New Zealand’s largest seed company, PGG Wrightson Seeds’ opening of its new seed storage, treating and mixing plant at Izone in mid 2010, represented the company’s largest investment in infrastructure in New Zealand. 

Covering 7200sqm, the building has a 1500sqm canopy, significantly increasing the company’s storage potential. More space has increased PGG Wrightson Seeds’ seed mixing capabilities by 30 per cent and seed treatment capabilities by 30 to 40 per cent.

PGG Wrightson Seeds had outgrown its site in Hornby. Despite a vigorous search of Christchurch’s southern suburbs, including other industrial estates, all the sites considered were unable to provide all elements the site at Izone offered.

“Most sites in Christchurch don’t have room for trucks on them or they’re in congested areas with small access ways,” says Murray Doig, Operations manager-PGG Wrightson Seeds.

“A staff member suggested we look at Izone so we approached RD Hughes. We then spent 12 to 18 months considering options, drawing up plans for the new building and studying transportation requirements and assessing whether Izone could fulfil them. 

“We export a lot of seed through the port of Lyttelton and the drive from Rolleston through to the port is a straight run – and once the motorway is built in 2013 it’ll be even faster.” 

The build also offered us the chance to save money on services, the roof has been insulated, we have tanks to harvest rain water from the roof to irrigate the grounds, the windows are double glazed and lighting inside adjusts to the level of light.”

Murray said crunch time came for the project came just when the credit crisis hit the nation as an impact of the global recession.

“It was because the forward thinking Selwyn District Council offered a build / lease back option that the deal was sealed. The decision was also helped by the fact that by moving from Hornby to Selwyn rates bill would be considerably lower.

Murray says the company has dealt with a number of property developers in the past and they found RD Hughes professional in its dealings.

Website: http://www.pggwrightsonseeds.com