Prime Minister, Helen Clark, opens GEON greenfield plant

Multi-million dollar futuristic complex at Highbrook, Auckland, sets the benchmark in design and efficiency for the printing industry.

In a glittering official ceremony last night that attracted the high and the mighty not only of the printing industry but also of the wider New Zealand business community, GEON unveiled the largest sheetfed printing plant in the region.

In her address to the more than 350 invited guests, the Prime Minister sent a strong message to the printing industry of the Government’s concern for responsible environmental practices. She flagged a strengthening preference by Government Departments for supplies that can be qualified as sustainable with minimal environmental impact.

Praising the printing industry’s role in educating young people she made reference to the 500 plus printing apprentices throughout New Zealand. GEON itself has 43 young people learning their trade within the company.

The Prime Minister cut the ribbon in front of an audience that included Joan Grace, ceo of Print NZ, Sandy Maier, chairman and Graeme Morgan, CEO, GEON and 350 invited guests. Andrew Durrans, GEON NZ general manager played host to the A-crowd.

Andy Vels Jensen, CEO Heidelberg ANZ, in his speech noted there were five significant printing presses in the new state-of-the-art facility but seven reinforced slabs laid, indicating plenty of room for growth. Highbrook has three Heidelberg 10-colour long perfecting presses in addition to a half-size CD74 six-colour with coater and a XL105 six-colour with coater. No wonder Vels Jensen said he thought GEON had good taste in its choice of Heidelberg colours.