Economic and Regional Development Minister Stuart Nash announced today that the Government’s Regional Strategic Partnership Fund (RSPF) will invest in two sustainable manufacturing businesses, Techlam in Levin and Plentyful in Rangitike.
Techlam, a sustainable timber manufacturer, will get up to $1.75 million to purchase and install gear for lowering manufacturing landfill by up to 25% and collecting off-cut timber pieces for conversion into heat energy.
Plentyful, a business that makes sustainable plastic products, will get up to $2 million to start building a high-quality production facility in Marton. This funds will be used to build the manufacturing building, mixing and holding tanks, and install specialised equipment.
“The investment criteria we set up in the RSPF has innovation and sustainable at its heart. Both Techlam and Plentyful are paving the way for sustainability in the high-tech industry with their cutting-edge, environmentally-friendly manufacturing processes,” Stuart Nash said.
“From framing for houses to paper packaging for pies, there are so many products that can be made more sustainably, and with a better fit for the circular economy, and these companies are at the forefront of this sector-wide shift.
“The RSPF is all about regional economic development, and these world-class Manawatu-Whanganui businesses are further proof that innovation doesn’t have to come from big cities or huge research institutions.
“Investing into Plentyful and Techlam will not only support local job creation and the development of sustainable products, but will also help these regional businesses export to new international markets.
“These projects align with the regional priorities of Manawatū-Whanganui, in particular fibre production and specialised manufacturing, as well as with the wider Government strategy to develop a low-emissions, highly-skilled economy, while making our regions stronger and more resilient,” Stuart Nash said.