56 | Supporting regional development Work on the transformation began in 2021 with a focus on repurposing the existing buildings. T T from page 54 Flight Industrial Park REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Work on the transformation began in 2021 with a focus on repurposing the existing buildings. While the structures were excellent, says Derek, converting them into functional industrial units proved more complex than first anticipated. “We wanted a high-quality outcome with buildings in the right unit sizes and shapes that work for tenants. We have also done a lot of infrastructure work on the site,” says Derek. That careful, staged approach has paid off. All existing buildings on the site have now been renovated, completed and fully tenanted. Businesses operating from the Park include KAM Transport, Tractor Repairs & Spares, Autoline Automation, Frost Boss, Zephyr Group, Future Post, Springbrook Foods and One Fab, creating a diverse mix of light industrial and manufacturing activity in one location. With the original buildings fully occupied, development has now moved onto spare land within the park. Three new buildings are currently under construction with capacity for a further three tenancies in the future. Derek says two significant new tenants are already confirmed. Hortus, a major supplier to the wine industry, is building a purpose-built facility on the site, while another new building is underway for Winequip. Both facilities are expected to be completed by mid-2026. Derek says a key point of difference for Flight Industrial Park is its flexibility. The park offers a wide range of unit sizes from mid-size warehouse/workshop units through to full factory spaces. The buildings are tilt slab with portal frames providing clean, clear space with office facilities that can be tailored to suit tenant requirements. “We are really pleased we have been able to attract such a great group of people and businesses to the park. And our local suppliers have all been terrific. We are particularly grateful for all the work they have done, and continue to do, in helping us build the park and make it what it is today,” says Derek. He acknowledges the contribution of companies such as builder Andy Fitzpatrick, Hawkins Architecture, Smart Alliances, Aotea Electric, Envirolink, Precast Systems, Turbo Wash, Marlborough Commercial, TC Nichols, Hunter Plumbing & Drainage, Schick and Meridian Compass. The industrial park also sits alongside the broader history of the Flight Group, established in 1907 and known for manufacturing high quality products in New Zealand, Australia and UK across the plastics recycling and packaging, forestry, sawmilling and luggage industries. Today Flight Timbers continues to operate from the same site, exporting building supplies to the Maldives and a sister company, Ranui Solar, is developing a solar farm south-east of Blenheim. Derek says the location of the park, just west of Blenheim and close to the town centre, adds to its appeal, offering businesses easy access to town and transport routes while remaining connected to the local workforce. He says the future development potential remains strong. “Our plan is to build on the few remaining areas within the park as we find more great people and businesses to join the community that has become established here.” PROUD TO WORK WITH FLIGHT INDUSTRIAL PARK STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING: Steel Fabrication · House Beams Galvanised Brick Lintels · Winery Catwalks and Platforms GENERAL ENGINEERING: · Factory Maintenance · Compressor Maintenance · Lathe and Milling · Certified Welders · Build to any specifications · On-site in Marlborough www.eckford.co.nz 1 Auckland Street, Blenheim . Phone: 03 578 3002 STRUCTURAL - GENERAL ENGINEERING 03 577 6967 office@hpd.co.nz www.hunterplumbinganddrainage.co.nz Certified Plumber, Drainlayer, Gasfitter & IQP Backflow Tester info@turbowash.co.nz
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