NEW ZEALAND -- International packaging company Orora Limited announced it has invested more than $25 million to support its growing New Zealand customer base and increase its manufacturing capabilities.

The company has manufacturing operations in Christchurch, Hastings and Auckland and has made significant investments at each site.

"The New Zealand market is core to Orora's Australasian business growth strategy as is evidenced by our ongoing financial commitment to our Orora Kiwi Packaging operations," Orora Limited CEO and Managing Director Nigel Garrard said.

"Our investment in a new state of the art Flexo Folder Gluer (FFG) - a complete box making solution that increases capacity, print capability and print quality - in our Christchurch facility, reinforces our strong business confidence in the New Zealand South Island as it rebuilds following the earthquakes that severely impacted the region," Mr Garrard said.

Investment in Orora's Hastings operations has helped to increase production capacity and reduce repetitive handling processes to meet future demand for the company's valued kiwi fruit, meat and apple customers. Orora's investment includes a new FFG, a Rotary die-cutter to increase the sites capacity, along with a new automation solution for its latest die-cutter. The company has also created 40 new jobs in the Hawkes Bay area as it continues to invest in regional business areas.

Orora has also recently approved further capital investment in its Auckland Operations for a new generation FFG, and a new materials handling system to add to its automation investment to reduce repetitive handling. This adds to its recent investment in a state of the art high quality printer to meet the current and future requirements of its valued customers in the region.