$6 million leading edge waste facility opened

Media Release

$6 million leading edge technology liquid and hazardous waste facility opened today

Auckland, 16 March 2006 -Transpacific Industries Group NZ today opened New Zealand's most advanced liquid and hazardous waste facility at its Auckland site. The design of the new $6 million plant meets world's best practice and results from extensive research the company conducted across the United Kingdom, Europe and the United States. The new facility has the capability to handle growing demand from the entire country.

Transpacific Industries Group Ltd Executive Chairman, Terry Peabody, said the company looked to the long term, and invested in the creation of a state-of-the-art plant that exceeds New Zealand's current environmental standards.

"New Zealand and international experts liaised to create a facility that not only sets the standard for the processing of liquid and hazardous waste, but is sustainable for decades to come. We are the only hazardous waste facility in New Zealand matching world's best practice, and we are confident that this gives us a competitive advantage in the market," he said.

New Zealand's waste problem is large, and growing. Approximately 282,000 tonnes of hazardous waste is generated and treated each year. The government is working with businesses to improve the way waste is handled and provide a better environment for New Zealanders.

The new facility treats liquid and hazardous waste in a totally controlled and contained environment. Transpacific Industries Group NZ Managing Director, Greg Campbell says that this is just one of the initiatives that positions our facility well above the rest in the environmental field.

"Most similar plants around the world typically deal with one or two treatment processes. Due to the small size of New Zealand, we have built a facility that can handle up to 25 different treatment processes, making the facility a truly unique design for the New Zealand market" he said.

The project was several years in the planning, and involved extensive consultation with international experts, government officials and other stakeholders.

Mayor of Manukau City, Sir Barry Curtis said the Council is delighted to have been involved in the development of this facility.

"It will assist local businesses, as well as those elsewhere around New Zealand, to responsibly manage their liquid and hazardous waste. Manukau City Council extends a warm welcome to the new facility."

The new plant is fully enclosed for control of all process emissions, allowing Transpacific to treat the waste chemically, in a safe manner, for subsequent reuse or disposal.

"We have moved away from the open ponds previously used to store, treat and stabilise liquid and hazardous waste," Mr Campbell said. "There are also advanced safety measures to prevent unplanned discharges, with the ability to isolate and shut down areas of the plant."

Mr Campbell says a lot of hard work went into the plant and thanks all the staff and partners involved.

"We are delighted with the result, and extend our appreciation to those that helped us achieve this vision. The company is committed to helping all New Zealand businesses meet their obligations to the community, to ensure the safe and responsible management of waste, and the protection and enhancement of the environment for many years to come.

About Transpacific

Transpacific Industries Group NZ is the largest industrial services, liquid and hazardous waste management, and recycling services company in New Zealand, employs over 400 staff. The company specialises in the collection, transport, recycling, recovery, treatment and disposal of industrial liquid, chemical, medical and quarantine waste.

Transpacific Technical Services NZ is a subsidiary of Transpacific Industries Group Ltd, which listed on the Australian Stock Exchange last May. The business is one of Australia's leading providers of liquid and hazardous waste management solutions.

Transpacific Industries Group Ltd is also a major importer and distributor of Western Star, MAN heavy-duty commercial vehicles and Autocar (a specialist waste and ancillary services vehicle) in Australia, New Zealand, and parts of Asia.

ENDS

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