EMEX 2016 was an exciting opportunity for manufacturers to see new technology and equipment that could improve productivity in their businesses, and to meet and network with other manufacturers and suppliers. 

On display were some of the latest in CNC machines, 3D printers, as well as welders, tools and products manufactured in New Zealand.

The New Zealand Manufacturers and Exporters Association (NZMEA) took the opportunity to exhibit at EMEX 2016, showcasing some examples of the impressive and high value goods being made right here in New Zealand.

We wanted to remind everyone attending how prominent manufacturing is in New Zealand today, and that despite operating in an industry of change and challenges, Kiwi’s continue to thrive and find niches and competitive edges, both locally and on the world stage.

It was great to see so many New Zealand manufacturers visit our stand and share their stories.  We were also encouraged to see and speak to students attending the show, showing an interest in seeking further education and careers in manufacturing.

As well as all the stands at EMEX, each day featured seminars, with expert speakers from a range of industry backgrounds, such as academics and companies developing new technologies or sharing their experience.

The NZMEA also presented in the seminar series, talking about why manufacturing matters to New Zealand, the value it brings to our economy, and why we should aim to grow our vibrant high value manufacturing industry further.

Manufacturing provides much more to our economy than the impression you may get from media or politicians – making up 10% of our GDP, and supplying the jobs for 1 in 10 of people employed.

It allows us to pay our way in the world and improve living standards through exports, it pays higher than average wages and supports demand in many other industries.

It is estimated every job in manufacturing supports 2 to 3 jobs elsewhere in the economy.  The NZMEA is determined to continue to help decision makers better understand the role manufacturing plays and the potential it has to grow further. 

The second day of EMEX covered additive manufacturing, otherwise known as 3D printing, where speakers discussed how this technology is developing, and the many new ways it is being used in manufacturing businesses.

Rapid prototyping remains as one of the most common uses, but additive manufacturing is increasingly being used to quickly create tooling and molds for short run injection molding products.

3D printing is also being extended to metal products, using metal powders with an increasing number of material options, even titanium thus far – this represents an opportunity and potential challenge for New Zealand manufacturers who compete on quality and the ability to adapt quickly to customer needs.

The other big change discussed in the future of manufacturing is networked manufacturing, otherwise called Industry 4.0, where production systems are connected, using automation and advanced computer processing to make production more efficient and far more customisable.

To help manufacturers be learn more about the potential of these technologies, and what it might mean for New Zealand, the NZMEA, in association with Callaghan Innovation, is hosting events in Christchurch on 27 June and Auckland on 29 of June, featuring  leading expert, Dr Frank Wagner, from the German Fraunhofer IAO and the Queensland University of Technology. 

Dr Wagner will talk about experiences of German and Australian manufacturers implementing networked manufacturing.  If you are interested in attending, visit nzmea.org.nz/events for more information.