Business News

Cost effective automation

Low Cost Automation reduces the barriers to getting started with automation and gives special assistance to small and medium-sized companies in increasing their competitiveness. To this end, motion plastics specialist igus has built up a broad network of 55 robotics providers and 40 integrators over the past three years – and new partners are constantly being added. As a result of continuous developments and product innovations, affordable robotics has become especially interesting for small and medium-sized companies. And the number of offers on the market is increasing. For instance, igus Low Cost Automation represents a broad portfolio of articulated arm, linear, delta and SCARA robots. Product modularity means that single components or individual complete solutions can be assembled according to the build-or-buy principle. The focus is always on a low entry-level price and quick payback. This is where igus high-performance plastics play to their strengths. They are tribologically optimised and especially durable, lightweight, lubrication-free and maintenance-free, and cost-effective to produce. The most cost-effective solution that works Over the past three years, igus has built up a broad, constantly growing partner network. As part of the LCA partner programme, the motion plastics specialist works with integrators who provide customers with additional expertise, experience with end customer projects, and joint project experience. Igus started with seven partners around two years ago, and now have almost 100. In order to refer interested parties to competent integration partners in their area, they are constantly expanding their network. Together, they can offer customers a wide range of automation solutions – focussing on applications with a total investment volume of less than €45,000. Typical services include integrating a control system into existing machines, setting up and commissioning robots, evaluating safety measures or, if there is simply no capacity, providing the capability of assembling machines on site. Experience Low Cost Automation […]

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Circular economy: so much more than recycling!

Article: Part one The circle has been an important symbol since early times. To many ancient Eastern and Western civilisations, it represented unity, balance and stability. Fast forward to 2023 and the circle is the most talked about shape in sustainability. Why? Because it’s time to get serious about the circular economy and the business, environmental and social benefits it offers. What is ‘circular economy’? Circular economy (CE) is an economic system that can help your manufacturing business reduce risks and costs, become more resilient and build your brand. It can also help you identify new income streams. CE decouples using resources from economic growth. It recognises that the ‘linear’ economic system we use to produce and consume goods and services – ‘take-make-dispose’ – cannot go on forever. As manufacturers, you know that the resources you use are finite (‘take’). You may be facing shortages or skyrocketing prices, particularly with critical materials like lithium. Many of you will be looking for a more sustainable way to manufacture your product (‘make’). You may be concerned about what happens when consumers dispose of your product (‘dispose’). Are you contributing to landfilled waste? Could you be liable? Enter circular economy and solutions to these problems. Circular economy is based on three principles Principle 1: keep products and materials in use Circulating products and materials means keeping them in use at their highest value. It avoids the costs of extracting and creating materials, and of disposing of waste. A circular product is one that consumers can use for as long as possible (e.g. it is easy to repair). When the product wears out, its parts can be reused, or the product remanufactured (remade). At the end of the product’s life, its raw materials can be fully recycled. Principle 2: design out waste and pollution […]

Regulated stewardship coming soon for synthetic refrigerant industry

By Jason Richards – National Programme Manager – Chemicals, 3R Group In the race to combat climate change a lot of emphasis is put on CO2, and with good reason, but there is another widely used group of gases which are thousands of times more potent at warming the planet. Synthetic greenhouse gases, such as synthetic refrigerants (sometimes called F-gases), are used in everything from vehicle air conditioning to heat pumps, supermarket and corner store fridges, and industrial-scale cooling and freezing. While they only account for 2% of New Zealand’s emissions their potency means, globally, properly managing them is one of the most effective ways to tackle climate change. In July 2020 Government declared synthetic refrigerant gases, and the equipment that contains them, from consumer equipment like heat pumps and car air conditioning units to retail and industrial refrigeration systems, as a priority product. This means a regulated product stewardship scheme will have to be established, encompassing all of industry to manage the gases. Product stewardship manages the collection of products at the end of life so they can be reused, recycled or properly disposed of. In the case of synthetic refrigerants, proper disposal through high-heat incineration is currently the best pathway. SF6 is included Also included in the stewardship will be SF6 (sulphur hexafluoride) gas, which is found in equipment used to distribute electricity. It is the most potent greenhouse gas known to man, being over 20,000 time more effective than carbon dioxide at trapping heat. What is the current situation? New Zealand has had a voluntary stewardship scheme for synthetic refrigerants since 1993 operated by The Trust for the Destruction of Synthetic Refrigerants (RECOVERY). Between then and October 2022 it has prevented 1,236,000 tonnes of CO2eq greenhouse gas emissions, in addition to 36,000 tonnes of avoided ozone depletion […]

Adapt or Perish?

