Construction of Winstone Wallboards’ new plant in Tauranga kicked off in January, and work is now in full swing.

Located in the Tauriko business estate - on a site over two and a half times the size of the current Penrose site - the new facility is scheduled to open in 2023 and will ensure Winstone Wallboards is ideally placed to meet New Zealand’s future demand for plasterboard.

Fletcher Construction has been appointed as the main constructor and will work alongside two other Fletcher Construction specialist businesses - Brian Perry Civil is undertaking the concrete foundations, detailed excavation, piling and ground improvement and Higgins will carry out the external works and drainage. 

Designed with sustainability in mind, the new plasterboard manufacturing and distribution plant will reduce carbon emissions by up to 10%, providing a strong base for Fletcher Building to achieve their target of 30% reduction by 2030.  Site plans include extensive recycling capabilities for both water and plasterboard waste, with new GIB® plasterboard being able to contain some recycled content.

Incorporating the latest global innovations in plasterboard manufacturing technology and automation, the full range of plasterboard products will be manufactured at the Tauriko facility.  This, coupled with quicker change over times between products, will provide a greater degree of flexibility and boost Winstone Wallboards’ ability to respond rapidly to varying market demands.

Prior to construction commencing, the new site was blessed with representatives from the Ngai Tamarawaho and Ngāti Hangarau hapu (sub-tribes). The ceremonial whenua (or soil) was removed as part of the blessing and was given to nearby Taumata School, who will be the kaitiaki (guardian) of the land until the facility is complete.

Not surprisingly, Winstone Wallboards’ decision to move to Tauriko has been extremely well received by the Tauranga region. It looks set to bring significant economic benefits to the Bay of Plenty, with upwards of 300 workers involved on site during the construction phase, and the creation of around 100 permanent jobs once the plant opens.