Newspaper Article 1981 – Manager of Watties in Timaru leaving

Manager of Watties in Timaru leaving

Mr B. F. Davidson, manager of Watties in Timaru for the last eight years, is to take up a new position soon as manager of the processing branch in Hastings.

He will be succeeded in Timaru by the assistant manager. Mr M. E. Wiig.

Mr Davidson said there was room for expansion in the growing of basic commodities such as peas, carrots and potatoes, that are processed at Timaru by Watties. A large portion is being exported. South Canterbury had an ideal climate for such produce.

The production of potato chips by Watties at Timaru was a major step forward and would allow increased expansion in this food line, he said.

Mr Davidson has been in Timaru for 12 years. Before being appointed manager of Watties in Timaru, he was general Manager of the former Haighs Company.

Both Mr and Mrs Davidson have been active in community affairs during their time in the city.

Mr Davidson served a term on the Timaru City Council, and has been a member of the South Canterbury Manufacturers Association and served a term as its president.

He had been a member of the South Canterbury Public Relations Board of Control for eight years, and a member of the Timaru North Rotary Club for a similar period. He has been an active committee member of the Timaru Golf Club.

Mrs Davidson took up the three-year position of president of the Timaru High Schools Centennial Organisation Committee, which staged the largest and one of the most successful functions in the city last year.

Mr Davidson said he had enjoyed living in Timaru because of the “quality of life” the city had to offer.

The Hastings branch of Watties is about five times the size of the Timaru branch.

Mr Wiig has been assistant manager in Timaru since 1974.

Photo captions –

Mr B.F. Davidson – enjoyed Timaru

Mr M.E. Wiig – new Timaru Manager