Manufacturing in the Waikato has evolved over the last century largely from the region's strong dairy industry. It generally consists of food processing, packaging, stainless steel and electrotechnologies manufacture. The diversity of the sector is enormous - made up of 2000 businesses across the region, employing 20,520 workers in 2008. There are also niche manufacturing industries in the Waikato in aviation, plastics, electronics and automation, trailer manufacture, marine and aluminium extrusions. Most Waikato manufacturing companies are involved in the export industry or supply companies that export products and services so it is a significant contribution

A high degree of specialisation is needed in the manufacturing workplace today, particularly with the increasing trend to incorporate state-of-the-art technology into the workplace. This machinery requires expertise to operate it and engineering technicians and technologists to develop and write the software designed to instruct the machinery to perform the tasks, and to maintain such technologies.

The Waikato Region

The Waikato region is a centre of excellence in agriculture. It is peppered with towns and has at its heart the city of Hamilton, one of New Zealand's fastest growing and most vibrant cities. They all come with great shops and galleries and fantastic eateries.

The region's main metropolitan hub of Hamilton is situated on the banks of the mighty Waikato River. The Waikato River is one of Hamilton city's iconic features. The Waikato region is well known for the Balloons over Waikato festival, V8 Supercars, the National Agricultural Fieldays and Rowing Championships.

• The Waikato Region is a global "food bowl" producing over $6 billion in food products - milk, meat, vegetables and fruits.

• Hamilton is New Zealand's centre of agricultural products manufacturing.

• Hamilton is a national centre of innovation with 40,000 tertiary students and approximately 1,000 PhD scientists.

• The Waikato is close to major markets, with 1.5 million people living within 90 minutes of Hamilton city.

• Hamilton's population was 134,400 in June 2006 and is projected to increase to 194,800 in 2031

• The Waikato is New Zealand's leading export region, accounting for around 20% of the country's total exports

• More than 80 ethnic groups are represented within Hamilton's population

For more information contact

Hamilton Waikato Tourism http://www.hamiltonwaikato.com

Hamilton's Economic Development Agency www.opportunityhamilton.co.nz

Hamilton/ Waikato Councils

Hamilton City Council www.hamilton.co.nz

Matamata- Piako Council www.mpdc.govt.nz

Otorohanga District Council www.otodc.govt.nz

South Waikato District Council www.swktodc.govt.nz

Waikato District Council www.waikatodc.govt.nz

Waikato Regional Council www.waikatoregion.govt.nz

Waipa District Council www.waipadc.govt.nz

Waitomo District Council www.waitomo.govt.nz