media release

3M closure saddens mayor
June 25, 2007

The announcement that North Shore institution 3M is closing its doors next year has sent a wintry chill to city hall.

North Shore City Mayor George Wood is saddened by news that 50 local jobs will be lost when 3M moves its manufacturing arm offshore.

“I feel for the people who have been great servants of the company over many years at the Archers Rd plant,” he says.

“3M has been an important corporate citizen and it’s sad to hear that the manufacturing and distribution parts of the business are leaving the Shore.”

Mr Wood is heartened by the reassurance that 3M is keen to retain its national headquarters within North Shore City.

“When I was briefed on the changes last Friday, I was told that while the company will sell its current Wairau plant, it is looking for another site on the north shore to base its HQ and sales centre.

“That’s some consolation certainly as we keep our links with 3M,” he says.

The company, which began doing business in New Zealand in 1953, says its manufacturing will move offshore to another subsidiary, probably in Asia, where it will be closer to most of its customers and suppliers.

ENDS

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