New life as factory moves in
When a small town’s Affco meatworks closed with the loss of 150 jobs, its mayor’s heart sank as he watched the life slowly drain from the once prosperous rural hub.
Now, 25 years later, that same mayor – Weston Kirton – is praising the combined efforts of the Chinese owners behind the newly opened King Country Pet Food factory, as dignitaries gathered to witness a revival for Taumarunui.
After five years of hard slog and $90 million worth of investment, King Country Pet Food held its grand opening on the same site as the former meatworks, and in front of the same mayor who witnessed the site close a quarter of a century ago.
The factory, which manufactures and exports premium kibble pet food using New Zealand ingredients, will employ 120 people and has the largest production capacity in the Asia-Pacific region.
Capable of producing up to 200 tonnes of dried pet food a day at peak capacity, the factory is owned by Peidi, a premium companion animal food producer based in Shanghai, China.
Company chairperson Zhenbiao Chen said Peidi was delighted to be part of the Taumarunui community, where some of the appeal was the town’s natural beauty and clean, green image.
“This investment has transformed a disused meat-processing facility into a worldclass factory and employer,” he said.
“We’ve made a commitment to use local contractors and employ local people wherever possible, contributing to the regional economy.”
Chen said the international pet food market was growing rapidly and his company was proud to be able to tell its customers their pets would be eating the best food New Zealand could provide.
Ruapehu District mayor Kirton joked he was roundly criticised after the Affco plant closed during his first term as Ruapehu’s mayor in 1999, and found it ironic that he was wearing the same mayoral chains as he did back then.
“Affco closing up was a savage blow for its workers, and for a lot of other businesses which were directly and indirectly connected to it – like retailers, supply chains, coffee shops and hairdressers. It affected everyone. Things did start to deteriorate, shops closed, real estate lost value – it really was a big hit.”
But he said the opening of King Country Pet Food showcased the potential for growth and prosperity in the region.
Kirton said the factory was a clever example of using existing facilities that were sitting idle to meet the needs of emerging international markets.
“We still have a lot of work to do to join the dots of economic success, and as a small council, we can’t do it all on our own, which is where we need the help of regional agencies and those relationships.”
Kirton said the new factory was a big boost, especially after the uncertainty and job losses caused by Ruapehu Alpine Lifts going into liquidation and the closure of Chateau Tongariro.
“It’s all very positive, sparkly new and very professional. Their operation will breathe some new life into the region, which for us is obviously great news.”
Accelerate 25 programme director Craig Nash said his regional economic development organisation was always looking for ways to attract investment in towns like Taumarunui.
“Years ago, small-town New Zealand was very prosperous – there were timber towns and agriculture, lots of meatworks and factories built. Many are now sitting derelict and they are difficult to convert ... this is why this one is such a standout.
“It’s in a great location, the buildings were in great shape and the pet food industry is growing in an incredible rate.
“They will be a key employer ... and the King Country does suffer from high unemployment.”
Nash hoped the new factory would result in a “domino effect” for Taumarunui and due to its scale could see other small industries set up in the town, which could also lead to renewed use of rail in the region.