“ After spending lots
of time considering our approach we decided to buy some land and build a new, purpose-built facility at Rolleston
”
ABOVE IS THE OSBORNE STREET FACTORY DAMAGED IN THE EARTHQUAKES OF 2010 AND 2011
After the 2011 quake Moffat’s factory at Phillipstown, an inner suburb of Christchurch, was significantly damaged and capacity was reduced for some time. An extremely difficult and challenging time for the Moffat team, it has only been due to the unfailing dedication of our people that the new plant has had a triumphant opening in Rolleston, 22km south west of the city. Greg O’Connell, Moffat’s Group Managing Director, says the company couldn’t have achieved this success without total commitment from the team and the vow Moffat and Ali Group made to stay in the region. “Our people really got us through what was a terrible time,” Greg comments. “Without their incredible attitude we would have found this whole experience a lot more difficult.” Immediately following the earthquakes the existing premises at Phillipstown were repaired. Several steps were taken in order to provide complete safety for staff while ensuring Moffat’s superior quality standards were maintained. From here Moffat then began an exhaustive search to find a viable new location. “After spending lots of time considering our approach we decided to buy some land and build a new, purpose-built facility at Rolleston,” says O’Connell. It wasn’t just planning for the new plant that was required. The earthquakes also took their toll on Moffat’s workforce – with some employees leaving Christchurch due to personal circumstances. As well as rebuilding the physical premises a lot of time needed to go into re-building a skilled team. “Since launching in December we now have 180 people working for us at the new plant. We still have a core team based in Phillipstown and they will be moving across in 2015,” says O’Connell. “We invested heavily in the new plant, standards and equipment, with the aim that it will future-proof the business for many years to come,” says O’Connell. “This is a very exciting move for us, and for our entire global network of customers and suppliers.” “The new plant enables us to deliver exceptional capacity, quality and efficiency. Which means faster access to equipment and an improvement of the high standards we’re already known for.”
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