PLASTICS INDUSTRY IN CITY GROWING

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29907, 22 August 1962, Page 6

PLASTICS INDUSTRY IN CITY GROWING

The output from plastics manufacturing firms in Christchurch has more than quadrupled in the last 10 years. The two biggest companies in production began operation in 1936 and 1938, but since World War II there, has been an upsurge of smaller companies.

At present there are 18 factories. employing more than 500 workers to produce a great variety of plastic lines. At least four firms are expanding their premises, and the output of plastic products from Christchurch will increase, perhaps on a comparatively bigger scale, in the next few years. Nearing completion at the premises of P.D.L., Ltd., in Hazeldean road, is a 10,000 sq. ft. extension to the working area of the factory. A 2600 sq. ft. cafeteria is also almost built. Well under way is a twostoreyed block in reinforced concrete in which will be the main administration offices of the firm, a conference room, and showroom. Cantilever construction gives a wide overhang on three sides of the building, thus providing weather protection for the despatch department and vehicles. The frontage on Hazeldean road will be distinguished by angled plateglass window’s in the showroom and a concrete flower trough. 3ft wide, which will run the length of the street line. Phenolite Plastics. Ltd., in Sandyford street, has just completed a 2300 sq. ft factory at the rear of its present premises. Production will start in this factory in a week or two. Future plans include a new office and a lunch room, and a new roof

will be put on the old factory building. In Brougham street. Applied Plastics, Ltd., has doubled the size of the factory it built six years ago. and is again planning expansion. Its most recent extension has only just been completed. Plastic Manufacturers, Ltd., this year completed extensive alterations to its Waltham road premises and has built a pleasing facade on its building.

Range Of Products Plastic products made in Christchurch factories include electrical wiring accessories, industrial switches, sink benches, table tops, wall linings, containers, packaging materials, kitchen utensils, boats, house numbers, cable and wire covers, including covering for telephone cables and light fittings. The plastics manufacturers are also producing components for refrigerators, electric ranges, vacuum cleaners, furniture, commercial vehicles, and batteries, among others

Raw materials have to be almost wholly imported, but the proposed calcium carbide scheme could provide some of the raw materials required. Intense and world-wide competition in the plastics industry makes it extremely difficult for New Zealand plastics manufacturers to compete in overseas markets, but the industry will play an increasingly important part in the export trade through its supply of components for manufactured goods which are competitive in price and quality on overcpac markAtc