Plastics Grow Rapidly

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 31976, 1 May 1969, Page 16

Plastics Grow Rapidly

The plasties industry had made a remarkable contribution to the industrial growth of New Zealand, said the Leader of the Opposition (Mr Kirk) when he opened the Christchurch plant of Plastic Products, Ltd, in Alfred Street yesterday.

From a s34m output in 1964, the industry had grown into an industry with an output estimated to reach more

than ssom by the end of this year. Mr Kirk said that the plastics industry would make an increasing contribution, in products for the New Zealand consumer and for export. It was making export products more attractive and more marketable.

Mr Kirk said that the establishment of the new plant in Christchurch was a most welcome addition to industry in the South Island.

The starting of an industry of this type in the south meant more employment and it would also widen the demand for specialised skills.

A new service being made available to existing industries would in turn encourage other industries to come here. Not only would a new industry provide employment but it would create a challenge for talented persons and encourage others to acquire a higher level of training and skill in technology and science. Mr Kirk said that for a long time New Zealand was not confident that it could make such products as those produced in the new plant but here was an example that New Zealand could do it as well as any other country.