CONCRETE PRODUCTS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 1 October 1938, Page 4

CONCRETE PRODUCTS

METHOD OF MANUFACTURE. VISIT TO TE ORE ORE WORKS. A complete surprise was in store for a “Times-Age” representative who recently inspected the works and methods of manufacture of Wairarapa Concrete Ltd. at Te Ore Ore. Behind an unimposing exterior lay a remarkable industrial unit, a factory specialising in making concrete products, mainly for use on farms. But most remarkable of all, was the enthusiasm of everyone connected with the organisation and their unbounded faith in the future of concrete on the farm. Founded some 10 years ago in Featherston by Mr H. W. James and his son, Mr L. A. James, who had previously been making concrete products in Waipawa, the business was re-or-ganised as a private company, Wairarapa Concrete Ltd., a little over two years ago. With the combination of technical knowledge on the part of the founders and business experience on the part of the directorate, rapid progress has been made and last year over 50,000 concrete fencing posts alone were sold from the Masterton and Featherston works. When taken on a tour of inspection round the plant, the “Times-Age” representative was amazed at both the range of products and the well-organ-ised method of manufacture. It was explained by Mr H. W. James that experiments had been conducted for many years in an effort to obtain the best methods of production, until less than two years ago they invented and patented a mould for making fencing posts and similar, types of products. This mould was demonstrated; conveying proof of its efficiency and economy of operation. The moulds are long, metal trays with movable patented pins fitted into a slot at the bottom. The mixed concrete is then noured into them, after the re-inforc-ing is arranged. Placed on a rocking platform, the better to consolidate the concrete under and round the re-in-forcing, the filled moulds are eventually stored on transoms for 24 hours when they are reversed and the finished fencing posts automatically released just as cakes or jellies are turned by a housewife from a kitchen mould. The finished posts leave the mould with a highly glazed surface, the holes for stapling cleanly cut through the post and a groove shaped on the back providing a recess for the staple, thus obviating any danger of the staples catching on the sheep’s wool or other animal’s hide. *

The next stage is that of “seasoning,” not “drying” it was explained. In fact, concrete needs lots of water and so overhead watering provision is made above the stacks of finished posts. The building is long and narrow. At one end is the concrete mixer from which the correctly mixed preparation is toppled into the moulds. They are then carried on trucks travelling down the centre of the building to be unloaded on to steel transoms at either side.

It was explained by Mr James Senr., that the making of the actual concrete mixture is one of the most important processes in the whole method of manufacture. The secret lies in knowing the right aggregate of constituent elements and the right consistency to make the mixture. Then, of course, it is necessary to be skilled in the art of re-inforcing.

Both strainers and smaller line posts are made at the works together with a host of other concrete products for the farm. Posts for yards, etc., salt pans, fencing stays, paving slabs, square and round culverts, watering and feeding troughs—all are made at both the Te Ore Ore and Featherston works of the company. The two branches, under the general manager, Mr L. A. James, are capable of still greater output and but a cursory inspection of the Masterton plant alone, shows clearly the possibilities of its great and efficient expansion. In conversation with Mr Norman James, secretary of the company, it was learned that arrangements may be made by the company to assist farmers in laying lines of fencing posts over hilly country. Efficient handling of these rather weighty posts (701b5.) is necessary for their use on difficult country and, in keeping with its declared policy of service to buyers, the company is endeavouring to help farmers in this connection.