A metal and wire products manufacturer says it has been forced to close its Auckland factory due to NZ Transit Agency's “unacceptable delays” in managing the compulsory purchase and move of the business to a new site.
A metal and wire products manufacturer says it is being forced to close its Auckland factory due to NZ Transport Agency's “unacceptable delays” in managing the compulsory purchase and move of the business to a new site.
Wire by Design owner Hadley Wright said closure was inevitable following a string of delays and legal arguments with NZTA that have prevented the business from resuming full production and meeting a back-log of customer orders.
“I feel like I’ve been stomped on well and truly by Transit,” said Mr Wright.
He said production has been impossible for the last six months while staff have been kept on the books but NZTA have not even connected the factory to the main sewerage line.
The threatened closure of the relocated factory will cost 55 jobs. Further jobs in downstream manufacturing are also under threat.
NZ Trasnport Agency completed the compulsory purchase of Wire by Design’s leasehold factory last year to make way for the building of State Highway 20 in time for the Rugby World Cup.
Last November the factory was almost forced to close when NZTA refused to provide a written undertaking that they would be reimbursed for the move.
