INDUSTRIAL EXPANSION

Wairarapa Times-Age, 22 April 1939, Page 4

INDUSTRIAL EXPANSION

NUMEROUS NEW UNITS. ESTABLISHED IN DOMINION. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, This Day. Signs of industrial expansion throughout the Dominion were mentioned yesterday by the Minister of Industries and Commerce, Mr Sullivan. He said that there was a continuance of activity in many manufacturing concerns, and that numerous new units were being established. “In the Auckland district a number of new clothing establishments have been opened to manufacture frocks, millinery, hats, caps, light silk wear, and denim clothing,” said Mr Sullivan. “Other proposals are being considered for further factories in this trade. This activity is reflected in extremely busy conditions in the woollen mills, which are working at the greatest pressure- to fill orders for goods which will keep the mills going for months ahead.

“To cope with the phenomenal increase in business a great deal of extra machinery has been installed and more is on order to provide additional clothing of all kinds for the Dominion’s requirements. A Wellington firm has installed three more machines which are being put into full production upon interlock material. The production of knitted piece goods is rapidly expanding.

‘‘Additions and extensions made by manufacturers of aluminium utensils to their buildings are almost completed, and more employees have been taken on Proposals are also in process of completion for the manufacture in New Zealand of collapsible tubes for tooth pastes and similar products. Another concern is contemplating the making of children’s tricycles and scooters, in conjunction with an existing firm which will make up the frames. Only a very small proportion of the whole unit will require to be imported from overseas. “A Wellington manufacturing firm has advised 'that during the next few weeks they will place on the market packet nails, which in the past have all been imported. Investigations are also being made to ascertain the market for other similar lines, and if there is sufficient market production will be undertaken of these new articles.

“A factory in Wellington has also been established by an overseas concern for the manufacture of a wide range of sporting equipment, and key men have been brought over from Australia to commence production of tennis rackets. “Another factory in Dunedin has stated that it is about to commence the manufacture of tennis rackets and hockey sticks. All the materials used, except the gut, will be obtained from local sources, the timber used being used being Southland beech. Some of the machinery required has been built in New Zealand. “At least three concerns, one each in Auckland, Nelson and Christchurch, are about to commence the manufacture of colloidal sulphur. Later on a well-known brand of cigarette papers will be manufactured in New Zealand, probably in Wellington. “A Dunedin firm which was, till recently, importing panels and doors for certain types of furniture, has now commenced making these in its own factory. The plywood, principally black walnut, is still being imported from Australia, but the rest of the work is done here. It is stated that the firm will be prepared to expend a considerable sum of money in installing more machinery if the demand expands sufficiently to warrant the expenditure. “Certain lines of spices and patent foodstuffs, which previously were all imported from England, will be manufactured in a Dunedin factory making similar lines. In addition, new factory buildings are being erected to provide the productive capacity required, and when these are completed, and the necessary machinery installed, employment will be provided for a considerable number of workers.”