South-west interceptor Effluent sumps

Hume Industries has been active in New Zealand since 1923, designing, manufacturing and supplying drainage products to New Zealanders. Today it is a nationwide company employing 320 people, with 19 sales centres and seven factories. Hume Industries' story begins with Walter Hume, an Australian inventor who devised the centrifugal spinning method of making concrete pipe. This method increased the strength and the durability of the pipes and became world famous. In 1923 concrete pipe manufacture began in New Zealand and from there the company has grown and expanded to become what it is today - a successful market leader in the pipeline systems and precast industry. Historically, concrete and steel pipe has been the basis of Hume's business, but the company's 75 year history has seen much expansion in the variety and number of products supplied.

The Marsden Point Refinery, north of Auckland, the Clyde Dam in the South Island, Meola Creek box culverts in Auckland, Ruahihi Hydro in Tauranga, Motunui Gas to Gasoline Plant in New Plymouth, Whaeo Power Station in Rotorua, Glenbrook Steel Mill in Auckland, Mt Grant Treatment Station in Dunedin, the Hunua Dams in the Waitakeres; some of the major infrastructural projects of the past in which Humes have been involved. Today Humes is involved in large scale projects of equal significance, For example:

The South West Interceptor, a sewer pipeline running from Wiri to Auckland International Airport, laid in 1997/1998 is 4.7 km long - the longest pipeline to be constructed in New Zealand. Humes supplied the pipes for the job - 1600 mm diameter concrete pipes, 2.44 m long and weighing six tonnes each.

The Stokes Bypass, a 7 km link between Nelson and Richmond is a $26.2 million project which will relieve increased traffic congestion in the area. Hume Industries is supplying pipeline products for all stages of the job, to be completed in the year 2000. Humes has an ongoing involvement in Auckland's harbour edge development in the Central Business District. Humes recently supplied large diameter pipes and precast products for the upgrade of sewer lines in Fort and Commerce Streets, and Gaunt and Customs Street West.

$90 million worth of expansion at the Alpine Dairy in Clandeboye, South Canterbury has seen Humes involvement in the design, manufacture and supply of precast effluent sumps, specially fabricated to cater for high and low fat waste effluent. Sixteen were supplied, 6 m long and 3 m wide, weighing 7.7 tonnes.

Hume Industries expansion continues into the 90s with a modernised pipe and precast factory being built in Christchurch and new sales centres in Dunedin, Christchurch and Invercargill. Such expansion is indicative of Humes commitment to the industry, allowing the company to take a more competitive position in the marketplace.

In 1997 Hume Industries became part of Fletcher Challenge Ltd. The company becomes part of a group which has a commitment to the building industry and its customers, and a commitment to being the best in that industry. With further advancements in technology and a policy which encourages innovation and expansion, Humes are well and truly prepared for that commitment.