Escea is a Dunedin based designer, manufacturer and exporter of leading edge gas fireplaces.  Established in 2002 Escea it is already accepted as an industry leader in design and technology, and is currently selling its products to the UK, Australia, the US and Canada.

Escea fireplaces are renowned for their modern minimalist styling, their efficiency, and their ease of use. An Escea gas fireplace quickly becomes the focal point of any room – indoors or out.

The company owes its fresh approach to its three founders, Nigel Bamford, Alan McGregor and Garth Milmine, who were all in their early 30’s when they started the business. Every decision they made along the journey was in terms of “what is the best way of doing this?” rather than “how do the established industry players currently do this?”.

The business’s first three years were devoted to product development, creating detailed designs of gas fires using Escea’s own in-house design team plus external design and engineering consultants.

Innovative designs, exemplary management and creative marketing flair provided the impetus for Escea to grow from having no employees to a full time staff of 42 in its first seven years. For three years in a row Escea featured as one of New Zealand’s 50 fastest growing companies (Deloitte Fast50 Index)

In 2009, Escea moved to  its own purpose-built factory in the Dunedin suburb of Green Island. The building houses the production line, storage for domestic and export sales, Escea’s own in-house powder coating plant, offices, conference and showroom facilities.

Dunedin was chosen as Escea’s manufacturing and administration base due to its, highly educated stable labour force, great working environment and the quality of its sheet metal manufacturing support businesses.

Escea has a strong commitment to ongoing product development and spends a considerably higher percentage of its turnover on development and improvement than is typical of New Zealand companies or the fireplace industry in general.  This commitment has already lead to a stunning range of product in the market and the product development schedule is already full of new world class designs planned for release to over the coming years.

Environment

Caring for our world is central to Escea’s philosophy. As a practical demonstration of its desire to give back to the environment, one tree is planted in a registered carbon sink forest for every Escea fireplace produced.

Although a fossil fuel, gas is considered the cleanest burning fuel option currently available. Through its ongoing R&D program, Escea continually strives to produce more efficient fireplaces, while at the same time searches for new and improved fuel options.

Awards

Escea’s unrelenting commitment to manufacturing excellence, cutting edge design and energy efficiency has been rewarded with:

•    Deloitte Fast 50 Award (winner, three successive years)

•    Finalist, Ernst & Young, Young  Entrepreneur of the year award, 2006
     (Escea CEO Nigel Bamford)

•    Admission to the NZ Enterprise Trust Hall of Talent (Nigel Bamford)

•    Westpac Otago Chamber Business Award (winner 2006, 2008)

•    Highly Commended, Home Building & Renovation Self Build Product Innovation (UK)