Cotton Mill Becomes Car Assembly Plant

On July 16, 1964, two years and a few months after the Nelson cotton mill project was abandoned, the air of despondency that settled over the district with the abandonment was dispelled with the news that the Standard-Triumph organisation had bought the half-completed mill and was to shift its assembly plant to Nelson. The project, which will give employment to between 250 and 300 people, will eventually cost the organisation nearly £400,000 in plant.

Since the cotton mill deal blew up, the buildings and the 27 acres of land on which they're built have been investigated several times for various industries, but for one reason or other each fell through.

Certainly Standard-Triumph received every inducement to come to Nelson. The buildings and land cost the Government £280,000 and they have been disposed of now for £75,000, and various organisations, transport firms, Railways Department and the Harbour Board have all gone out of their way to bring this big and vital industry to Nelson.

Some words of praise are due - to the Industrial Development Committee for its tremendous activity; to the Mayor and the City Council and other local organisations who have cooperated fully, and to all others who worked so hard towards the day we have waited so hopefully for.

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Flashback to January 14, 1962, when mill officials, John Wheeler and Geoff Bradshaw (manager) learn the news at the airport on their way to Wellington.