ASSEMBLY PLANT

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXIX, Issue 20108, 15 May 1935, Page 6

ASSEMBLY PLANT

TODD MOTORS AT PETONE

WORK FOR 150 MEN The new factory of Todd Motors Ltd. at Petone, was officially opened by the Minister of Industries and Commerce, Hon. R. Masters, M.L.C., in the presence of a large number of guests and visitors. The Minister congratulated the management upon its enterprise, and said that it had given a valuable lead to the community by its definite expression of confidence both in the industry and in New Zealand. Mr Charles Todd, chairman of directors, presided. Mr Todd, in welcoming the guests, mentioned the advantage to the public by the assembly of cars in the Dominion, and said that the saving on the finished product amounted to a substantial sum. To-day the factory was employing 150 hands, and it was hoped to increase the number to 200 within a short time.

The Mayor of Petone, Mr A. Schoiefield., Mr Walter Nash. M.P., Mr C. E. Blanev, representing Roots Ltd., London, and the Minister addressed the gathering after which Mr Masters declared the building officially opened. The speakers congratulated the Company on its enterprise and foresight, the Minister concluding as follows: “I congratulate Todd Motors upon their enterprise and above all upon their confidence in the future. The greatest need in New Zealand to-day is confidence in the countty. and if you gentlemen standing before me would only go out and preach the gospel of confidence we would soon have further industries springing up throughout the country. In the past there has been too much pessimism. There is no other country in the world where the people are more justified in preaching confidence.” Confidence in Dominion Standing Upon two acres of land the new assembly works is an interesting feature of the motor industry in New Zealand. Inside its concrete walls modern motor-cars will be assembled, and the enterprise of the firm has been responsible for creating work for some 150 hands. That number is engaged on two makes of cars, both American, but containing a good deal of New Zealand material. Before long English cars will be assembled there, as well, and that will give employment to probably another 50 men.

The structure, which is of one floor, is 550 feet in length and 198 feet wide, and was built in record time—ten .weeks. Bpt the speed of erection has not lessened the architectural soundness of the building, which can take its place with any of a similar type in the Dominion. A unique feature of the factory is that it is the first in New Zealand with an all-steel body assembly plant. Visitors have been interested to learn that 130 “man hours” are required to turn out a motor-car, and that at the limit something like 18 cars could be completed daily in this factory, which is also to store 400 cars. The concern is a buyer of New Zealand leather, wool, bumpers, springs, and other items. As was emphasised by official speakers at the opening, the establishment of the works marks an important forward step in the industry, and in addition shows the confidence and faith that those in the trade have in New Zealand.