Mahurangi Cement Works (Ruins)

Category
Engineering Site (eg Portland cement works, Maori fortifications)

Description
This plant was the first to manufacture Portland Cement in New Zealand, from 1884 until 1929

These engineering remains (2km south of Warkworth) are an important part of New Zealand’s engineering heritage. Opened in 1876 to produce hydraulic lime, the plant was developed in 1884 to become the first Portland cement works in the Southern Hemisphere. The works were closed in 1928

In 1883 Nathaniel Wilson of Warkworth began experimenting with local materials to produce Portland cement. With the assistance of J A Pond, government analyst in Auckland, full-scale production began under the name John Wilson and Company. This local production of Portland cement with the first both in New Zealand and in the Southern Hemisphere, and introduced an important building construction product to the colony at a time when the same product was far from being in general use elsewhere in the world.

Wilson expanded his works to increase production by utilising the latest in overseas technology. In the mid-1890s he sent his son to the United States, following which visit rotary kilns and ball and tube grinding mills were installed, providing for high capacity output to the growing colony. Productions grew from 1520 tonnes in 1897 to 7620 tonnes by 1902, and with a major extension to the works in 1903 annual production rose to 20 230 tonnes.

The availability of Portland cement in tonnage quantities from the beginning of this century enable rapid development of durable port facilities, particularly in Auckland.

The Mahurangi remains are also notable in that the 1903 extensions used unreinforced concrete walls of about 225mm thickness and 12m height which are still standing though much of the structure is derelict.

Original owners, builders and operators: John and Nathaniel Wilson
(1878 John Wilson and Company)
(1903 John Wilson and Company Ltd.)

Location
Mahurangi, off SH1, 2km south of Warkworth

Region/s
Northland

Access Info
The ruins of the cement works can be viewed during daylight hours.

Nature of Engineering
Building and Construction