24 | Asphalt plant on the way Kerbing and underground power installation are nearly complete, with 90% of cables and data now laid to contracting and plant offices. T T from page 22 Acon Industries REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT The plant’s technological specifications position it at the forefront of sustainable asphalt production. Central to its design is the capability to incorporate up to 30% reclaimed asphalt product (RAP), significantly exceeding New Zealand Transport Agency’s standard 15% specification. Tia says this innovation aligns with global best practices, particularly matching standards achieved in Germany, where RAP usage reaches 34% in some regions. “This isn’t just about technology, it’s about aligning with global best practices and responding to the aspirations of partners like the Port of Tauranga, who are actively seeking more environmentally responsible solutions for their road maintenance programmes,” explains Tia. “The RAP capability offers substantial environmental benefits, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, preserving landfill space and cutting costs through decreased reliance on virgin materials.” The heart of the operation lies in an Almix 66CF Duo Drum continuous-mix plant, imported from Malaysia following an exhaustive global search for optimal fit-for-purpose technology. This sophisticated system supports specialist blends, including stone mastic asphalt (SMA) and additive-rich formulations, backed by automated batching, temperature control and emissions monitoring for precision efficiency. Tia says environmental stewardship drives every aspect of the facility’s design. “The plant meets a PM10 threshold of 20mg/m3, which is in line with our resource consent, and significantly cleaner than older installations, and advanced burner and filtration systems reduce air pollution and odour. Production capacity of 120 tonnes per hour, scalable to meet future growth. “It’s designed to support local contractors and councils, reducing reliance on asphalt imports from other regions – a costly and unsustainable workaround that has been the norm for too long,” says Tia. She says construction is progressing well. Kerbing and underground power installation are nearly complete, with 90% of cables and data laid to contracting and plant offices. Gas reticulation and water infrastructure are also almost finished. Arenma Technologies Ltd has begun building the plant’s motor control centre, and Electrical Works Ltd has completed the main switchboard ready for installation. Plant assembler TP Mechanical & Engineering and an ALmix technician are scheduled to commence plant construction this month, marking an important point in the project’s evolution. Founded in 2015 by Eru Tuhakaraina and his wife Erin, Acon Industries has grown from humble beginnings – a ute, tandem trailer and homemade asphalt hot box – to become the Bay of Plenty’s leading independent asphalt contractor ,employing 30 staff. “We are a Māori business that is doing something that no one would have ever expected, we are emerging in a space inhabited by giants,” says Tia. Underpinning Acon’s operations are values of manaakitanga, kaitiakitanga, and whanaungatanga. “Tikanga Māori is at the heart of how we operate, guiding us to build genuine, whānaulike relationships with each other, our clients, partners, and everyone we engage with,” explains Tia. She says the new plant represents tangible progress towards economic independence and self-determination for Māori enterprise. “We’re redefining what asphalt production can look like in Aotearoa,” says Tia. “Cleaner, smarter and built for the future.” We specialise in industrial roller shutters designed for security, durability, and efficiency. Our high-quality shutters provide reliable protection for warehouses, factories, and commercial properties. Whether you need fire-rated, insulated, or high-speed shutters, we have the right solution for you. Experts in Industrial Roller Shutters Heavy Duty Roller Shutters Aluminium Security Grille High Speed Spiral Doors Commercial Sectional Doors & Docks PVC Speed Doors Personal Access Doors Contact Us 09 268 2446 sales@rrdoors.co.nz www.rrdoors.co.nz Excavators 5 tonne to 50 tonne Loaders 3 tonne to 23 tonne Rollers • Bulldozers • Graders Dump Trucks • Water Trucks All Attachments including: Augers, Claw Buckets, Rippers, Rock Breakers, Root Rakes and Screening Buckets 07 575 9318 m: 021 353 908 hrmltd@xtra.co.nz hewlettsroadmachinery.co.nz Utilising only the highest quality equipment offering: Heavy Machine Hire HEWLETTS ROAD MACHINERY HEAVY MACHINERY HIRE need space? we love working with Acon Industries! 0800 080 170
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