Business News

Harness the power of words to make your business more sustainable

-Barbara Nebel, thinkstep-anz This month’s sustainability tip: pick up your pen (physical or digital). Why? Because clear, engaging communication and reporting will make your manufacturing business more sustainable. Harnessing the power of words will help you define your sustainability strategy and share it with the people who matter to your business. Get your sustainability strategy down ‘on paper’ We love this quote from Pulitzer Prize winner David McCullough: ‘Writing is thinking. To write well is to think clearly. That’s why it’s so hard.’ We think he’s right. Getting your sustainability programme down ‘on paper’ will force you to consider how sustainability fits into your business strategy. What really matters to make sure your business ‘goes the distance’? How can you make it more sustainable? Who do you need to involve? What are the risks and opportunities? What targets will you set and how will you know if you meet them? If you haven’t already, get writing. Our tips: focus on what matters. (Strategy is about what you leave out as well as what you put in.) Keep your document short. Use ‘dinner-table language’: simple words, short sentences, personal language like ‘we and you’. Communicate your products’ environmental performance Tell your customers how you’re making your products more sustainable. Consider producing an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) for a product. In our last article, we featured manufacturer Red Stag Wood Solutions’ EPD for sawn and planed timber products. An EPD tells the environmental story of a product over its life cycle in a clear, simple format that a wide audience can understand. It will help you translate complex environmental information about your product’s environmental footprint into simpler information that your wholesale and retail customers can trust to make decisions. Every EPD is based on data from a detailed environmental study called a […]

A breakthrough innovator in this year’s KiwiNet Awards

Is Johnathan Ring from Zincovery, University of Canterbury which is decarbonising zinc recycling. The award recognises an upcoming entrepreneurial researcher who is embracing opportunities to commercialise their research. Zincovery CEO and founder Jonathan Ring. Useful and ubiquitous, loved for its durability, galvanised steel has provided industry, homes, hospitals and critical infrastructure with an attractive, corrosion-resistant, hygienic material for 150 years. However, few have thought about the toxic environmental impact of this process or the cost of recovery. Fewer still have made inroads to a solution. That was until Jonathan Ring, Founder and CEO of Zincovery, developed a disruptive technology to recycle zinc from furnace waste. One of its key benefits is the ability to produce zinc with 70% less carbon emissions than the existing recycling process. Jonathan started the development of the ‘Zincovery’ technology during his Master’s project with Professor Aaron Marshall at the University of Canterbury. Jonathan is committed to fighting climate change and protecting the environment from pollution. Current zinc recycling methods result in large carbon emissions and significant material wastage; Jonathan is determined to change that. The Zincovery technology can recycle zinc and produce less than 1 tonne of CO2 per tonne of zinc (typically recycled zinc requires five or more) using an innovative, low-temperature furnace process. The technology has the potential to save isolated steel mills over $500,000 in transportation costs and reduce the landfilling of over 3 million tonnes of dust per year. The global market opportunity for the technology is estimated at over $10 billion per annum and growing. Jonathan has taken his Master’s project from the lab to a start-up company in just two years and now manages seven employees. Under Jonathan’s lead, Zincovery has secured significant private investment, was awarded the prestigious C-Prize in 2019/20 and has customers lined up across multiple […]

igus advances circular economy with e-chain made of recycled material

In the picture:More sustainability with consistent quality: The new world first cradle-chain made of recycled material conserves resources and drives the circular economy forward. Conserving resources and extending the product life cycle – this is the goal igus is pursuing with the new E2.1.CG cradle-chain from Treotham. Cradle-to-cradle: This is the principle of the circular economy, which is abased on nature. The aim: to return consumer goods to the biological or technical cycle in order to conserve valuable resources and raw materials. The motion plastics specialist igus is also pursuing this goal and has now developed the world’s first energy chain made from recycled material on the basis of its own “chainge” e-chain recycling program. From extreme weather and natural hazards to marine pollution, the climate crisis is getting worse and more and more people are becoming aware of it. “Even the purchasing decisions of our customers are increasingly being shaped by ecological considerations. That is why we have put a lot of effort into product development in order to be able to produce more resource-efficiently – without sacrificing product quality,” explains Jörg Ottersbach, Head of the igus e-chains Business Unit. The result: the E2.1.CG cradle-chain – a complete range of e-chains made from the new igumid CG material. Numerous laboratory tests show that the new e-chain has almost the same technical properties and load limits as an energy chain made from the standard igumid G material. The new range is available from Treotham in five series and 28 chain types. From discarded e-chain to recycled material The cradle-chain uses, among other things, recycled material from the “chainge” recycling program. As part of this program, igus has been collecting used energy chains from customers since 2019 so they do not end up in industrial waste. This service is offered […]

