New Factory Premises Being Built In Otaki

Chronicle (Levin), 17 June 1948, Page 6

New Factory Premises Being Built In Otaki

For some time Otaki residents have been interested in building operations being carried out on the new factory premises for Otaki Textiles, Ltd., on the corner of Aotaki an'd Rangitira Streets, and the imposing appearance of the first portion now completed is an indication that the whole building will be an asset to the town and district. The first portion consists of4 a staff welfare hall 38 feet by 22 feet, cloak room, locker room and toilet t'oom and kitchen, all fitted with the latest appliances. Temporarily, this portion of the structure is being used for packing goods manu-

facturers in the old premises pending the construction of the major portion of the work, which is now ,ng ahfead. Along Rangitira Street there will be a large packing room 38 feet by 22 feet, a loading bay, a repair shop and two offices, one of which will be convertible to a first aid room. Between this block, which will be similar in construction to the portion already completed will lie a large production space 76 feet by 56 feet, with top lighting and windows along Aotaki Street. The building is designed. upon earthquake-resisting principles, and

consists of a reinforced concrete frame with eavity brick panel - walls. The flooring -will be of wood, which has- been found by experience to be the most . satisfactory materiaP in this .type of industry. The main production space ls unobstructed by columns, and is roofed with asbestos cement roofing supported on steel trusses. A special feature of the production space is the method used to supply power for the machines, lighting and heating. A new system has been devised utilising metal ducting for the wiring in such a way as to bring all power from directly overhead, thus leaving the floor

unobstructed for relocating the work benches in keeping with new developments. An up-to-date innqjvation will be heating by low temperature tubular radiators attached to each work bench, and under the individual control of the j operator. By this method it is hoped to conserve power and at the 'same time make the working con•ditions as comfortable as is reas- ! onahly possible for each person, jcontingent, of course, upon a satis- ! factory over-all temperature set by the management and indicated by thermometer. In the remainder of the building, heating will be by long lengths of tubular radiator set

at skirtin'g level. For cooling in the summer it is proposed to install electric blowers, arranged in such a way as to exhaust air "high up m the production space. The total area of the building will be' 7814 sq. ft., and proyision is made for the future extension of the production space without any internal columns. The building is set back from the street and will be fronted by lawns and flower beds. At the rear • an existing tennls court will be maintained and provision made for basketball practice and other sports. • " The finish of the building, both outside and inside, will be in keep-

ing vi£ith modern trends and some effort has been made to utilise the exterior as a good advertisement for the industry. Provlsion js accordingly'made for an illuminated sign above the main entrance. A perspective showing the completed structure pr.ep'ared by the architect, Mr. Bruce E. Orchiston, B.Arch., A.R.I.B.A., A.N.Z.I.A., of Wellington, reproduced above, shows the appearance. of the building in its final form, looking across the road from the Municipal Building. The building contractors are the Fleteher Construction Company, Ltd.