Synergies
Our industrial symbiosis initiative aims to have companies in Kawerau working together, sharing resources to achieve a common goal.
Kawerau offers a unique convergence of three dimensions: Environment, Economics and Expertise.
When two individual companies exchange a manufactured or waste product, usually on commercial terms, this is known as a synergy exchange. Industrial symbiosis is where a whole cluster of industries has many exchanges simultaneously and continuously occurring.
These types of exchanges will grow as new and diverse industries move into the area. These synergies help to make participating companies more competitive and it’s good for the environment as one company’s waste becomes the input for another and no longer needs to be disposed of into the environment.
Kawerau industry employs approximately 1000 skilled workers, many of whom live within 30 km of their workplace. This means the industrial area is surrounded by residential communities that understand industry.
These workers choose to work in Kawerau because they value the lifestyle and the career progression options in the region. Many move between companies within the industrial area, taking promotions and advancing their experience base.
What about the future workforce? To answer that, have a look at what we’re doing under the ‘Workforce’ tab. You’ll see what ISK is doing to show the students in Tarawera High School that their future careers may be closer to home than they think.