NEWS RELEASE

from Hutt City Council

2 July 2003

REPRIEVE FOR GRIFFINS WORKERS

Following a presentation by Hutt City Mayor John Terris and Council CEO Rik Hart, Griffins announced today that they have completed their internal review and that, as a result, they will be retaining the status quo with production continuing at both plants.

"This is encouraging news for Griffins' workers in Hutt City," said Mayor Terris.

"We have worked hard to present the advantages of retention of the Hutt factory to Griffins' management."

"Hutt City offers distinct geographical and logistical advantages through our central location and position as a transport hub."

The presentation made by the Mayor, CEO and City Development Manager Gary Craig emphasised a number of benefits to the company in basing, and expanding, their manufacturing operations in Hutt City.

"We pointed out to Griffins' management team that there are significant opportunities within the Hutt City plant to improve efficiencies and reduce costs.

"Examples could include such things as developing better warehousing and distribution systems and developing a partnership with Weltec to assist with skills development for their workforce."

"We also reiterated Council's commitment to sustainable economic development through such mechanisms as rates remissions and improving the physical environment."

"Examples would include reducing the speed limit at the bottom of the Wainuiomata hill to 80km/h from 100km/h, footpath improvements, the development of an on-site pedestrian connection and improving stormwater capacity around the current site."

"Any work Council undertook would be dependent on Griffins demonstrating its commitment through expansion of the current site.

"We will continue to work alongside the company, and have been impressed by their willingness to take the community into their confidence in the course of their decision-making," said Mayor Terris.

ENDS

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