22 November 2011

Amcor Australasia's New World-Class South Auckland Manufacturing Plant Opens for Business

Amcor Australasia, New Zealand's leading beverage can manufacturer for more than two decades, has invested a further $40 million in its New Zealand plant to double production and bring new capability to the local beverage market.

Officially launched today to dignitaries and industry representatives, the new line in South Auckland's Wiri, boasts leading-edge, global technology.

The Wiri site currently produces around 300 million aluminium cans a year, accounting for around 70 per cent of New Zealand's beverage can production, and employs 77 co-workers. Production capacity is expected to double when the new line becomes fully operational, which may lead to additional local employment opportunities over time.

The installation of this new line gives New Zealand beverage producers access to leading, innovative beverage can technologies not previously available in the country. These include an 8 colour print process, increased embossing capabilities and the addition of the 500ml can size to the range.

Nigel Garrard, Managing Director of Amcor Australasia & Packaging Distribution, said it was important to bring this additional capability to New Zealand's energy drink, soft drink, ready to drink (RTD) and beer markets.

"New Zealand manufacturers have either not had access to these products, or have had to import them - now they have a New Zealand-manufactured option available to them."

"State-of-the-art technology at the new plant will also provide greater production volumes and speeds, enabling cans to be produced and delivered to businesses faster than ever before. With enhanced printing capabilities and high quality graphics, products will offer originality and product break-through for our New Zealand customers," he said.

Commenting more broadly on the future of the manufacturing sector, Mr Garrard added that investment in innovation was critical.

"Investment in innovation is critical to achieving the productivity improvements that our sector needs. Delivering world-competitive capabilities, more efficiently, to our New Zealand beverage customers will help them continue to drive innovation and stay ahead of their local and global competitors," he added.

ENDS

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