By Chris Nicholls
AUCKLAND: Fisher & Paykel chief executive and managing director, John Bongard, has confirmed its Izona range of products will also move to Thailand after its Dunedin plant closes next year, but will keep CoolDrawer manufacturing in Auckland.
Speaking at a press conference held midday about the global manufacturing strategy decision, Bongard told Current.com.au that the Izona CookSurface gas cooktop and VentSurface rangehood would initially be made in the Dunedin factory when they go on sale in June, but would move to Thailand after Dunedin closes.
Bongard also said he would keep making the CoolDrawer product in its Auckland refrigeration factory, but said even that factory could be under review “if circumstances changed.”
Bongard also said whitegoods price rises were “inevitable” as a result of increasing steel prices.
He said he was due to start negotiations on steel pricing tomorrow, but the price “was looking a bit ugly.”