NEW FACTORIES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25565, 19 June 1944, Page 4

NEW FACTORIES

ESTABLISHMENT IN DUNEDIN INDUSTRIAL ADVANTAGES Several new industries are being established in Dunedin. The secretary of the Manufacturers’ Association,. Mr F. L. Hitchens, informed a Daily Times reporter on Saturday that the preliminary steps had been taken for the establishment of an industry which would eventually employ 300 girls and 50 men, and a number of subsidiary factories were also being set up. One of the subsidiary industries would manufacture drums to meet the needs of the linseed oil factory.

Mr Hitchens expressed the opinion that housing and other problems in Wellington and other northern cities were driving industries away from those areas. Business firms realised that the establishment of new factories reouired adequate power and water, supplies, easy access to rail and shipping facilities, and homes for workers within a reasonable distance of the factories. Dunedin, which had these advantages, was enjoying a phase of industrial expansion, in spite of a certain degree of lethargy. It was revealed at a recerit meeting, he added, that Otago was producing a very large proportion of the Nortn Island’s needs, particularly of foodstuffs. In fact, the tonnage of manu'-, factured goods exported from Otago and Southland was twice as great as that of primary products. An Auckland- firm which manufactures men’s, women’s, and children’s underwear has established a branch factory in Dunedin, and has already started production. This factory, which is the first.of its kind in Otago, will eventually employ 100 girls. It is situated in a growing industrial area in St. Andrew street, and is an important and up-to-date addition to the city’s industrial undertakings. . Full consideration. to the wen-being of the employees has been given m planning >the factory. It is in by fluorescent lighting, and electric tubular heating is installed. Selected recordings are played on radio ■ sets each day. -;.A self-supporting cafeteria has been set up in which the workers may obtain hot meals, and the construction of a pleasant courtyard is also planned.