NO WAGGON AVAILABLE

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30269, 23 October 1963, Page 12

NO WAGGON AVAILABLE

78-Ton Press Too Big (N.Z. Press Association) NEW PLYMOUTH, Oct. 22. A 78-ton press to be installed in the new factory of McKecbnie Brothers (New Zealand), Ltd., at Bell Block, cannot be transported from Port Taranaki to the factory, the technical manager, Mr S. M Marsden, said today. Costing more than £lOO,OOO. the press is expected to be shipped from the United States to Port Taranaki about the end of the year. The unavailablity of means for handling heavy equipment could hamper the industrial development not just of Taranaki, but of the whole country, said Mr Marsden.

The firm may have to strip the press to enable it to be transported. Besides adding about £lOOO to the cost it would mean the loss of the guarantee and warranty. Mr Marsden said the biggest waggon the Railways Department could provide was a 40-ton waggon strengthened to carry 67 tons. This was the biggest load the department could carry. A pivately-owned transporter would be able to carry the press but permission could not be obtained for it to take the load along the highway because the axle loading would be above the limit—about tons compared with the allowable maximum of about 7J tons. “When a manufacturer pays £ 100.000 or more for equipment he cannot afford to throw away the guarantees." he said

The press was a tested piece of equipment with a’ six months guarantee and a warranty for safe and efficient working. Once it was interfered with any onus would fall upon the firm.