There are several reasons why we need to relocate our North Island GIB® plasterboard and compounds manufacturing to Tauranga.

WHY ARE WINSTONE WALLBOARDS BUILDING A NEW FACTORY?

The commitment to build this plant reinforces our full commitment to NZ and it is the best option to meet forecast demand for the next 50 years and enables us to continue to deliver high service levels to our customers and ensure new product and innovation opportunities. The commitment will provide jobs and strong benefits for the Tauranga and Bay of Plenty economy.

LOCATION OF THE NEW FACILITY

Winstone Wallboard’s new plant will be based in Tauriko, Tauranga. This is about 2.5 hours drive south of Auckland. It is a central location, as well as being near New Zealand’s largest port - the Port of Tauranga, making it ideal for North Island distribution, as well as the delivery of raw materials.

SIZE AND CAPACITY OF THE NEW FACILITY

The land size for the new Tauranga Facility is 12.8 hectares, the current Felix street, Auckland site is 5 hectares, making it two and a half times bigger. This allows for increased capacity as per below:

• 50% more capacity through the Board Plant with ability to increase capacity further if required.

• 50,000 tonne gypsum storage shed allowing larger, more efficient cargo ships to deliver gypsum from international suppliers.

• Jointing and finishing compounds manufacturing both setting and air-drying products.

• Agricultural Gypsum processing.

• Despatch Warehouse has a fully enclosed canopy that is 115m+ long allowing all weather loading of up to six truck and trailer units at the same time, plus room for up to another two truck and trailer units in the tie down area at the end of the canopy.

SUSTAINABILITY AT FOREFRONT

The new plant has been designed with sustainability in mind and is a significant step forward to support Fletcher Building’s goal of 30% reduction of carbon emissions by 2030 target. Through innovative technology, we will achieve a 10% reduction in carbon emissions. We will also have extensive recycling capability on site for water and waste - there will be onsite recycling and reuse of process wastewater.
Designed to have upwards of 10% of our total board volume as recycled gypsum, with options for this to be much higher on some products.

Other features include:

• High efficiency LED lighting and controls in the plant.

• Energy monitoring and reporting system to ensure energy efficiency is maintained long term.

• Heat recovery systems linking multiple processes throughout the design improving energy efficiency.

• Reduction in truck movement between warehouse facilities via amalgamation into a single site.

STATE-OF-THE-ART TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION

State-of-the-art high-speed plant utilising the latest international innovations in plasterboard manufacturing technology and automation. Able to manufacture the full range of GIB® plasterboard products with a high degree of flexibility. Quick change over between products allow rapid response to varying market demand.

FOCUS ON HEALTH AND SAFETY

Automated machinery and processes reducing need for manual handling. Improved layout design and movement of vehicles through plant operations.

INTERESTING FACTS

• The main building area is equivalent to approx. 8 full rugby fields .

• The new site will be more than two and a half times the size of the current Felix Street site.

• The Tauriko business estate in Tauranga, where the new plant will be located, will have up to 100 businesses based there, making it one of the biggest industrial parks in Australasia.

• Eclipse Architecture and Strata Group are the lead building designers. They recently worked with Air New Zealand on their internal Campus Redevelopment and their International Lounge at Auckland Airport.

• The new Tauranga facility will be one of the largest plasterboard facilities in Australasia.