Scion unveils $5.5m lab makeover

A $5.5 million laboratory refurbishment of Scion's Rotorua campus has been opened.

The Minister of Science and Innovation,  Steven Joyce, officially opened the renovated and renamed block, the Orman Wing, at a ceremony yesterday.

The project involved the reconstruction and refurbishing  of a block of laboratories built in 1969, and largely unchanged since then.

Scion chief executive Dr Warren Parker said the project was the largest building modernisation undertaken by Scion for many years.

"High-quality facilities and equipment are vital to the success of a science organisation, and this investment ensures we continue the efficient delivery of good science to the forest industry,'' he said.

"We're very proud of these world-class laboratories.

"They enhance the stimulating workplace environment enjoyed here at Scion, and I expect they will help us attract top researchers to Rotorua.''

During the short opening ceremony, the minister unveiled a plaque that named the made-over block  after the late Roy Orman, who led forest products research at the Forest Research Institute from 1950 to 1980.

When Mr Orman retired as director of the Forest Products Division of the Forest Research Institute  in 1980 he had completed 42 years of service.

His legacy to the industry was the development of a world-class wood products research organisation in New Zealand.

Mr Orman's daughter, Ann, and son, Richard, attended the opening and said they were blown away by this honour for  their father.

Building work started in January this year and finished in late August with installation of specialist science equipment

throughout the 1500sq m laboratory area.

"We had a great team working on this project, both internally and externally. Their combined expertise and professionalism resulted in a project that was completed in time and on budget.

"I congratulate them all for the outstanding facility they have given us,'' said Dr Parker.

The main contractors were RDT Pacific (project managers), LabWorks (architects), and Watts & Hughes Construction.