Allproof pushes ‘GO’ on business expansion

New Zealand drainage solution manufacturer Allproof Industries has taken a significant leap forward in its growth strategy, officially opening a purpose-built facility in Pōkeno dedicated to PVC pipe production for DWV systems. NZ Plumber takes a tour. >>>

WORDS: JE T’AIME HAYR

<Read the original article on NZ Plumber>

The launch of the new Allproof PVC pipe manufacturing facility marks a natural evolution for the family owned and operated company, which has spent more than two decades manufacturing injection-moulded drainage components. Adding pipe extrusion to its capabilities positions Allproof to offer more complete system solutions to the market.
“This is a logical expansion for the growth of our business,” says General Manager Adam Jackson. “Our company has been around for nearly 40 years and we’ve been involved in the PVC fittings category for about 20 years, but we didn’t offer pipe, so this has been a consideration for a long time.”

From concept to commissioning

The new 2,500m² facility on a 12,000m² site took four years from concept to completion and represents the largest single investment in Allproof’s history. Purpose-built for pipe manufacturing, the plant houses a 30-metre-long extrusion line capable of producing PVC pipe in standard six-metre lengths.
Rather than relying on external expertise, the company upskilled their staff for complete in-house capability. That process has included sourcing machinery globally and working closely with material suppliers, giving staff exposure to international manufacturing practices while building local capability.
“We’ve done this 100% internally with our existing production and engineering teams,” Adam says. “Naturally there’s been a bit of trial and error and a lot of learning along the way, but we’re really happy with how things are shaping up.”
Production output and the number of products offered to the market is currently growing, with capacity expected to scale over time.

Building toward complete system supply

The addition of PVC pipe manufacturing allows Allproof to move closer to becoming a full-system provider in the DWV space—a shift that has clear benefits for customers.

“By offering more complete systems, we simplify procurement for plumbers and merchants and introduce more choice into the market.” — Adam Jackson, General Manager, Allproof

“By offering more complete systems, we simplify procurement for plumbers and merchants and introduce more choice into the market—particularly for those seeking locally made products,” says Adam.
“Plumbers are running businesses as well, so they’re making decisions based on price, quality and lead times, so our goal is to be competitive across all those factors. We want Allproof pipe to represent our existing brand and values. And by providing our customers with more choice that makes the industry more robust.”
Another benefit? Controlling both pipe and fittings gives Allproof greater oversight of quality and consistency across its offering.

Navigating a changing supply environment

The facility comes online at a time when global supply chains—particularly for petrochemical-based materials—are under pressure. Like others in the industry, Allproof is feeling the impact.
“We’re tackling the same resin issues as the wider market,” Adam says. “Supply is constrained, but demand is still there, and that’s pushing prices up.”
The company is working with suppliers to secure material from a broader range of sources, such as the United States instead of Asia where necessary.
“All suppliers are scrambling to ensure security of supply, so it’s an industry-wide challenge.”
Despite these pressures, Allproof’s strategy remains unchanged and Adam is optimistic.
“This has been a long time in the making. Our position here is long-term, so while the current environment is challenging, it doesn’t alter our strategy.”

Local manufacturing and sustainability considerations

While the raw materials used in PVC production are largely imported, Allproof sees clear environmental and logistical advantages in manufacturing pipe locally.
“If you’re shipping finished product, you’re essentially shipping a lot of air,” Adam explains. “Bringing in raw materials uses container space far more efficiently.”
The PVC pipe itself is technically 100% recyclable, although reprocessing comes with limitations around how the material can be reused. And recycled content is already being considered where appropriate, though it is not viable across the full product range.
The new operation aligns with Allproof’s existing environmental certifications and manufacturing practices, extending them into the pipe category.

Strengthening local capability

The Pōkeno facility has created eight new roles to date, spanning production, quality and warehousing, with further growth expected as operations scale.
Taking a measured approach, the company is focused on building capability sustainably rather than expanding too quickly.
“We’re still in the early stages,” says Adam. “Right now, it’s about building that customer base and then growing from there.”
More broadly, the move reflects a view that local manufacturing has an important role to play in New Zealand’s construction sector.
“There are some products that make sense to manufacture locally. In a global market, not everything will be made here, but there are opportunities where it stacks up.”

A milestone moment

The facility was officially opened by New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon in front of around 120 guests, including customers and industry partners—a milestone moment for the company.
“We were incredibly proud to host the Prime Minister and showcase what we’ve built,” Adam says. “It was a great recognition of what local manufacturing can achieve.”
Looking ahead, Allproof’s ambitions are clear. “As a business, we measure success through market share, customer experience and ultimately sales growth. This is about continuing to build on that and expanding our presence in the market.”

Factory tours are available for customers, offering plumbers and merchants the opportunity to see the production process and gain a deeper understanding of how locally manufactured systems are made.

Explore the Range

Learn more about Allproof’s locally manufactured uPVC product range HERE.