McKechnie invests in new $18 million machinery to produce larger and complex aluminium profiles

McKechnie Aluminium, a pioneer in manufacturing and delivering high-quality aluminium components in New Zealand, has reportedly invested in new machinery worth $18 million for better production in the future.

Already known for having the lowest carbon footprint in Australia, McKechnie Aluminium now boasts for having the newest and most technologically advanced press in New Zealand.

Managing director Pramod Khatri said the new machine increased the plant’s capacity by about 30 per cent to 40 per cent, helping produce larger-sized products and complex profiles.

"We have leap-frogged into the future in terms of technology, we have got a press that will cater for the future, whatever is coming," said Khatri.

He also added the only aluminium extruder in New Zealand had been manufacturing and exporting aluminium extrusions for 60 years and would continue doing so for at least another 60 years with the new press.

According to him, the $18 million investment in the new press was welcome news for the local economy, particularly in the wake of the Government’s 2018 announcement to cease offshore oil and gas exploration.

The introduction of the new machinery took three years to complete and a few months to be commissioned.

Following the tradition of naming, the Italian supplier Turla suggested the name Giulia (pronounced Julia), meaning ‘new’ and ‘prosperous, for the new McKechnie Aluminium machinery.

McKechnie is the only aluminium extruder with a re-melt facility, which means a high proportion of its product is made from recycled content. It employs 300 people in total at its sites in Australia and New Zealand.