Chch firms in Sydney show

Press, 16 September 1976, Page 15

Chch firms in Sydney show

Two Christchurch companies are among 16 New Zealand manufacturers who will take part in an exhibition of hospital and medical equipment in Sydney from October 19 to 23. It will be the first time a group of New Zealand companies has taken-part in the exhibition. The Department of Trade and Industry will provide a special court for the exhibits, as a result of a survey by New Zealand trade commissioners in Australia which revealed opportunities for export, and a study of New Zealand industries’ capabilities by the Department of Trade and Industry export services division.

Although New Zealand companies make an extensive range of hospital equipment relatively few were exported, said the Department of Trade and Industry. The companies had therefore been encouraged to participate as

an industry group in the exhibition. Betstone Industries, Ltd, of Christchurch, will display a wheelchair, which it claims to be the only one in the world with a two-year guarantee on all neoprenesealed wheel bearings. The chair is made by paraplegic and other rehabilitated workers, who comprise about 80 per cent of the firm’s staff. The other Christchurch company is C. F. Cotter, Ltd, which will display a range of rugged floor polishing and scrubbing machines.

Other companies taking part are from New Plymouth, Auckland, Wellington, Invercargill, and Dunedin.

Among products the cornjpanies will exhibit are a (multi-purpose bed with adjustable back-rest and special “anti-slide” seat section, adjustable bedside and wheelchair tables, disposable plastic test tubes and plastic forIceps, and carpets.