F&P to expand southern site amid industrial park plans

By ELLEN READ

Fisher & Paykel Appliances is spending $2 million expanding its Dunedin plant to meet demand from strong sales growth.

Capacity will be increased at the Taieri site - where the Dunedin City Council will also develop a mini-industrial park .

The park, which will house smaller manufacturers who supply F&P, is tipped to create up to 70 jobs.

Taieri was chosen for Fisher & Paykel's expansion because it specialises in the appliances - dishdrawers, dishwashers and cookers - that are in high demand.

Support from the council, including rates relief for Fisher & Paykel and the technology park companies, helped to make the decision easier, said managing director John Bongard.

He did not know how many jobs were likely to be created at the expanded plant, which has more than 600 fulltime employees manufacturing for export to Australia, the United States, Britain, Europe and Asia.

The news boosted F&P shares, which closed up 14c at $13.65 yesterday.