MPG
09/06/2015 09:50
GENERAL
PRICE SENSITIVE
REL: 0950 HRS Metro Performance Glass Limited
GENERAL: MPG: Metro Performance Glass drives building industry efficiency
NZX, ASX and Media Release 9 June 2015
Metro Performance Glass drives building industry efficiency
Leading-edge glass manufacturing plant officially opens in Auckland today.
The $21.5 million facility is designed to meet North Island housing and
construction demand at internationally-competitive prices
New Zealand's largest value-added glass processor Metro Performance Glass
(NZX.MPG, ASX.MPP) today officially opens its new manufacturing plant in
Auckland, helping to improve the efficiency and productivity of the country's
construction and housing sectors.
Metroglass Chairman Sir John Goulter, speaking ahead of the opening to be
attended by the Prime Minister the Rt Hon John Key, said the facility is at
the leading edge of New Zealand manufacturing and would benefit all New
Zealand house buyers.
"New Zealand housing markets, particularly those in Christchurch and
Auckland, are experiencing a boom due to a shortage of houses and
construction industry bottlenecks that make it difficult to respond to the
high levels of demand.
"High-quality building products, delivered at internationally-competitive
prices, such as those produced at Metroglass' new state-of-the-art-facility,
represent an important step to relieve these pressures," Sir John said.
Metroglass Chief Executive Nigel Rigby said the $21.5 million facility is one
of the most technically-advanced and efficient glass production plants in the
world. It was completed on time and within budget thanks to an extremely
dedicated Metroglass team and three year's research, planning and
development.
"Metroglass, majority owned by New Zealanders since its initial public
offering and listing on the New Zealand and Australian stock exchanges last
year, has built this factory to meet the strong demand it expects from
housing and construction markets over the next few years," Mr Rigby said.
"The company now not only has a leading-edge facility capable of servicing
the Upper North Island market, but we also have a cost position that suggests
we can compete against imported products. In the context of New Zealand
manufacturing, this is a rare and privileged position to occupy."
The highly-automated plant consolidates Metroglass' five Auckland sites onto
one 26,000sqm site, an area equivalent to more than two and a half rugby
fields, and doubles the company's production capacity.
Its linear layout enables raw product to be delivered at the southern end of
the facility before flowing through the manufacturing process for despatch as
finished goods at the northern end. The factory can manufacture the highest
specification glass and some of the largest flat glass products in the
country. It can also produce one-off non-standard customised orders, a
capability that is unique in New Zealand.
Energy efficiency and environmental sustainability is integral to the design
of the plant. High-efficiency LED lighting with zoned switching reduces
energy consumption. Smart floor-to-ceiling 'Low Emissivity' insulated glass
panels, manufactured by Metroglass, let in plenty of light to office spaces,
reducing heat loss in the winter and overheating in summer, ensuring staff
comfort all year round.
All water used for glass processing and edge working is recycled. Meanwhile,
rain water is harvested from the facility's 15000sqm roof and stored in tanks
onsite, supplying approximately half of Metroglass' annual water needs.
Meanwhile, Metroglass has continued to recycle glass at the facility in line
with its commitment to reduce waste and minimise landfill.
Health and Safety was a foremost consideration in the design of the plant.
Equipment selection, plant layout, minimisation of manual handling and
industry best practice were taken into account when commissioning this
facility.
"Following completion of the plant, Metroglass is now very well positioned to
meet the changing architectural demands of the New Zealand construction and
building industry and compete with global players," Mr Rigby said.
Contact:
Nigel Rigby
Chief Executive Officer
(64) 027 703 4184
[email protected]
About Metro Performance Glass
Metro Performance Glass (NZX.MPG, ASX.MPP) is the largest value added glass
processor in New Zealand. It produces a range of customised glass products
that are predominantly used in residential and non-residential construction
applications such as windows, doors, internal partitions, balustrades,
showers, mirrors, furniture and splash backs.
Metro Performance Glass has national coverage through 15 decentralised sites,
including six major processing sites, a fleet of over 260 service vehicles
and 700 employees across New Zealand. For more information visit:
http://www.metroglasstech.co.nz/
End CA:00265400 For:MPG Type:GENERAL Time:2015-06-09 09:50:30
