We know Selwyn will gain from additional jobs and support for our existing businesses
12 May 08
Innovative Ashburton bus designer and manufacturer Designline is moving up the road to Izone in Rolleston, the South Island’s largest industrial development.
Attracted by flexible development options, a competitive price and location on the doorstep of a much larger labour market, Designline is moving in early 2009 so it can expand to meet domestic and international orders. The deal has an approximate commercial value of $8.5 million which includes land and building value.
Jack Schroeder Designline’s Managing Director said, “We needed bigger facilities and closer proximity to Lyttelton Port, our suppliers and a larger workforce. These weren’t immediately available in our current location, so reluctantly we are moving up the road to Rolleston. Izone has been able to offer us 7,500 square metres and a range of flexible development options so we’ll have purpose built facilities and will be closer to our suppliers, transport hubs and labour.
“A positive feature of such a short move is we will keep our connections to Ashburton by keeping all staff who want to stay, considering possibly providing transport for our staff, and through continued and active sponsorships and ongoing involvement with the community. Designline also expects to keep all of their current local suppliers where it is practical. There will always be part of Ashburton, the original home of Designline, in us, and we’re proud of that.”
Our labour force details are still being developed but an estimated 100 new jobs will be created over time. “It is well known that Designline has had to import workers so we want to keep the staff we’ve got,” said Greg Morris, Chief Financial Officer.
At 160 hectares, the Izone Southern Business Hub is the largest industrial subdivision in the South Island and one of the largest in New Zealand. Selwyn District Council accumulated the block from purchases of farmland and has to date rezoned 80 hectares of Izone industrial.
Chair of Izone Jens Christensen says Designline will join Westland Dairy Company, The Warehouse, CRT and others in a growing industrial development. “This deal has a market value of $8.5 million and that is a real boost for Izone and its commercial base,” he said.
Jens Christensen attributes the success of Izone to its flexibility. “It is clear from recent signups and enquiries that businesses are attracted by being able to buy or lease, have Izone design and build, or alternatively bring in their own developers. We’re also only 40 minutes from Ashburton or much of Christchurch, and that’s a quicker drive than many Auckland commuters face each day.
“And of course it is the lowest price industrial land in the Christchurch area.”
Selwyn District Mayor Kelvin Coe is welcoming Designline to Izone, “we’re pleased to offer a facility that will allow Designline to continue to grow while staying connected to Ashburton and their existing workforce.
“We know Selwyn will gain from additional jobs and support for our existing businesses. This shows the benefits of the SDC creating a large industrial park with all the necessary facilities and infrastructure. Our District is already benefiting, so are our residents and businesses, from more economic activity and in the coming years from a larger rating base.”