From NZ Manufacturer magazine, April 2025

-Doug Green, Publisher

Fisher and Paykel Healthcare, Gallagher Industries, Buckley Systems, Rocket Lab, Rakon, Skellerup Holdings, Particle Systems, Scott Technology…are just a few examples of successful companies who have found markets for their ‘home grown’ products and services. And they keep moving ahead in challenging times.

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They are members of the Creative Class – to which so many of us belong – who help drive the economy. They are the people who role their sleeves up and get stuck in, in their workshops or studios, to make ‘the next best thing’ and find new markets for their unique products.

At present, it is not only tariffs we need to keep an eye on, Generative AI (GenAI) is set to reshape manufacturing, driving innovative integration, operational efficiency, and data insights, transforming productivity and revenue.

Distribution leaders will need to adopt AI, robotics, and IoT to enhance industry-specific processes, data, and ways of working.

Ian Walsh, Partner, Argon and Co is big on Lean. And others don’t just talk Industry 4.0, they also talk Industry 5.0

These are all required for the efficiency of manufacturing. And of course, there is the urgent need to raise the levels of Productivity. This cant just be a never-ending conversation piece – we need to do something about it!

Manufacturers will have to be prepared for the continued rise in competition from lower-cost production countries in Asia, including Vietnam, Thailand and China, along with more technologically advanced nations in Europe.

The world and its markets are changing and our manufacturers need to adapt and move forward.

Research the TIN Network, or the EMA, HERA, the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce, the Southland Business Chamber, Make NZ or the Northland Chamber of Commerce. Join, find out what is going on and work with aspirational companies like your own for better business.

Trade shows, such as SouthMACH 2025, are an opportunity to become better informed of products and services available to make New Zealand manufacturing better. To make your company more efficient and successful.

SouthMACH 2025 puts you in the same room as the Creative Class; innovative businesses who are following their dream to achieve on local and world markets. And even though at present we are all facing the challenge of tariffs imposed by an inept regime, we need to plan ahead and continue to focus on where the opportunities are.

In April and May issues of NZ Manufacturer magazine we profile SouthMACH 2025. Because manufacturing and technology trade fairs such as this one are important to visit. Best wishes for a rewarding experience.