Cromwell is the service centre for the Upper Clutha, a role which it has played since its development last century. In recent years there has been an upsurge in industrial activity, much of it associated with the construction of Clyde Dam.
Apart from a number of light and heavy engineering and transport firms there is a ready-mixed concrete depot, concrete panel, roof manufacturing, a juice factory, a water trough/tank factory, aluminium and timber joinery and a thriving cottage industry in pottery, spinning, weaving and dried flowers.
Large fruit packing sheds and stalls on the outskirts of the town are evidence of its location in the centre of Central Otago's stone fruit industry. An increasing number of wineries and tasting facilities indicate the importance of the local wine industry.
The industrial areas
Cromwell offers a large range of industries that service the district and region. There are two main areas, both of which were developed during the 1980's in response to construction of the Clyde Dam, and subsequent vineyard developments.
Cromwell Industrial Area
The Cromwell Industrial Area was originally developed by the Cromwell Borough Council as a 'private industrial area'. It is now 90% developed although some further room exists between it and the Lake Dunstan Estate.
Some of the industries located in the Cromwell Industrial Area include:
- Engineering workshops - construction and servicing of mining plant, craft, and large scale works.
- General and stock carrying firms.
- Tyre servicing.
- Mechanical repairs, used car parts and vehicle painting.
- Timber and aluminium joinery.
- Plumbing and electrical contractors.
- Contractors - roading and construction.
- Farm and horticultural supplies.
- Concrete and aggregate supplies.
- Concrete tank and post manufacture.
The future of this area includes the development of some 6ha of land. Possible uses for this area include a film studio, truck-stop takeaway, gas depot, joinery, pipe making factory, etc.
Lake Dunstan Estate
The Lake Dunstan Estate was originally an industrial area for the Clyde Dam construction works. It was purchased by private interests and now provides a large area for a variety of industrial uses.
The original MWD Project Office has been purchased by the Cromwell College for Student Accommodation, and the Project Laboratory developed as the regional office for Delta Energy. The area is large and the services available extensive with large areas being developed in 2004-10 to service the industrial needs of Queenstown Lakes and Central Otago.
Some of the industries located in the Lake Dunstan Estate include:
- Large construction firms.
- Landscape maintenance services.
- Three wineries and a major bottling plant.
- Large scale concrete and metal forming workshop.
- Aluminium joinery.
- High quality lock-and-leave self storage.
- Specialist concrete manufacture.
- Two freight-forwarding companies.
Cromwell has a well-developed industry base that services both the local district as well as Queenstown and Wanaka. The areas are well established and ample room exists for further large or small scale development.
Business & Service Providers