Sockburn Cable Factory Extensions Planned

Press, Volume CV, Issue 30980, 9 February 1966, Page 8

Sockburn Cable Factory Extensions Planned

An estimated £620,000 on capital expenditure extensions planned for the Sockbum factory of Associated British Cables, Ltd., could help Christchurch become the electrical complex of New Zealand. The company also intends to spend £220,000 on extensions to its Auckland works. Underground power cable of up to 11,000 volts will be manufactured in the Christchurch plant. These details were announced in Christchurch yesterday by the general manager of the Christchurch plant (Mr J. D. Bull), who is also a director of the company. Largest In 5 Years Other expansion details are: The expansion programme is the largest to be planned in Christchurch for about five years. The work undertaken at Sockbum should result in a substantial saving of overseas exchange. Production at the Sockbum power cable factory should begin late in 1967 and be in full production in 1968. Plastic power cable will be produced in the existing Sockbum factory, as an interim measure. The Auckland factory should be in production by the end of this year.

Only a restricted range of low tension cables are made in New Zealand today. A separate factory adjoining the company’s existing Sockburn factory will house the new Christchurch cable ptant.

Both impregnated paper and insulated lead sheathed cablfe and ptasttoinsutated

power cable will be produced. The company is Britishowned but it is intended to offer equity capital for New Zealand investment. At December 31, 1965, £l.l million was held in shareholders' funds. The company hopes that this new unit will encourage other industries to come to the South Island. Proposed extensions at Sockburn are expected to add about 56,000 sq. ft of floor space to the present 105,000 sq. ft. The planned extensions will bring the company’s capital expenditure invested at Sockbum up to £1,350,000 ih the next two years. The present Sockburn staff is expected to be increased by 50 to make a total staff of 200 when the extensions are completed. When in full production the new factory will meet all New Zealand’s requirements. The Canterbury timber industry will benefit by about £30,000 a year in the company’s purchase of wooden dispatch drums. Because all cable required in New Zealand is imported <m drums, this will mean a direct saving in overseas funds.

Frigate Sails.—The frigate H.M.N.Z.S. Otago sailed for the Far East station on Monday morning. After six weeks* working-up with the United States training fleet at Pearl Harbour, the Otago will join the Far East fleet at Singapore and relieve the frigate Taranaki. She will be away for eight months.—(PJL) A