APL in Hautapu is Foster Construction’s biggest project to date: the new state-of-the-art 47,000m2 manufacturing facility is almost half a kilometre long and over 100m wide. It features the latest technologies in construction, hybrid mechanical services, electronic LED lighting and manufacturing machinery.
It will be operational by the start of April 2020, effectively 12 months since the start of the project. A family-owned business, APL is visionary in reducing their environmental impact, determined to set an example as a large industrial company ‘doing their bit’ for the environment. So, their main objective here was to create a truly sustainable building which would see the business through at least the next 50 years, says CEO Craig Vincent.
“Our new facility incorporates what we’ve learned over the last 25 years to ensure our business can grow significantly and comfortably” says Craig.
“It’s important to us that it’s built in an environmentally friendly way and will be operationally efficient. We’re also creating a truly inviting place for people to work in.”
He adds that the Foster team “have done something amazing” in delivering the project.
“We turned the foundations in April 2019 with critical construction works undertaken over the wet winter months. Despite very challenging weather conditions, Fosters managed to pull it off and we started installing the plant in October, right on schedule.
“We’ve worked with the Foster Group for the last 25 years because we always get a great result. We enjoy the process and the people.
“We’re not building an average warehouse; we’re trying to create an architectural statement and a sustainable workplace with the highest quality finish. Fosters understand our expectations and they deliver.”
APL Hautapu is on track to achieve a Greenstar rating, which denotes world leading design, construction, operation and fitout – a healthy place for people and the environment.
