New Zealand based Crown Sheet Metal said that its USD 2.45 million expansion project is again underway, as the roof was placed on its Invercargill workshop. The 42 tonnes roof was lifted and positioned by four cranes, marking a milestone in the construction of the new metal working facility.

The project had been delayed after the soil on the site was found to contain petroleum hydrocarbons in August 2008. The project organizers excavated 275 cubic meters of contaminated soil and heaped it in an area behind the site. The natural elements then did their work and removed the chemicals from the soil.

Crown Sheet Metals said that it will occupy the new building in February 2009, with the project expected to be complete in March.
The new building will add 900 square meters to its existing 2500 square meters workshop, allowing the company to build larger equipment.

According to the company, because most of its business was in fabricating vessels for the wine industry, which is in a healthy state, it has not been impacted by the economic downturn.

(Sourced from www.metalworker.com.au)