Story: Factory industries

In 2008 Fisher & Paykel was one of New Zealand’s largest companies, with factories located in New Zealand and overseas and turnover of more than $1 billion a year. Eager to secure its place in the lucrative North American whiteware market, the company closed down its Mosgiel factory (shown here), with the loss of 430 jobs. The move was prompted by the cost of exporting large volume goods from New Zealand to North America, and the low wage costs in Mexico, where a new factory was opened.

Post-war boom

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Hillside foundry

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