Page 10 - HW MARCH 2020

hard news
PlaceMakers’ route
planning gains
PlaceMakers is now using the Descartes Route Planner cloud-based solution
to centralise its distribution planning operations across the country. With an integrated GPS-based mobile application, the solution coordinates drivers, dispatchers and call centres. PlaceMakers reports the system has made deliveries smoother, faster and cheaper.
Who’s got
Peek Polish?
The Peek Polish multi-purpose polish that’s suitable for many different surfaces (and by appointment to Her Majesty the Queen no less!) is now available through E Products NZ in Albany, Auckland.
www.eproducts.co.nz
Firth and GIB
make for the Mount
PART OF FLETCHER Building’s planned $800 million investment into its New Zealand manufacturing businesses over the next three years, Firth Industries and Winstone Wallboards have both targeted Tauranga as base of future growth.
Late last month, Firth opened a brand new $10 million Certified ready-mix concrete manufacturing plant in Mount Maunganui which can produce up to 900m3 of concrete daily and will boost supply for the high-demand Bay of Plenty area.
The new ready-mix plant is already operational and, says Fletcher Building Concrete CE, Ian Jones: “gives Firth increased production speeds and
volume, compared with the previous plant. Meanwhile it has improved environmental controls and reduced energy consumption. It has a state-of-the- art mixer unit which ensures increased quality, consistency and speed.”
Firth decided to build the new plant at the rear of its existing site based on its proximity to the port and access to key transport links.
Also targeting Tauranga is Winstone
Wallboards, whose plans for a new plasterboard factory in Tauranga’s Tauriko Industrial Park were formally announced as part of Fletcher Building’s half-year announcements (see page 4 for more on the financials).
Scheduled to open in 2023, the Tauranga plant is a $400 million investment (50% land and buildings, 50% equipment), designed to “consolidate manufacturing and distribution” and enable capacity growth.
Destined to be larger and more efficient than current sites, the Tauranga plant
will be able to more easily recycle used plasterboard, will create around 100 permanent regional jobs and offer a 10% reduction in carbon emissions, increasing to 30% over 10 years.
Technology and construction contracts will be finalised during the second half of this FY, says Fletcher Building.
Winstone Wallboards currently manufactures in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.
www.firth.co.nz www.gib.co.nz
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8 NZHJ | MARCH 2020
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