National Can had developed close links with Des Walker of British Distributors Ltd, Auckland, New Zealand, who handled the New Zealand agency for Dalsonware.
It was Walker who had told Tyrrell and Whitcroft that “you should be in New Zealand”. Walker, a successful businessman, knew nothing about can making, but saw the need for a New Zealand can company. Alex Harvey and Sons Ltd had a near-monopoly of can making in New Zealand and Government policy made it almost impossible for National Can to set up in the Dominion.
However in 1969 there was a change of viewpoint, with the government now keen for competition. Harvey plants in Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington had been sold to Australian-based, ACI Ltd. National Can (NZ) Ltd was formed with a share capital of $NZ 50,000 with National Can Company Pty Ltd subscribing the maximum of 40 percent ownership allowed by government. Machine equipment was prepared in Australia.
Des Walker was appointed Managing Director and Barry Atkins was appointed plant manager of the new operation. Colin Stitt joined the board of directors.
