TE Connectivity opens new Christchurch facility

TE Connectivity has announced its new purpose-built and futureproof facility in Christchurch is now open, officially unveiled by the New Zealand Prime Minister John Key last week on 10 December.

One of 80 plants owned by the $12 billion tech company worldwide, the facility at 14 Muller Drive, Hillsborough, in Christchurch, was custom-designed to enhance employee health and wellbeing. It also happens to be across the road from its former premises, which was badly damaged during earthquakes.

“Our landlords, Castle Rock Properties, provided us with the option of moving out while repairs were completed to the existing building or working with them on a completely new premise tailored specifically to meet our future needs. We chose this option as it meant we could have some influence on the design process, and it saved us having to move twice,” said Roland Sommer, plant manager.

As part of a Fortune 500 company that is the largest manufacturer of connectors and sensors in the world, the company says its new plant incorporates features that support its corporate philosophies around environment, health and safety, wellness, inclusion and diversity.

“As with most corporates, workforce health and safety is a priority,” said Sommer. “We worked closely with Dean Cowell of Chris Prebble Architects and builders Hanham & Philp Contractors to include features such as custom-built stairways and non-slip surfaces to ensure optimum safety. The factory fit-out has also been designed to provide maximum flexibility and futureproofing.”

New features of the building include exterior Parklex timber veneer panels, big picture windows, seven skylights and large glass sliding doors that provide an open flow between the staff cafeteria and the paved outdoor seating areas.

“On a sunny day, the sunlight beaming into the building is enough to light up both the factory and the offices,” said Sommer. “The large glass panels and doors on the eastern side also help to heat the factory on sunny mornings.”

To help look after employee’s health and wellbeing, sit-to-stand desks arranged in pods have replaced traditional L-shaped desks and cubicles. Importantly, no point in the factory is more than two metres away from power, data and compressed air, suitable for its plus-100 staff of assemblers and technicians. It also allows the facility to be easily reconfigured as projects and volumes change, and to ensure the layout is optimised along lean principles.

“Our TE Connectivity Christchurch team couldn’t be happier with the new building,” said Sommer.

“The light, airy and futureproofed building has so much natural light and a clean, crisp high-tech feel that it seems more of a medical than an industrial environment. Our staff love it.”

Images courtesy of TE Connectivity.