Covertex is a global leader in inflatable and rapid deployment products, specializing in engineered fabric solutions for emergency services, defense, and marine industries.
Leading the Way in Inflatable and Rapid Deployment Solutions
For over 35 years, Covertex has led the way in manufacturing high-performance fabric solutions for rapid deployment and fluid containment. Our products are trusted in emergencies, conflict zones, disaster response, and marine operations.
Built on the strong bond between engineering and innovation, our commitment to quality has earned us lasting partnerships with emergency services, military forces, maritime organisations, and government agencies across more than 20 countries.
Commitment to Quality and Innovation
At Covertex, we believe in the power of innovation and quality craftsmanship. Our strong commitment to engineering excellence has enabled us to forge lasting partnerships with emergency services, military forces, and government agencies across more than 20 countries. With a dedicated team of 60 and international distributors, we offer over 40 specialised products to global markets, ensuring that we meet the needs of our clients in the most demanding environments.
Our People
Meet the dedicated team whose expertise, passion, and collaboration drive our vision forward.
Peter Meadowcroft
SALES & MARKETING MANAGER
As Covertex Sales and Marketing Manager, Peter understands that delivering the best solutions doesn’t just appear off the shelf. You need to work closely with the customer to understand their needs, and he thrives on creating strong and enduring business relationships. Peter brings to the business a wealth of international market experience and a proven sales and strategic expertise to this role. His experience includes his time as an owner manager in a variety of industries including safety, industrial PPE, marine, textiles and the garment sectors. Peter is a people person who loves rolling up his sleeves and getting things done. His journey as a dynamic leader has been defined by his unwavering passion for innovation, growth, and transformation.
Bernard Hyde
GENERAL MANAGER
A qualified engineer with a NZCE in Civil Engineering, with a background also in Civil Construction, Bernard heads up the New Zealand operations including the engineering and manufacturing of the Covertex products. Bernard has been in the GM role for more than 20 years, prior to this position he was the production manager in the factory and both a tensile membrane project manager and engineering manager. His commitment to the business is paramount and his extensive knowledge of the operations ensures production, design and construction runs smoothly.
James Bunn
PRODUCTION MANAGER
Working with fabric products gives James the opportunity to exercise his logical thinking skills and engineering knowledge. He enjoys planning and organising each step of the manufacturing process, and relishes the feeling of a job well done when a large product order is completed and meets the customers approval. James holds a BEng (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering (Coventry University), is a Chartered Engineer (UK) and a member of the Institute of Professional Engineers in the UK and New Zealand. He has been with Structurflex since 1995, the majority of this time responsible for project management, before recently moving into the Production role. Before joining Structurflex, James project managed the installation and commissioning of new paint facilities for both Ford and Mitsubishi in Australia.
Sharlene McGhie
SALES COORDINATOR
Sharlene works alongside other members of the Covertex and Structurflex sales team, coordinating sales of a large range of products including, but not limited to AirShelters, Tanks, curtain siders, graphics, clearcoating, roller doors and hardware. Sharlene also has a specific roll within Signflex, where she is responsible for accounts payable, supports the purchasing function and assists with curtain graphic and clearcoating production scheduling. In addition to this, her role within the business requires a good eye for detail and creativity to help customers with their design requirements. Sharlene has grown within the roll in a short period of time, coming from a previous Office Manager Role. Sharlene has a can-do attitude, she prides herself on a high level of customer service believing that good communication along with good planning is the key to keeping the customers happy.
Kylie Thomas
SALES AND ADMINISTRATION
Kylie is responsible for the front desk at Structurflex Head Office. She directs the phones and welcomes visitors to both the Structurflex and Covertex businesses. Kylie assists the sales function with the efficient processing of transport hardware and manufactured product orders. Kylie coordinates our export orders with freight providers and keeps customers up to date. In addition to this Kylie has responsibility for processing Structurflex and Covertex creditors and closing off purchase orders. From time to time, she also assists with invoicing and keeping the company’s ISO and Health & Safety documentation up to date. No job is to big or small for Kylie, she undertakes them all with ease.
Simon Higgs
MANAGING DIRECTOR
Responsible for the overall management of Structurflex Group, Simon also guides the sales and marketing activity for Structurflex and Covertex. In addition to driving domestic sales, he monitors the international market closely by attending trade shows and providing targeted support to Structurflex offices in the United States and Malaysia and its New Zealand based subsidiaries, Baytex and Fabric Structures. Simon holds a B Com, with majors in Finance and Economics, and a postgraduate Dip Com in Finance. With previous experience in the corporate banking sector, Simon is well-equipped to work with customers and develop lasting business relationships.
Darryl Parker
FINANCIAL CONTROLLER
Experienced Finance and Commercial Manager with broad expertise and proven leadership skills, Darryl keeps the back office of Structurflex and its New Zealand offices, including Covertex, operating smoothly and efficiently — a task he manages with consummate ease. Darryl enjoys a strategic view of Structurflex and its five subsidiaries, which enables him to contribute to key business decisions. Darryl maintains strong relationships with suppliers and provides valuable input on the Group’s future direction.
Trish Henderson
OFFICE MANAGER
Trish is responsible for the efficient operation of the back office at Structurflex and Covertex. Trish has extensive knowledge of the businesses systems and processes, her core responsibilities include invoicing, processing stock movements, accounts receivable, credit control, payroll and supporting the purchasing function. Trish also supports Structurflex divisions Covertex and Baytex by undertaking specific functions. Trish has good knowledge of Structurflex products and can support sales when required.
