22 | Acon Industries � Karen Phelps New asphalt plant set for Tauranga REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Acon Industries’ new state-of-the-art asphalt facility at Tauriko Industrial Park, Tauranga, embodies a vision of Māori enterprise disrupting traditional industry hierarchies. The facility, scheduled to commence operations later this year, addresses critical supply constraints that have plagued the region for years. Current asphalt plants are old, have limited supply and can’t meet current demand,” explains Tia Sweet, business development manager at the Māori-owned company. “Our new facility will open up supply so infrastructure projects can be delivered, enabling economic growth.” She says that as New Zealand faces unprecedented infrastructure demands driven by government projects and population growth, ageing asphalt plants nationwide are struggling with environmental consenting challenges, and the market remains dominated by tier 1 companies controlling 21 of 25 plants. Tia says this imbalance has created supply bottlenecks that threaten regional economic growth and limit opportunities for smaller operators. “For Acon, it is more than just manufacturing asphalt, it is about opening up the market to level the playing field for those small to medium-size businesses that want to grow,” says Tia. “This facility represents a multi-million-dollar investment in breaking down barriers that have traditionally favoured corporate magnates over independent operators.” T T to page 24 Acon Industries has grown from humble beginnings to become the Bay of Plenty’s leading independent asphalt contractor 029 293 2945 | info@electricalworks.co.nz | www.electricalworks.co.nz Electrical Solutions for Industry Proudly supporting Acon Industries Proudly supporting Acon Industries CIVIL | SITEWORKS | DRAINAGE LAND DEVELOPMENT precisioncivil.co.nz mason@precisioncivil.co.nz
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