-Ian Walsh, Argon & Co In these challenging times it’s useful to refer back to the lessons of the past to help navigate the future. Charles Darwin, considered to be ‘the father of evolution’, proposed the theory that a species’ survival was dependent on that species having adapted favourable traits to thrive in their natural environment. This theory is sometimes referred to as survival of the fittest. I’d argue this theory holds true in the business world too. In order to survive you have to adapt to your environment. Those that can adapt thrive and grow. Those that cannot perish, and are replaced by competitors more suited to the environment they find themselves in. The ability to adapt in the business world however, is not some random genetic mutation ability bestowed from the gods, but rather it is a competitive advantage: a set of practices and skills which better companies embed into their “DNA”. The average lifespan of a Fortune 500 company has fallen by 80% in the last 80 years from 67 years to 15 years, similar statistics in the UK. Of those companies with over 100 years, there are some common charactieristics: Stable purpose Servant leaders/stewardship Succession planning Embrace change and new ideas, open to sharing Continuous improvement in all things they do, learn from the best always Teamwork and change willingness through planned disruption Deeply embedded systems and processes to embody their “DNA” If you have these attributes built into your company then you should be able to adapt and survive. At this point, it’s important to not confuse adaptation with agility. Adaptation is a response, adjusting your business and processes to meet your customer needs in a changing world. It’s strategic, systemic, and embedded into the way your business operates. Agility is reactive, like a carpenter […]

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Hutt Valley manufacturer saving lives and expanding globally

-Rebecca Reed “I am proud to have spent more than 40 years of my life manufacturing products that save lives. I am proud that my company has remained competitive against international suppliers and most of all that we have managed to create products that add value to New Zealand.” Poignant words from the owner of award-winning high-tech manufacturing company Pertronic Industries, David Percy. What started with one person in Ngauranga Gorge, Wellington, has turned into quite the success story for Hutt Valley manufacturer Pertronic Industries. Fast forward forty years later, the company now employs 140 people and proudly operates out of a 6,000 square metre factory site in Wingate, Lower Hutt. Pertronic Industries manufacturing business, designs and makes fire detection systems that it sells to installation companies, who fit systems in commercial and industrial buildings such as hotels, hospitals, high-rise office blocks, schools, tunnels, and shopping malls. The company, founded by electrical engineer David Percy in 1982, has grown to be the largest manufacturer of fire detection systems in New Zealand. At least 50% of its business is now in Australia where it has offices in Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth. They have exciting plans in the pipeline to launch in the US market. “We are in the process of getting a product certified for sale in the large USA market. We have a small team of people based in the US who have been working tirelessly on our first US product which has been going through R&D / Certification to meet the local requirements. The opportunities in the US market are significant. With our recent investment in new technology and ongoing R&D, we are setting ourselves up for growth in the US market.” Investing in R&D and new technology With an eye to the future, David says the […]

Embracing equity for women in STEM

This year’s International Women’s Day (IWD), celebrated on 8 March, follows the theme of “embracing equity” — focusing on giving fair opportunities for everyone to succeed. This is not a New Zealand, or Australian story, nor a South East Asian story, it is a world story, showing the common thread going around the world. If you are wanting to be profiled – like Helen Blomqvist – get in touch publisher@xtra.co.nz An example of a business invested in its people is Sandvik Coromant and the experience of their President, Helen Blomqvist. One of IWD’s key missions is to forge inclusive work cultures where women’s careers thrive and their achievements are celebrated. This year, the campaign centres around equity and how providing equal opportunities is no longer enough. So how do we achieve equity? At Sandvik Coromant, the number of females in functional management roles currently sits at 43%. This is above the estimated industry average, which is considered to be 38%, according to the Chartered Management Institute (CMI). However, if we’re to look across the manufacturing industry, it’s clear there’s still a lot to be done to truly achieve equity. A recent report by the Manufacturing Institute found that females make up just 29% of the manufacturing workforce. Staggeringly, it also finds that 63% of women struggling to get into the field face challenges due to the sector’s lack of flexibility and almost half are deterred due to childcare issues, compared to just 8% of males. It seems, therefore, that females wanting to succeed in the manufacturing industry still face challenges that rarely affect their male counterparts. If the industry is to truly reach equity, it must be aware of the unconscious bias certain groups face and find ways of managing that bias. But first, businesses must realise that hiring diversly […]

The Interview: Caroline Su, quantity surveyor

Share what you actually do? I came to New Zealand as an international student and am currently a quantity surveyor at Bettabuilt, which is part of the Brosnan Construction Group of companies. I am working closely with the project team and key project stakeholders, managing the carpentry contract from project commencement through to completion. My duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, assessing payment claims and variations, enforcing adherence to contractual terms and risk management. I also manage relationships with clients, main contractors, and key project stakeholders, along with the project team to ensure all financial deliverable and outcomes are achieved. What drew you to your profession? I came to NZ just after the 2011 Christchurch Earthquake. The first time I went to the town centre I saw lots of damaged buildings and containers, hoardings and safety nets everywhere. Which potentially brought my interest in construction and thoughts of rebuilding Christchurch. Is this a field many women are working in? There were not many, but now there are more! I remember when I first became an intern I was asked if I minded being the only female in the office. That was in 2017-ish. Now, in my office, we have nearly half females and the percentage is increasing! How do you enjoy your work? My day to day work is not just using the construction knowledge that I have learned, we also have a lot happening on site every minute. I enjoy problem solving every day, which brings the joy of success. Is there a specific project you have enjoyed being part of? I am quietly enjoying my current project: UC Psychology Staff Building Refurbishment. How do you deal with issues like climate change…and what needs to be considered for the future? For construction, climate change will possibly affect […]

