Annual Report 2010 - Plastics New Zealand

Sector ReportsEPS SECTORMark Maiden(Koolfoam Industries)Group ActivityThe Group held three meetings this year withvarious topics and projects discussed.Promotional ActivityIn 2008 it was decided that the Group wouldformulate a letter to all territorial authorities.This letter was to inform the Building ControlOfficers that all members of the EPS SectorGroup produce Expanded Polystyrene thatcomplies with the relevant standards andthe New Zealand Building Code. Howeverafter feedback on the initial draft it wasdecided by the Group that such a letterwould be ineffectual and that each individualmanufacturer would be better to provideproof of compliance as necessary.Insulation Standards and theEECA Insulation SchemeNZS 4218 was re written and published thisyear to bring it in line with the H1 documentof the building code which now requires agreater level of thermal insulation in our newresidential buildings.The EECA home insulation scheme wasexpanded by the Government this yearand is beneficial for all insulating materialsincluding EPS.ProjectsThere are currently no projects underwayhowever in 2010 the Group has anopportunity to become involved in a projectthat involves EPS with BRANZ.AMEPSThe Asian Manufacturers of EPS metin Melbourne in November 09. OurRepresentative Ken Rowley, myself andTerry Mischefski attended the meeting. Manyof the member countries from Asia haveextensive recycling centres and recover allEPS waste.The recycling of EPS has been very successfulin many of the member countries for exampleKorea has had all government restrictions onthe production of EPS packaging removedas a result of their recycling programme.Future DirectionOver the last two years there has beena consolidation of some EPS producercompanies which effectively has lead to lessindividual Members.However after some discussion in the Groupit is clear that the direction and forum thegroup provides is still relevant to all involved.RetirementThis year saw the retirement of Tony Georgeand Paul Mason from Intermex Plastics andon behalf of the Group I would like to extendour thanks for their contribution to the EPSgroup over the years.AdministrationThe Group extends its thanks to Robin Martinand the Executive of Plastics New Zealandfor the assistance over the past year nITATDavid CarruthersManaging DirectorITAT2009 has been a strong year for ITAT with anumber of critical milestones achieved.We tripled our training volume in 2009, withmost customers receiving 100% TEC fundedtraining. This strong relationship with TEChas continued, with similar funding availablein 2010 for the continuation of training.The threefold increase in training activity hasproduced a strong profit in 2009, along withstrong cashflow.The “Working Capital” advance from PNZhas been fully repaid and ITAT enters 2010with the potential to provide a good cashflowstream back to PNZ coffers.Competitive Manufacturing has been by farthe most popular training programme withthe majority of our customers choosingthis during 2009. Companies are alreadyreporting benefits gained from their traineeslearning and applying the disciplines ofCompetitive Manufacturing.Prospects look good for 2010, with plenty ofactivity for products/markets in:- competitive manufacturing- distance learning- plastics processing skills- 4098 courses- First Line Management- OSHAnyone interested in finding out more aboutfully funded ITAT in-house training whichcaters to your specific needs, need only callDavid Carruthers on 09 271 0597, or emaildavid@itat.co.nz nANNUAL REPORT 2010I14PLASTICS NEW ZEALANDCORPORATE ACTIVITY