The Great Resignation affects digital transformation plans

A study by SAP SE has found nine in ten (92%) small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in New Zealand say workforce volatility, including the Great Resignation, has directly impacted their digital transformation plans. This is critical, given 79 percent of SMEs say digital transformation is very important to their organisation’s survival over the next year. These insights have been revealed in new SME research which explores the impact of the Great Resignation on New Zealand’s SMEs. The study, Transformational Talent: The impact of the Great Resignation on Digital Transformation in APJ’s SMEs commissioned Dynata to survey 1,363 small and medium business owners and decision-makers across eight countries in the region, including 101 in New Zealand. The impact of the Great Resignation on SME digital transformation in New Zealand As the world economy recovers from the pandemic, businesses now face another challenge – the ‘Great Resignation’. Coined in 2021, the phrase refers to a worldwide trend of millions of employees across the world leaving their jobs. SAP’s research found the Great Resignation is real and impacting SMEs in New Zealand today. Three quarters (79%) of respondents agreed that more employees are resigning now compared to just 12 months ago, easily the highest in Asia Pacific and Japan. 36 percent of SMEs said they are not finding it easy to cope with the impact of the Great Resignation. The talent crunch is impacting organisation’s ability to digitally transform their businesses. In fact, lack of skilled talent ranks alongside difficulty balancing priorities as the top challenges to achieving successful transformation for New Zealand SMEs, ahead of traditional obstacles like cyber security or lack of budgets. Investing in talent and training to mitigate the Great Resignation SMEs in New Zealand are investing in their workforce to mitigate the effects of the Great Resignation […]

Richard Rookes, CEO, MHM Automation

How do you view the current market for automation? There is no better time than now to look at introducing technology to automate manufacturing processes. The international marketplace demands our customers be world leading in their operations and offerings, while also tackling the challenge of accessing labour. Covid has only exacerbated the labour shortage – and automation is an excellent solution to overcome this. What is your take on the industry in New Zealand at present? Is it an exciting space to be working in? New Zealand has always been a global leader in innovation, particularly as it relates to the food industry. However, the sector is fragmented with many small to mid-sized companies that do not have the scale or access to capital to take their technology to the world. MHM Automation has been consolidating a number of these businesses with a focus on building scale and diversification. We see it as an exciting place to be in – the drivers of automation in the food sector are many, from food safety, worker health and safety, food quality and keeping costs low. We see the drivers of automation improving and are excited about helping our customers future-proof their businesses. Briefly introduce me to MHM Automation MHM Automation is a leader in the design and supply of automated solutions to the food sector globally. We are headquartered out of Christchurch (NZ), and also have facilities in Hastings, Auckland, Brisbane and Green Bay, Wisconsin. MHM’s core business is working with the leading meat and dairy processors in North America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. Our client base spans most of the major producers in these markets. MHM has three key product offerings: Chilling and freezing: Our Milmeq product range is a world leader in the chilling and freezing of meat and […]

Three companies on the road to a low-carbon economy

-Barbara Nebel, thinkstep-nz This month we introduce you to three New Zealand companies that use different tools to edge closer to a low-carbon economy. Manufacturers Red Stag and Hynds Group and logistics provider FoodCap are making progress against the Government’s new Emission Reduction Plan (ERP). But first, a recap on the ERP. The government released the ERP in May 2022. The plan contains the strategies and policies needed to move all industries, including manufacturing, to a low-emissions economy over the next three decades. It will ensure we reach our national goal: net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. In June issue of NZ Manufacturer, on Page 20, we explained what the plan contains https://issuu.com/mediahawkesbaylimited/docs/nz_manufacturer_june_2022 The ERP affects manufacturers across Aotearoa New Zealand In this article we look at how Red Stag, Hynds Group and FoodCap are managing their products, tackling their carbon footprints and transforming their business models to reduce their environmental impacts. We also see how they are benefitting from these activities commercially. Red Stag: reducing the environmental impacts of its operations and products The ERP encourages businesses to understand and reduce the environmental impacts of their products and services. Rotorua-based timber company Red Stag is already doing this. The company uses on-site biomass boilers to turn wood waste into steam for its drying processes and is a net exporter of renewable electricity to the national grid. Red Stag uses sustainability tools like Life Cycle Assessment and Environmental Product Declarations to create and promote more sustainable products. Before we see how Red Stag is doing this, let’s look at what these tools involve. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) LCA measures the environmental footprint of a product over its life cycle – from sourcing (and potentially growing) its raw materials, to making the product, to using and disposing of the product at the […]

Q&A Holger Heinzel, HERA

Digitisation and new technologies are having a profound impact on every facet of the manufacturing industry. As has been discussed in this forum, Industry 4.0 is upon us – enabling and also pushing businesses to collect and analyse data to streamline and improve the efficency of their systems and processes. The new tech gives so much – freed-up time and productivity boosts, less waste, far better and faster insights for a business to improve. We appreciate, though, that innovation requires investment and this is a time when many organisations are maintaining a hawk-like eye on capex and opex. The good news is that it’s worth it: HERA’s 2021 report in collaboration with BERL modelled the potential economic impact of Industry 4.0 on the New Zealand construction industry and found that gains over the next five years could be as much as $8 billion, and a heartening $4 billion at the moderate optimistic forecasting. And that is only for that part of the NZ economy. The potential for individual businesses and the wider industry is clear if we can take advantage of it. To that end, we are focusing on tools and methodologies to help members and other manufacturing organisations with the transition to Industry 4.0. A good starting point for company is to establish where they currently sit at, as a starting point for their transformation journey or how far they might have already come. What is the SIRI Assessment? Siri, short for Smart Industry Readiness Index, is an Industry 4.0-focused global assessment scheme. It was developed out of Singapore and is available to manufacturers in New Zealand. In the past four years, over 300 companies worldwide have used the SIRI Assessment to formally evaluate their facilities and processes and kick-start their Industry 4.0 transformation. The tool works for a wide […]

