Growth in plastics industry

The plastics industry has been growing for some time, and exports have been increasing over recent years. The number of employees in the industry is expected to grow from 8,000 to approximately 12,000 by 2015.

Most plastics manufacturing jobs are in Auckland, Hamilton, Palmerston North, Wellington, Christchurch or Dunedin.

Exchange rate affects plastics industry

The exchange rate affects plastics manufacturing businesses in varied ways. For businesses that are producing relatively low value, price-sensitive products, a high dollar can reduce competitiveness, as it makes their products more costly for overseas markets.

At the same time, however, a high dollar provides some cost savings because plastics manufacturers import raw materials from overseas.

The exchange rate has less of an impact on plastics manufacturing businesses competing in niche markets. This is because customers are buying products based on quality and innovative features that meet their demands, rather than just price.

Not all goods produced by plastics manufacturers are for export. Some businesses produce goods for domestic industries, such as the dairy industry, where demand is strong for plastic products.

Niche markets the key for growth

More businesses in the plastics industry are making niche products so they can remain competitive in a global market, and this trend is expected to continue. As a result, employers will be looking to attract, retain and develop more highly skilled workers to improve efficiency and produce high quality products.

Technological advances mean more plastics process technicians

Rapidly advancing technology is changing the skills required by plastics process technicians, and increasing demand for them. Process technicians are responsible for making efficient use of new, more complex machinery and handling the more scientific aspects of plastics production. Process technicians save businesses money by ensuring effective use of resources.

As a result, training is becoming more important for plastics process technicians. Over recent years there has been a significant increase in opportunities for workers to gain national certificates through on-the-job training.

(Written 23/04/2007)