Breaking new ground

This four-stage project, which is currently under construction on land bordering the Waikato Expressway, is aimed at relocating APL’s operations from Te Rapa to one consolidated hub.

The plant and equipment were selected after a two-year due diligence and planning process that involved benchmarking against other world-class glass manufacturers. Double-glazed units are produced with minimal human contact, using precise automated equipment to provide a superior end product. Automated shuttles are used to move the correct type of glass to the correct area of the factory. State-of-the-art toughening furnaces produce Grade A safety glass with minimal roller wave and distortion.

About one-third of the Hautapu plant is occupied by APL Manufacturing, including aluminium entry door manufacture and special-purpose powdercoating plants. The main powdercoat line has been comprehensively digitised with advanced computer control.

APL Manufacturing also produces hardware and componentry for supply to our manufacturer partners. A wide variety of specialised production operations are undertaken, with the programmable CNC machines in constant use.

The heated factory floors and comfortable ambient temperatures - a function of the building’s high-performance insulation – creates a comfortable work environment for both the APL Manufacturing and AGP teams.