Kemppi releases new MasterMig range

Leading international welding equipment manufacturer, Kemppi, has released its new MIG/MAG MasterMig welding machine models 353 and 355. The 358 model is scheduled for release later this year. Designed in conjunction with professional welders, the new MasterMig range delivers a range of features to help enhance industrial welding productivity and quality. Faster set-up for greater productivity The new, compact and powerful Kemppi MasterMig range comes with Weld Assist as standard. This feature lets users set-up welding parameters quickly and easily to save time and improve productivity levels. By simply selecting the joint type, welding position and material thickness, users are ready to weld. Equipped with memory channels, the MasterMig range also lets users save chosen parameters for fast retrieval. The ability to save customised settings means welders do not have to go through an initial setup for every job. At the turn of a knob, they can highlight the desired setting and proceed to weld. Highly convenient, this feature saves precious time, while helping to increase productivity. Better Arc Performance Delivers More Productivity For greater welding productivity and control, the MasterMig 355 and 358 models can switch on the new MAX arc performance welding processes. MAX Cool, MAX Position and MAX Speed are new Kemppi welding processes that offer solutions for challenging steel, stainless steel and aluminum welding applications by increasing productivity, minimising spatter and speeding up welding without compromising quality. The MAX software options easily integrate with the MasterMig 355 and 358 models. A choice of models Suitable for use on site or at the workshop, the MasterMig range delivers real choice. It includes the 353, 355 and 358 models in the compact MIG welding category. These are available as manual, synergic (Auto), and pulse (Auto Pulse) welding options. Users can also choose to weld with gas-cooled guns […]

Company Profile: Nautech Electronics

Nautech at EMEX 2022. Nautech Electronics has worked tirelessly for over 30 years to deliver their clients the high-quality electronic solutions they need. They use the very latest technology and Kiwi ingenuity to establish themselves as a world leader in electronics manufacturing and product engineering. Recognising the marine industry’s growing need for electronics installation and service, Nautech was established in 1989 as a home-based business. They now operate out of a state-of-the-art facility with a team of 78 specialists. With an innovative and collaborative approach, Nautech focus on excellent service, reliable delivery, IP protection and competitive pricing. Today, Nautech continue to deliver their clients the world-class electronic solutions they need to succeed. At Nautech, Quality isn’t just a process – It’s their philosophy. Nautech has partnered with the EMA for the Callaghan Innovation funded Smart Factory Showcase as part of the Industry 4.0 Demonstration Network which launches in July. Andrew Turner, Managing Director and Owner shares the company’s path: Can you tell us a little more about Nautech and the customers you serve? We manufacture for almost all industry sectors, from consumer to automotive, marine, aeronautical the way to defence and aerospace. We also design and develop products for customers as well as our own range of emergency warning products. Can you explain what Total Quality Management means to Nautech? TQM starts with management but is really a culture, it needs “buy in” from the whole team. At Nautech, all members participate in improving processes, products, services, and their own work environment. What advances have you seen in manufacturing since Nautech was established in 1989? So many! Back then, almost all electronics used thru hole components. We purchased our first wave soldering machine in 1996, and later that year, our first SMT placement machine. It was 2000 before we upgraded […]

RS PRO grow their IoT range

RS Components have responded to growing demand for Industrial IoT solutions and launched another 300 products in their RS PRO IoT range this June. IO-link sensors, data cables and HMI displays, including antennas and network testing equipment, are just some of the new products in the range. This brings the RS PRO IoT offer to over 8400 IoT enabling and smart connectivity products. “We’re helping our customers embrace the IoT revolution”, says Scott Philbrook, Managing Director RS Components AU/NZ. “From wireless pressure transducers, to help safely monitor pressure in hazardous or inaccessible locations, to sensor boxes, which are compatible with all sensor brands, our Industrial IoT range has what our customers need to improve their operational efficiency.” Each RS PRO product is backed by the RS Seal of Approval, which represents industry standards for audit, inspection, test and certification. This – combined with longer than average product warranties – reflects RS confidence in the quality and longevity of their products. According to Scott, the expansion in the range is meeting demand in the market for affordable options for engineers looking for a choice. “We’ve seen an upswing in the sourcing of our current IoT product range and due to interest in other product verticals we have gone to work on this expansive range,” he explained. RS PRO makes IoT practical and accessible for everyone, providing a dedicated range with a wide variety of smart objects and elements needed to connect them together. The enhanced Industrial IoT range will be welcomed by RS PRO’s loyal customer base. These people recognise that as demands on productivity increase, only the smartest workplace, with the smartest tools, will win the race of efficiency. Check out the RS PRO guide to the Internet of Things here: RS PRO IoT range

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