Industrial and engineering supplier Blackwoods Paykels has spent $5 million on creating a new mega-centre in Auckland to meet increasing demand from the agricultural and petrochemical industries.
The upgrade to its Highbrook premises includes a new flagship retail store, distribution centre, and manufacturing plant.
Blackwoods Paykels national manager Paul Watson says although sales have been hit dramatically by the recession, they are now picking up, and the company believes it is well placed for the recovery.
He says the meat industry is recovering and several major infrastructure projects are being released, while the Defence Force, Air New Zealand and the Department of Corrections are looking to consolidate vendors.
Mr Watson says the company also plans to start exporting its hose products which it hopes will be a high growth area in the future.