Our People
Locally made, expertly led
Behind the Climate Powder range is a team of specialists who understand both the science and the craft of coating. We combine deep technical knowledge with real-world experience to create solutions that perform where it matters: on your line.
Simon Metcalf
Business Development and Technical Manager
With over 15 years in the building materials and coatings industry, Simon Metcalf has led innovation across the Australian and New Zealand powder coating markets. Now driving Climate Powder, New Zealand’s only independent local powder manufacturer, Simon combines chemistry, production and market strategy under one roof.
Holding a Master’s degree in Powder Coating Chemistry from the University of Auckland, Simon brings a rare blend of scientific depth and commercial vision. From developing advanced powder formulations and solving coating challenges on production lines, to crafting market strategies that connect sustainability with performance, Simon bridges the gap between R&D, sales and customer success.
Simon’s mission is to reshape how the industry thinks about powder coatings, championing NZ-made innovation, energy efficiency, and circular solutions that help local businesses thrive. His work reflects a career built on curiosity, collaboration and a drive to make sustainability both practical and profitable.
Jeff Stewart
Co-Founder & Managing Director, Climate Surfaces
Founder & Director, Bay Powder Coaters
Jeff Stewart brings more than 25 years of hands-on experience in powder coating, from pretreatment and production management through to founding and scaling successful coating businesses.
Starting his career in 1997 on the factory floor, Jeff quickly developed both a technical and commercial understanding of every stage of the process. By 1999, he launched Bay Powder Coaters, and two years later co-founded Climate Surfaces with schoolmate Kyle True to pioneer powder coating on heat-sensitive, non-conductive substrates.
In 2021, recognising the need for greater control over powder development and cost, Jeff led the investment in Climate’s own manufacturing facility.
Today, he continues to drive the company’s mission to deliver premium NZ-made powder coatings that combine performance, reliability and sustainability to ensure local coaters have the access, support and innovation they need to succeed.
Graeme Dodds
Operations Manager
With more than two decades in the powder coating industry, Graeme Dodds has built deep expertise across operations and sales management. Graeme has led continuous improvement programs focused on process efficiency, quality consistency and environmental performance to help shape Climate Powder’s reputation for technical excellence and responsible manufacturing.
Graeme’s practical knowledge of end-to-end coating operations and his commitment to sustainable process innovation make him a key part of Climate’s leadership team, ensuring every batch that leaves the line meets the company’s promise of smarter, cleaner performance.
Justin Koloni
Powder Production Lead
Justin Koloni brings over 25 years of production experience to Climate Powder, having worked across all areas of powder manufacturing; from blending and extrusion to quality assurance and process optimisation.
Known for his precision, problem-solving skills and calm leadership on the factory floor, Justin plays a vital role in maintaining Climate Powder’s high standards for product consistency and performance. His deep understanding of powder behaviour and production dynamics ensures that every Climate product meets both customer expectations and industry benchmarks.
