In this feature, we turn the spotlight onto some of the key companies within our industry. In this edition, we look at termite product manufacturer TERM-seal.
For over 20 years, the team at TERM-seal has worked to develop innovative termite management systems for the professional pest control industry. Proudly Australian owned and operated, it distributes its products across the globe.
Starting out
In 1997, entomologist Phil Hannay struck up a partnership with Dr Roger Franklin, a highly regarded industrial chemist specialising in termiticides. They pooled their expert knowledge and began researching novel solutions for termite proofing new and existing structures, focusing on the use of bifenthrin.
In 2002 they finished developing TERM-seal Multipurpose Active, a highly engineered acrylic polymer-based liquid formula. Upon curing, it formed a seamless, flexible waterproof membrane that was proven to protect structures against termite activity.
TERM-seal commenced trading in 2003. Today, staff are divided between the administrative hub in Port Macquarie, the technical support office in Sydney, and the operations site in Brisbane where manufacturing takes place. Two satellite reps cover Perth and Queensland.
Dedicated R&D
Mr Hannay and Dr Franklin started the business with the aim of manufacturing and supplying termite management systems with three key qualities: they were to be cost effective, ecologically sound, and suitable for use in new and existing structures.
With questions over the performance and longevity of chemical treatments and reticulation systems often being financially challenging to maintain, TERM-seal wanted to offer high-performing alternatives.
As a specialist research entomologist, and a university-trained ecologist, Mr Hannay took on the role of technical development manager as well as managing director. With Mr Hannay and Dr Franklin at the hem, the entire suite of TERM-seal products was developed between 1998 and 2005 – a range of products, flexible in application to protect any construction situation.
Cavity perimeter and construction joints of new slab-on-ground structures are protected by Ura-Fen Shield TWB. Its settable foam, Ura-Fen Major, expands to fill gaps, fissures and cavities, and when used in combination with PRM Active, Sealant Active and Multi-Purpose Active, a continuous physical termite barrier and dampcourse can be created for perimeter cavities for all types of construction. TERM-seal coatings, sealants and sheeting materials all remain patent protected.
TERM-seal’s Ura-Fen Major settable foam contains bifenthrin to create a termite barrier in gaps, fissures and cavities
All TERM-seal products are manufactured at the company’s Brisbane factory. Mr Hannay explained, “Our products were developed in Australia, for Australian conditions, and tested for use against the termites we have here. We’re not adapting something from overseas. We make our products right here in Brisbane.” Mr Hannay believes that this is what differentiates TERM-seal from many other suppliers of termite control systems.
Environmental focus
Mr Hannay has always been passionate about creating termite control products that give high performance with minimal impact on the environment. With TERM-seal sheet barriers, the bifenthrin is fully encapsulated within the cell matrix during the manufacturing process, meaning the active is stabilised inside the plastic material. For pest managers, this means there is no chemical residue, as the active is unable leach out; TERM-seal products can be used without risk of contamination of local environment. Developing environmentally sound products is central to the TERM-seal company ethos.
With its termiticide products firmly established in the market, TERM-seal has recently been expanding its R&D efforts to develop new products for the wider pest control market. It has just registered a special type of bait and trap for use in beehives, and is developing a larvicide for use in the soil around bee hives as well. In keeping with the company’s ecological focus, the active delivery system in the new products doesn’t interfere with the bees. The R&D unit is also working on developing products to control the small hive beetle.
Technical support
The company’s technical manager, Barry Quon, had been involved with TERM-seal products for 12 years before joining the company in 2014, having worked in the pest management industry for over 30 years, primarily in the pre-construction sector.
Mr Quon leads the Sydney-based technical support team, which offers 24-hour support to pest managers around the country. In addition, Mr Hannay welcomes customers to contact him directly with their technical queries.
“Our technical support is brilliant; we train our people properly. I get regular calls from pest managers – each one of our customers has a direct line to me, and they can call me anytime. I’m very passionate about the industry and take great pride in helping my fellow pesties,” said Mr Hannay.
Future growth
With its client base of 700 set to grow further, the company will be looking to expand its representation in each state in the next 1-2 years by increasing its number of technical staff. R&D will remain a core focus of the business, with the TERM-seal product portfolio continuing to grow under Mr Hannay’s direction.
