34 | REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Mt Erin Group T T Kim Newth New facilities to boost export services MEL is owned by a group of orcharding families in Hawke’s Bay, dedicated to growing quality apples for consumers all over the world. T T to page 36 Fruit packing and cool store facilities in the Hawke’s Bay, owned and operated by Mt Erin Limited (MEL), have long played a key role in supporting the region’s quality fruit export trade. A new multi-purpose FAS store facility, currently under construction, has been purpose-designed to meet future growth needs in this important export sector. The FAS – or Free Alongside Ship – facility will be used to store palletised packed produce for loading into shipping containers and onward transport to the port. While existing FAS facilities have served Hawke’s Bay fruit growers well over the past two decades, the new FAS store will be a welcome boost for the region’s orchardists. “With the growth in the business and our focus on quality, we needed to invest into state-of-the-art refrigeration equipment,” explains Vanessa Shoemark, Mt Erin’s head of finance and business development. “The new store will facilitate more efficient operations, and will improve our ability to optimise our inventory management.” Following demolition works by Phoenix Hawke’s Bay, construction of the new store got underway in July. It is expected to be ready for use in the 2026 apple season, starting late January. This multi-million-dollar investment has been well planned, with the design process having started in 2021 in collaboration with Tuatara Structures. Locally owned and operated Dave Austin 021 546 525 Contact us to find out more: Hillmac Electrical proudly supports Mt. Erin Group. “Solution Focused” Hillmac Electrical 11a Martin Place, Havelock North admin@hillmacelectrical.co.nz 06 877 9156 www.hillmacelectrical.co.nz Hillmac have a diverse team that can provide electrical solutions for your Residential, Commercial, Industrial, Solar and Structured Cabling requirements. We continually look at innovative ideas using the latest technology and products. 104 Henderson Road, Hastings 4175, New Zealand • Industrial refrigeration specialists • Refrigeration design and installation • Air conditioning design and installation • Project management PROUD TO SUPPORT MT ERIN GROUP 06 281 2487 021 510 338 paulmc@activerefrig.co.nz
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