Health company continues growth in Nelson region

A global surge in the demand for health products has seen a local company more than double their staff in just one year and also pick up a slew of awards along the way.

Alaron may be an unfamiliar name to many Nelsonians, despite the company running locally for nearly 30 years.

The contract manufacturer of natural healthcare products, dietary supplements and natural skincare, is a ‘behind the scenes’ company and produces on behalf of brand marketers.

In 2021 the company almost doubled in size - employing 130 people in a range of roles.

“By the end of the year, we’re looking at having 300 - 320 employees. It’s massive growth,” says head of Alaron HR, Dylan Adams.

He credits the growth to a “fierce” increase in the global market for health products due to people taking their health and well-being more seriously in the coronavirus pandemic.

“We came out of that first lockdown wondering how it was going to affect us and then things just took off.”

The growth has also seen Alaron expand its 12,500 sqm site on Bolt Rd, and general manager Claire Quin says that has come with some challenges.

“It’s been a bit of a double edged sword because it has been fantastic to have the growth but at such a complex time it’s been challenging.”

Claire says the company is working towards becoming carbon neutral, starting with installing 810 solar panels that they will be able to utilise 100 per cent of the power generated.

“It’s the largest solar installation that’s going in the Top of the South,” she says.

In the Natural Health Products NZ Awards, they have won supplier of the year for the three years it’s been running, and the business resilience award this year.

They also came 41st in the Deloitte Fast 50 and were the fastest-growing exporter and manufacturer in Christchurch and the upper South Island.

Dylan expects another year of record employment with some attractive employment incentives.

“Our production workers can earn between $50-$70k per annum, we’re a living wage employer, we offer free health insurance and there are so many step-up opportunities.”

Employees also get five dollars a day if they either get to work without bringing a car or share a car with someone else.

Claire says the company is committed to the Nelson region.

“We’ve been here since 1993, and we want people to know us and understand us.”

To get in touch with Alaron to explore their employment opportunities please contact hr@alaron.co.nz