Methanex New Zealand owns two methanol plants in the province of Taranaki on the west coast of the North Island: one at Motunui and another in the Waitara Valley. Total production capability of the two plants is 2.4 million tonnes per year. Approximately 92% of the methanol produced in New Zealand is sold for export to markets in Japan, Korea and China.

When producing at full rates, Methanex is New Zealand's 6th largest exporter, with export earnings in excess of $900 million a year. Methanex contributes more than $200 million per year to the national economy, while at a local level, Methanex contributes $40 million per year to the Taranaki economy.

Since 2004 Methanex has been operating its New Zealand plants as “flexible assets” – adjusting their operations based on gas availability and methanol market requirements. In October 2008, Methanex restarted one plant at its Motunui facility and shut down its Waitara Valley plant. The larger 900,000 tonne per year Methanol II plant at Motunui will increase Methanex’s production to nearly double that of the Waitara Valley plant alone.

The head office for Methanex New Zealand is based in Auckland. The Marketing and Logistics office for Asia Pacific is located in Hong Kong.

Methanex is an active and enthusiastic contributor to the social and cultural development of the local communities where it operates through a variety of social investment programs.

Methanex New Zealand is firmly committed to the principles and ethic of Responsible Care^®, operating above the stringent requirements laid down by local and central government.

Before the plants were built, Environmental Impact Assessments were carried out to ensure that the environment would not be harmed by methanol plants operating in the area. The plants operate under permits issued by the local councils which clearly set out the level of noise that can be emitted and what can be discharged to the air or waterways. The Taranaki Regional Council and New Plymouth District Council conduct independent monitoring to ensure that the company is adhering to its permits.

Both plants have won awards for environmental excellence and industrial safety.

For more information about Methanex New Zealand please contact:

Zaneta Ewashko
Manager, Public Affairs
Methanex New Zealand Ltd

Main North Road, Waitara
Private Bag 2011
New Plymouth

T: +64 6 754 9700
F: +64 6 754 9701
nzpublicaffairs@methanex.com

New Zealand Marketing Office

The Methanex Asia Pacific marketing office is now located in Hong Kong.

This page was last updated on November 12, 2008.