Manufacturer Transfers To Christchurch

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30937, 18 December 1965, Page 25

Manufacturer Transfers To Christchurch

A specialist high alloy casting company, with £50,000 worth of equipment, has shifted its entire production plant from Dunedin to Christchurch because of the better opportunities and facilities in the city. The company. Stainless Castings, Ltd., of Curries road, Woolston, employs 30 persons, mostly men. The managing director (Mr H. A. Robertson) said that in moving the entire foundry and machine shop from Dunedin more than 100 tons of equipment had had to be transported by rail and road.

His type of industry—the production of high alloy castings, mainly in stainless, corrosive and heat-resisting steels—was something new for Christchurch. He believed it to be unique in New Zealand. “We supply our product to chemical, dairy, pulp and paper and pump manufacturing industries,” said Mr Robertson.

Asked why his firm had transferred all its production from Dunedin to Christchurch. Mr Robertson said: “We are not saying labour is easy in Christchurch. But there is a pool of skilled men here to draw from which there is not in Dunedin. “The cost of power is less in Christchurch than in Dunedin. Engineering services related to our industry are also much better here than in Dunedin. “It is simpler to get jobs done in Christchurch which, we can’t do ourselve. There are also much better types of wharehousing services in Christchurch than in Dunedin “Stocks and supplies of consumables are also more readily obtainable in Christchurch.” Mr Robertson said that his company had considered al) the main centres in New Zea land, including Blenheim, before deciding on Christchurch as the most favourable.

“We are here for good,” he said.