60 | Industrial redevelopment a major boost for region Spanning 32 hectares, Southbridge Industrial Park is situated on the remains of the former Carter Holt Harvey sawmill Southbridge Industrial Park T T Karen Phelps DEVELOPMENT A major new industrial development on the outskirts of Kopu is poised to reshape the economic landscape of the Thames-Coromandel district, bringing fresh employment opportunities, modern manufacturing capacity and much-needed industrial land to the region. “The vision is to redevelop the site into a full industrial park and lease the buildings. We’re building a modern, efficient and sustainable hub that will benefit the entire region,” says Stu Robertson, development manager for the Southbridge Industrial Park project. Spanning 32 hectares, Southbridge Industrial Park is situated on the remains of the former Carter Holt Harvey sawmill. The mill, once home to timber finishing lines, kilns and a particle board plant, closed around 2008. While the particle board facility continued operating under new ownership much of the site was left to deteriorate by the time it was purchased in 2022. Southbridge Industrial Park inherited two tenants: Kopine, which occupies roughly 4 hectares, and Smart Environmental, which operates a MERF recycling plant. The first major project is already well underway: the full refurbishment of the old sawmill building. Taken back to its bare bones, the structure is being strengthened to meet modern earthquake standards and completely upgraded. With a 2,000sqm ground floor and a 1,500sqm mezzanine, the two-storey building will also generate around 300 kilowatts of power from a rooftop solar installation. A manufacturing tenant Cyclonomics has already been secured, and completion is expected in March 2026. “All new buildings across the park will feature rooftop solar systems. We want to generate as much solar power as possible to ensure lower operating costs,” says Stu. A second major project, a 4,500sqm newbuild facility, is currently in the planning stage. The design includes a 500-kilowatt solar system, and discussions with a potential manufacturing tenant are underway. Once consent is granted, construction will begin immediately, with completion expected within 12 months. “We’re not doing generic buildings,” says Stu. “We’re seeking the right tenant and then working with them to build something fit for purpose. The focus is initially on larger manufacturing and recycling businesses, followed by smaller buildings for local firms once the park gains momentum.” Talks are also about to begin with Kopine regarding a modern purpose-built building to house new manufacturing machinery, which will enable it to streamline its present shavings processing line. Kopine would continue operating from its existing leased area and the new facility will add to its capacity. Stu says one of the park’s major advantages is its location and infrastructure. Just 2km from Kopu and situated directly on State Highway 26, the site provides excellent access to Auckland, Hamilton and Tauranga. “It actually takes longer to get from Kumeū to South Auckland than it does to get to South Auckland from our site,” he says. The land is already zoned industrial, and the park benefits from a substantial 5-megavolt power supply with all transformers and onsite electrical infrastructure owned by the company. Solar power generated on site feeds back into the park’s private grid, available for all tenants to use. There are also plans for an additional solar farm capable of producing around 1.5 megavolt of power. Future development includes landscaped stormwater ponds with seating for staff, communal green spaces and a small café once the tenant base grows. The park’s owner, developer, builder and landlord, Andrew Jackson, brings decades of structural engineering experience through his Auckland-based company Global Engineering in Kumeū. Stu himself has a construction background and previously worked with Andrew 12 years ago building the factory Global Engineering still operates from. Interest from out-of-town companies has already begun. “One tenant looked at buildings in Auckland but couldn’t get the power capacity he needed. We’ve proved to be a great option,” says Stu. “We expect more businesses to be drawn by lower rents than in the main centres and strong infrastructure.” 100% proud to supply Sleepy Head. 100% proud to supply Southbridge Industrial Park. 100% proud to supply Sleepy Head. FROM KITCHENS TO FRAME AND TRUSS, WE’VE GOT YOU SORTED 79 Kopu Road, Thames | 07 868 0130 PlaceMakers Thames have been operating for many years servicing the Coromandel region, as well as Matamata and other outlying areas. At PlaceMakers we have the wealth of experience, our business supplies all products from Steel, Concrete, Frame and Truss, right through to Kitchens and Bathrooms. 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