|  Methanex
New Zealand owns two methanol facilities in the province of
Taranaki on the west coast of the North Island. They are known
as the Motunui and Waitara Valley sites. Total production
capability of the two facilities 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.
Methanex contributes
more than $220 million per year to the national economy, while
at a local level, Methanex contributes $45 million per year
to the Taranaki economy.
Since 2004 Methanex
has been operating its New Zealand plants in a flexible manner
– adjusting their operations based on gas availability
and methanol market requirements. In October 2008, Methanex
restarted one of two plants at its Motunui facility and shut
down its Waitara Valley plant. The larger 950,000 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
responsibility 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. |
Methanex in New Zealand