Structural steel industry targets women with new initiative

Industry body launches initiative to foster gender diversity in the structural steel industry. WISS speakers: L-R, Nikki Hart, Michelle Gutierrez-Smith, Kelly Jeffries, Bridget Young. More than 50 women gathered at the Hilton Auckland recently for the inaugural Women in Structural Steel event. Hosted by industry body Steel Construction New Zealand (SCNZ), the event brought women together from different backgrounds, different industry roles and different stages in their careers to connect and learn from one another. “SCNZ is committed to supporting diversity and inclusion,” says Darren O’Riley, General Manager, SCNZ. “This initiative aims to encourage women into the industry by creating a welcoming and supportive environment, and showcasing the variety of opportunities within the sector. Ultimately, we want to grow the number of women engaged throughout the industry, year on year.” Last year, SCNZ Services Coordinator Michelle Gutierrez-Smith (pictured) attended a Women in Leadership summit and was inspired by all of the women and the diversity in the room – age, experience, background and industry. “I looked at the structural steel industry with fresh eyes,” says Gutierrez-Smith. “I want to see more women in our industry; I want to see more women in leadership roles in our industry; I don’t want them to be hindered because they are women. It was a catalyst for SCNZ to establish Women in Structural Steel.” Attendees at the event heard from three speakers: D&H Steel Construction’s Kelly Jeffries and Grayson Engineering’s Bridget Young shared their inspiring stories of thriving in the traditionally male-dominated structural steel industry; and nutritionist Nikki Hart offered some invaluable insights into how to maintain a healthy relationship with food and drink in our busy, modern world. SCNZ plans to build on the success of the first event and host regular Women in Structural Steel sessions in future. […]

Net-zero steel in building and construction: The way forward

As the world transitions to lower greenhouse-gas emissions, construction companies have a major role to play. In making the green buildings of the future, they have a chance to tap into demand that spans geographies and architectures. Indeed, greener business models are potential magnets for trillions of dollars earmarked for sustainable investment. In addition, companies that adapt effectively will ensure they are aligned with an increasingly stringent regulatory agenda. The decisions made by construction executives now will determine how they are positioned for the transition over the coming decade. Those that prepare astutely are likely to seek out emerging pockets of innovation and dial up investment in sustainable technologies and capabilities. To be sure, new materials such as green steel are more expensive, and will therefore demand a new pricing model. However, they can significantly reduce embodied carbon—in commercial buildings by as much as 70 percent by 2030. Amid tight industry margins, a priority for decision makers will be to ensure that there is a solid business case for change. The key in that regard will be to establish market position, while adjusting to a new cost base. They must also ensure that greener business models are aligned with demand that will rise at an uncertain pace over time. A tricky calculation is required, but the prize is a chance to get ahead in a market that is set for a potentially rewarding future. Construction industry emissions From houses to bridges, hospitals, and skyscrapers, the construction industry is responsible for approximately 25 percent of global greenhouse-gas emissions. A third of these are associated with materials and the construction process, or so-called “embodied carbon.” One reason for the industry’s high emissions is that it is a voracious consumer of steel, accounting for more than 50 percent of global demand.2Due to the energy required for its […]

Decarbonising steelmaking

This article, one of many NZ Manufacturer will be sharing on the subject, comes as a result of conversations with companies in the steel industry who require information on decarbonising steel and steelmaking. Seventy five percent of steel is made from high-emissions plants Nearly three-quarters of crude steel today is made from iron ore in blast furnace–basic oxygen furnace (BF-BOF) plants. These plants release carbon when coking coal is burned and used as a reducing agent. One key decarbonisation action could be to replace blast furnaces with electric arc furnaces fed by scrap and/or H2-DRI; powering EAFs with 100 percent carbon-neutral electricity would eliminate energy-related emissions. Moving to low-emissions production would require $4.4 trillion spending over the next 30 years, with the top end spend coming between 2030 and 2040. In this scenario, three-quarters of investment will likely be on new hydrogen-powered DRI-EAF plants, and the rest to equip existing BF-BOF plants with CCS. Thirty percent increase in unit production costs for steel Costs for steel in the net-zero scenario could increase because of up-front capital spending and higher operating costs associated with CCS and hydrogen-based DRI-EAF production. Market opportunities The shift toward net-zero steel production would likely depend on a collaborative effort among regulators, governments, and industry stakeholders to change the economics of production, facilitate access to required capital, and stimulate demand. First movers that manage the transition risks well stand to gain the most. Sixty five percent of steel will come from plants with electric arc furnaces in 2050 and there will be a ten percent increase in global demand for steel compared with today. Getting all the way to net-zero steel Recent developments in regulations, along with commitment among some governments to reduce CO₂ emissions, have led many steelmakers to set high decarbonisation goals in coming years. While […]

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