14 | REGIONAL Cottonsoft Visit our Web Site WWW.ATTWOODS.CO.NZ 17 William Lewis Drive, Sockburn. Email salesch@attwoods.co.nz Huge efficiencies with new Christchurch plant The Christchurch operation is more than twice the size of the Dunedin factory. T T Karen Phelps Cottonsoft has reinforced its long-term commitment to the South Island with the opening of a major new Christchurch manufacturing facility following the launch of an adjoining warehouse last year. The 10,000sqm site replaces what had previously been a complex network of multiple South Island locations and allows the business to both produce and store products from a single location. “The opening of the facility shows our ongoing commitment to New Zealand and the South Island,” says Cottonsoft country manager Kim Calvert. “It will reduce our transport emissions significantly because, instead of supplying the South Island from Dunedin and Auckland, we can now manufacture everything required for the South Island right here in Christchurch.” The investment follows rapid business growth. Since the Christchurch project was approved in 2022 Cottonsoft’s South Island business has grown by almost 60 per cent, placing increasing pressure on its Dunedin operation, which had been running around the clock. At the heart of the factory is a 50-metre-long, 190-tonne Italian-built Giotto rewinder capable of converting tissue at speeds of 700 metres per minute. The highly automated production line embosses, perforates, winds and cuts toilet tissue before passing products through advanced wrapping, bundling and robotic palletising systems. The entire line is operated by just four people with production settings able to be adjusted while the machinery is running. “It’s a gamechanger,” says Kim. “The new line enables us to manufacture much larger volumes far more quickly producing everything the South Island requires within the South Island. It also reduces truck miles across the island by almost 80 per cent reducing transport emissions as we are now located much closer to our key customers.” The Christchurch operation is more than twice the size of the Dunedin factory and will eventually replace manufacturing there with some experienced team relocating from both Dunedin and Auckland to help establish the new site. Around 30 people now work at the Christchurch operation across manufacturing, warehousing, engineering and safety and quality roles contributing to a team of around 230 nationally. Envision Eighty20 were the project managers. “They were working for the building owner and did a great job. Their project management capability was first class, so we also got them to project manage a lot of the preparations for us in the building preparation phase.” Sustainability has remained central to the company’s growth. It is a founding member of New Zealand’s soft plastics recycling scheme and holds certifications including PEFC sustainable forestry certification, Eco Choice Aotearoa, SEDEX and other recognised product, environmental and quality accreditations. “Our investment in Christchurch demonstrates that we believe in local manufacturing, local jobs and supplying New Zealand customers as efficiently and sustainably as possible. It positions us well for the future supporting Cottonsoft’s continued growth across the South Island.” Founded in Dunedin in 1988 Cottonsoft has grown into one of New Zealand’s leading tissue manufacturers producing well-known consumer brands including CottonSofts, Paseo, KiwiSoft, Tuffy, EarthSmart, Cute & Co and Livi. It also manufactures private-label products for major retailers. Its range includes toilet tissue, kitchen towels, facial tissues, wipes, nappies and commercial hygiene products.
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