focused approach, provide the assurance our customers can rely on.
With over 30 years of experience, Airflow has grown to be a trusted, family-owned provider of HVAC and now in 2025, LASER CUT products and design services across New Zealand.
Our Founder
Founded by Derek Thompson in 1988, Derek Thompson HEVAC Sales began as a small business specialising in filters and heating elements. In 1992, the company rebranded to Airflow Engineering (SI) Ltd, marking the beginning of a new chapter. Derek’s deep industry knowledge and dedication to building strong relationships with both customers and suppliers, laid the foundation for the lasting connections, we continue to nurture today. The company was built on trust and a handshake, a tradition we proudly uphold in our work, even in today’s fast-evolving market.
In May 1994, Derek tragically passed away after a courageous battle with cancer. His death was a profound loss to both the family and the business. Following his passing, Derek’s daughter Cherry took over the reins of Airflow, with the support of family and friends. Under her leadership, the company has grown significantly and further established itself as a trusted partner in the HVAC industry.
Our Growth
Our growth In 2003, Cherry’s husband Kevin joined the company as a director, overseeing the management of the warehouse and light manufacturing. In 2021, Chris, the youngest son of Cherry and Kevin, became a part owner, and director, continuing his grandfather’s legacy and marking the third generation to lead the business.
Chris has been instrumental in expanding the company’s capabilities by setting up the sheet metal workshop and building the KoolDuct CNC machine. This innovation shifted the company’s strategy, enabling Airflow - The HVAC Shop to add plenum manufacturing to its strengths. A new laser machine was added in 2025, leading to the creation of a new division, The LASERCUT Shop, which broadens the company’s service offerings.
The company became even more family-oriented in 2021, with Eryn, Chris’s wife, taking on the role of Administrator. In 2023, Alex, the oldest son of Cherry and Kevin, joined the team as part owner and director. The next generation is poised to lead Airflow into the future, building on the strong foundation established by the family over the years.
Our Evolution
As we continue to grow and evolve, Airflow Engineering is proud to introduce the two distinct divisions to better serve our customers:
The HVAC Shop: Your one-stop destination for all HVAC needs, offering a comprehensive range of products and services.
The LASERCUT Shop: Specializing in precise laser cutting and custom solutions to meet the unique requirements of your projects.
At the core of both divisions is our unwavering commitment to providing reliable, high-quality service that meets the needs of our valued clients.
Our Workplace
Located at Unit 2, Langstone Lane (off Langdons Road), we've been proud to call this community our home since May 2018. The synergy between our team and the other tenants in the lane makes it a truly special place to work and grow.
Our workplace is filled with energy, innovation, and plenty of machinery. With a few layout changes and machines on wheels, we're constantly adapting to meet the needs of our business. There's always something new and exciting happening here!
We believe in creating a space where everyone feels welcome. Our small showroom is open for visitors, and we’re always ready to offer a cup of coffee to go along with a sweet treat from our biscuit tin or lollie jar. Plus, with ample off-street parking, stopping by is easy.
We love what we do, and we look forward to sharing our passion with you!
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