A temporary shutdown may be on the cards for fertiliser manufacturer Ballance as it struggles to secure affordable gas.

The farmer and grower co-op says it may close its Kapuni plant for up to four months as a contingency.

The company manufactures about a third of New Zealand’s urea fertiliser each year.

Chief executive Kelvin Wickham says they aren't able to secure gas on a long-term basis. 

"We are hunting for short-term gas - and if we can find some short-term gas, we'll use that. But if we can't, then we'll be forced into a short-term shutdown."

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A temporary shutdown may be on the cards for fertiliser manufacturer Ballance as it struggles to secure affordable gas.
The farmer and grower co-op says it may close its Kapuni plant for up to four months as a contingency.
The company manufactures about a third of New Zealand’s urea fertiliser each year.
Chief executive Kelvin Wickham says they aren't able to secure gas on a long-term basis.&nbsp;
"We are hunting for short-term gas - and if we can find some short-term gas, we'll use that. But if we can't, then we'll be forced into a short-term shutdown."
LISTEN ABOVE

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Whether you’re a small business owner or interested in what’s going on in the Big End of Town, this podcast encompasses the sharpest voices and minds in the world of business.

Best of Business is the home of all things business at Newstalk ZB, from morning market updates right through to incisive interviews with New Zealand’s top business leaders and decision makers. Whether you’re a small business owner or interested in what’s going on in the Big End of Town, this podcast encompasses the sharpest voices and minds in the world of business.

Best of Business is the home of all things business at Newstalk ZB, from morning market updates right through to incisive interviews with New Zealand’s top business leaders and decision makers.

Best of Business

Kelvin Wickham: Ballance CEO on the company's Kapuni plant facing temporary shutdown

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/5f6501b0-27aa-4ef4-bcb5-b332005fa685/transcript