About us
At APD, we don’t just manufacture tanks; we are shaping a better future through innovative, sustainable water and systems solutions. As a proudly New Zealand-owned leader in thermoplastic fabrication and rotational moulding, our purpose is simple: Doing Good from the Ground Up.
We are a fast-growing, medium-sized manufacturer specializing in products that protect the environment while prioritizing easy installation. We are known as solution providers designing and engineering products that meet exact customer requirements, saving time and avoiding problems on-site. Our continued growth is driven by our passion for expanding our product range and the diverse markets we serve.
About the role
As a Plastics Fabricator in APD’s Chemical Tank team, you will play a key role in manufacturing HDPE storage systems and bespoke engineered products for a wide range of industries across New Zealand.
This is a hands-on technical role suited to an experienced fabricator who takes pride in precision workmanship, problem-solving, and producing products to a high standard. You will be working in one of New Zealand’s leading HDPE fabrication workshops, using modern equipment and specialised tools to fabricate, assemble, and weld custom products ranging from small bespoke components through to large-scale chemical tanks up to 60,000 litres and beyond.
No two jobs are the same, making this an exciting opportunity for someone who enjoys variety, technical challenges, and working within a skilled and supportive team environment. The role may also include occasional site installation work, providing further diversity and development opportunities.
Key responsibilities:
- Technical Fabrication & Assembly: Fabricate, assemble, and weld HDPE products including chemical storage tanks and custom engineered systems from supplied workshop drawings.
- Blueprint Interpretation: Read and interpret technical drawings, specifications, and tolerances accurately.
- Thermoplastic Welding: Perform plastic welding using extrusion welding, butt welding, and other thermoplastic fabrication techniques.
- Materials Processing: Prepare and fabricate thermoplastic sheet materials including HDPE, PP, and PVC.
- Quality Assurance & Inspection: Conduct dimensional checks and quality inspections throughout the fabrication process to ensure products meet specification.
- Testing & Verification: Complete pressure testing, spark testing, and other quality verification checks where required.
- Compliance & Reporting: Identify and report material defects, quality issues, or non-conformances promptly.
- Health & Safety Maintenance: Maintain a safe, clean, and organised work environment in line with APD’s health and safety standards.
- Equipment Maintenance: Carry out daily pre-start checks on fabrication equipment and tools.
- Process Improvement: Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on quality, efficiency, and safety.
- Field Support & Installation: Assist with site installations and customer-based project work when required.
- Team Collaboration: Work collaboratively with the wider production team to meet production schedules and delivery commitments.
What will you bring:
- Proven experience in plastic fabrication, thermoplastic welding, or a related manufacturing trade.
- Strong hands-on experience with extrusion welding and butt welding.
- Ability to read and interpret workshop drawings and work to specified tolerances.
- Experience working with HDPE, PP, PVC, or similar thermoplastic materials.
- High attention to detail with a strong focus on quality workmanship.
- A practical problem-solving mindset and ability to work through technical fabrication challenges.
- Commitment to safe work practices and maintaining high health and safety standards
- Good physical fitness, as the role can involve manual handling, working at heights, and confined spaces.
- Strong teamwork skills with the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- A willingness to learn and develop new technical skills, with training provided on APD’s specialised equipment and machinery.
- A positive attitude toward continuous improvement and growing your fabrication capability.
- Forklift licence and current driver’s licence are advantageous.
- Site installation experience is beneficial but not essential.
Why choose APD?
Where Your Hard Work Meets High Reward.
We know it’s the ‘small stuff’ that makes a big difference. From free GP visits and fresh fruit to choosing your own perks – like birthday leave, wellbeing allowance or extra KiwiSaver – we’ve designed a workplace that actually looks after you. Join a proud NZ-owned leader where you get the stability of a market frontrunner with the heart of a team that celebrates milestones with monthly lunch shouts and regular team-building.
Join APD, and turn Doing Good into your daily job.
