Chance for tour of Calder Stewart
THE general public will have a rare opportunity to inspect Calder Stewart’s stateoftheart headquarters during today’s Tokomairiro A&P Show.
Guided tours of the construction firm’s Milton base — known as Revolution Hills — will depart by bus from the A&P Showgrounds hourly from 9am hourly.
Visitors would have an opportunity to see the company’s 207m structural steel fabrication plant, built in 2015, and its attractively landscaped grounds to Milton’s north, a Calder Stewart spokesman said.
Although visits to its headquarters by educational and industry groups were not unusual, broader, public ‘‘open days’’ were less common for the famously publicityshy company.
‘‘We’ve decided to throw open our doors for show visitors this year both to demonstrate our support for the show, and to help raise funds for our chosen good cause.’’
Gold coin proceeds from the tour would go to search and rescue organisation LandSAR.
Despite possessing a reputation for guarding its privacy, he said the firm was looking forward to welcoming visitors at the weekend.
‘‘There are no secrets here. Actions speak louder than words, and that’s the way we prefer to do business.’’
For health and safety reasons, the hourlong tour was open only to those of reasonable fitness, and was not suitable for young children, he said.
Tokomairiro A & P Society president Richard McElrea said the tours were a highlight among many attractions at this year’s show.
‘‘We’re very grateful to Calder Stewart for letting us look beyond the gates at Revolution Hills. They’re a company that does a huge amount for Milton and surrounds, and this is another example of their generosity.’’
Thanks to a new entertainment subcommittee, the show promised a ‘‘bumper’’ year for families, he said.
‘‘We’ve got crash rescue simulations, musical entertainment, LandSAR dogs, NZ Sharp Black, butcher Greg Egerton, Mr Yipadee, Pippity Pop, laser tag, fire dancing — you name it.’’
After South Otago A&P Show was scaled down due to flooding recently, Mr McElrea said livestock entries were also up.
‘‘It promises to be a great year inside and out.’’