NEW FACTORIES

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 152, 23 March 1939, Page 13

NEW FACTORIES

Continued Industrial Expansion

MINISTER’S COMMENT

Additions To Premises And Plant

Dominion Special Service.

AUCKLAND, March 22. Continued industrial expansion, additions to factory premises and plant were remarked upon tonight by the Minister of Industries and Commerce, Mr. Sullivan, when discussing reports he had received from various quarters. He. said that all the evidence was distinctly encouraging and a striking commentary upon the capacity of the Dominion manufacturers in cooperation with their employees to meet a greater proportion of the needs of the people in an economical and efficient manner. In the Auckland district a new company was in process of formation for the establishment of lime works with a capital of £20,000, Mr. Sullivan said. There were proposals for the setting up of new factories for the making ot men’s felt hats and the assembling ot roller skates. An Auckland company now made cabinets to hold bottles of oil. Similar cabinets previously were imported. A cement company was spending more than £20,000 upon new machinery for the making of their products in greater quantities. There was activity among Wellington manufacturers in au endeavour to acquire markets now’ available to them as the outcome of import control. A new plant was being installed ,by a company to increase its production or men’s half-hose and a woollen company would shortly have an extra loom at its mill. A manufacturer of mantles and model frocks was arranging with a Dominion woollen mill for a much wider use of locally-manufactured woollen materials. Similar expansion had been observed among manufacturers of flavouring essences, pharmaceutical preparations, and. others. It was expected that within a few months Christchurch would have a factory for the assembling of a well-known make of motor-car w’liich would give employment '. to a large number ot workers. Plans wore under consideration for the erection of a factory to make washing-machines and ironers. The frock industry generally was reported to be very busy with a greater number of orders on hand than was usual at this time of the year. The labour position continued to show a steady demand for boys and girls, the Minister continued, and additional adults were being placed in various industries. The general expansion was not restricted to the centres and local organizations in smaller areas were considering in what respects new industries might possibly be established In their respective districts.