NZ plant expands

Fisher & Paykel Appliances has further expansion plans for its plant and engineering facilities near Dunedin, New Zealand, at a cost of between $3 and $4 million.

The appliances and whitegoods company said it had completed an expansion announced in June 2003, when it had anticipated more buildings being required two years out.

But it said increased production involved in its DishDrawer dishwashers and the potential for growth had resulted in the need for more facilities.

"DishDrawer has generated a lot of interest in all our markets," said managing director and chief executive, John Bongard.

"Production has continued to climb and the prospects for more growth are high. Also, as the product design evolves, our engineers require more office and laboratory space."

The planned expansion involves extending existing buildings on the site.