City Delegation Meets Haier Leadership

Shanghai (Friday, 12 April 2013) – Dunedin’s delegation to Shanghai has been meeting with Haier, the new owner of Fisher & Paykel, at the company's global headquarters in Qingdao.

Today’s meeting with Han Zhendong, Chairman of Haier's Board of Supervisors, enabled Dunedin’s delegation to reinforce how important Fisher & Paykel has been to Dunedin since its early association with HE Shacklock in 1955.

The Mayor of Dunedin Dave Cull emphasised the extent to which Haier would be welcomed in Dunedin.

"The company confirmed its commitment to strengthening the Fisher & Paykel design centre in Dunedin and I have every confidence that this will open up a successful new chapter for the company as Haier develops F&P as one of its leading premium brands on the global stage."

Deputy Mayor Chris Staynes, a former General Manager of Fisher & Paykel, spoke of the pride he felt in seeing Fisher & Paykel products, designed in Dunedin, being showcased by Haier as premium global products.

Han Zhendong said that Haier was looking forward to developing its relationship with Fisher and Paykel and Dunedin's wider research and development community.

Otago Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive John Christie says, “As a city, we’re very pleased about the additional investment in research and development with its ensuing increase in employment opportunities.”

“While manufacturing has moved offshore, the city is very proud that the skills, creativity and experience of the design team were retained here. Dunedin is a city that fosters innovation and creativity as well as being very proud of its tradition of industrial excellence.”

ends

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