Sistema's new Auckland HQ wins top award

Sistema Plastics' new HQ in Auckland.

A new south Auckland headquarters and factory for a global plastics business has won a top award, judged as being world-class in its design and construction.

Andy Evans, chief judge of the Property Council awards announced at the Spark Arena, said that Sistema Plastics' new manufacturing, distribution, office and headquarters building was outstanding.

The premises at 221 Ihumatao Rd is the world headquarters for Sistema, the plastics storage system invented in New Zealand and sold in 82 countries.

Sistema founder Brendan Lindsay has retained the building, owned by Sistema Property Partnership, but sold the business, Evans said.

The building was designed by Woodhams Meikle Zhan Architects and built by Hayden + Rollett and was tailor-designed for Sistema, he said.

"That design ensures a smooth and logical flow in the production process," Evans said.

The owner had "sat down with specialists to design the building from the inside out, so that it functions absolutely perfectly, there's no inefficiencies for them.

"They've also future-proofed it with areas that can be subdivided and leased out."

All these attributes were recognised by Newell Brands, a American Fortune 500 company that bought the Sistema plastics business, Evans said.

"And in the process signed a long-term lease for the continued occupation of the building," he said.

Evans noted that it was significant an industrial development had pushed design boundaries.

Sistema moved into the new south Auckland premises towards the end of last year.