BLUE STAR INTEGRATES AUCKLAND IN $30M SPEND

Blue Star is investing $30m in a new production facility that will consolidate several of its current Auckland locations into an integrated 25,000sqm site.

The site already contains its Webstar heatset operation, and will see its commercial and digital operations move in and be up and running by the end of the year, with its Blue Star Constellation packaging business set to come into the new building in the near future.

It will deliver integration benefits with Webstar New Zealand, and is conveniently located next door to Blue Star’s existing Display and Distribution business, meaning the entirety of Blue Star's Auckland operation will be together.

The new Blue Star site will triple the company’s manufacturing capacity, notably in its folding carton packaging capability, which remains a key strategic focus for the business.

Jill Cowling, CEO of Blue Star, said, “It is an exciting time at Blue Star. We wanted to bring the whole Auckland operation together, both for the synergies and efficiencies, and for the people and culture, the collaboration between different parts of the business. The integration of the business in Auckland will benefit our customers.”

The company is revamping its press fleet as part of the investment, a new highly specified B1 Koenig & Bauer six-colour with double coater will be arriving shortly, with installation expected to begin at the end of October. The press, which has hybrid features, will be the first of its kind in the region.  

Cowling said, “We continue to invest in leading technology, our press fleet has served the market very well, we are upgrading it across the board, with both new presses and refurbishments.” The company will also be investing in additional finishing technology.

The company says that with sustainability a key focus for the business, this combined footprint supports its ongoing commitment to its carbon reduction programme.

Blue Star is by far the biggest print business in New Zealand, with some 650 staff, and production facilities in Wellington – which also has a separate 10,000sqm distribution centre –  Christchurch, and Napier, as well as Auckland.