Business News

Manufacturing – A year in review

-Dieter Adam, Chief Executive, The Manufacturers’ Network It is the time again to look back on the year that was – how did our manufacturing sector do, and what were the major developments that impacted our sector in another year of political change, both in New Zealand and around the world? Internationally, issues around trade have dominated much of the economic headlines, with the trade war between the USA and China, but conflict between the USA and Europe not far behind – not to mention Brexit, the trade implications of which appear to be just as uncertain as the question of whether it’ll actually happen or not. While these trade disagreements have not yet had a major impact New Zealand exporters, they remain as a downside risk if they start impacting the wider flow of goods and supply chain which our companies are involved in. The exchange rate experienced some depreciation throughout this year, however, much of this has been eroded over the last month. While 2018 has experienced a more favorable exchange rate than the highs experienced in 2014 and 2016, it remains systemically higher than the average of the previous decade, with the AUD cross-rate remaining as the biggest concern. Domestically in 2018, we have seen a number of policy changes which will impact our sector. The improvements made to the Government’s R&D policy, increasing the proposed tax credit rate to 15% while halving the eligibility threshold to $50,000, have been a good step forward, and the move to use a committee for monetary policy decisions at the Reserve Bank makes solid sense. On the downside, the Employment Relations Amendment bill has been moving through the parliamentary process largely unchanged, with the only material concession being a weakening of the requirement to participate in collective bargaining by introducing […]

Iconic Buy NZ Made celebrates 30th birthday

The Buy New Zealand Made Campaign is turning 30 and celebrating with events around the country to showcase member companies along with the iconic kiwi trademark, which has evolved to become a significant marketing tool for businesses in an increasingly competitive world. Launched in 1988 by the then Manufacturing Federation, the campaign is now owned by BusinessNZ and is completely private sector-funded. It provides the licence for businesses to use the kiwi trademark to promote their New Zealand-made goods and services that meet the requirements of the Fair Trading Act for country of origin labelling. “The kiwi trademark is a trusted brand that is globally recognised as a label depicting NZ-made products,” says Executive Director Ryan Jennings. “When products carry the registered trademark, buyers can be confident it’s made in New Zealand. “Our main purpose is to provide an accountable and trusted brand to promote New Zealand-made products both at home and abroad.” The campaign was first introduced as a 12-month promotion for consumers to support businesses who manufactured in NZ and ‘keep your country working’. Three decades on, the kiwi trademark has helped thousands of businesses to gain market origin advantage. Mr Jennings says there is great value now and in the future for companies that qualify to use the trademark. “Internationally, consumers recognise the value of knowing where a product comes from and New Zealanders are increasingly looking for the reassurance that country of origin labelling brings. To create the Celebrating 30 Years of the Buy New Zealand Made Campaign video https://youtu.be/UDWgS9eUUno the team visited companies from Invercargill to an hour’s drive beyond Auckland, many of whom have been in business for 30 years or more. Mr Jennings says what stood out at each was the passion for their product, how well they knew their customers, and the dedication […]

New managing director appointed at Hamilton engineering firm

Long-time engineering manager Gerard O’Connor has been named as the new managing director (MD) of leading Hamilton-based global process and chemical engineering firm PDV Consultants. Mr O’Connor has been with the firm for the best part of 22 years and is well-regarded by colleagues, industry peers and clients. “I’m very excited and honoured,” says Mr O’Connor. “PDV has been my life for more than two decades and I feel very privileged to be now leading the company.” As PDV’s former engineering manager for the Asia-Pacific region, Mr O’Connor has successfully designed and managed many large scale client projects in New Zealand, Indonesia, the USA, the UK, Australia and China over the past two decades. PDV Consultants is a global expert in food processing technologies and systems design, headquartered in Hamilton, New Zealand, with an office in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Many of their projects for global food manufacturers involve spray dryer and evaporation technology. The company was founded 28 years by David and Anne Platts. The couple have announced their retirement from the firm at the end of November. Mr Platts is stepping down as MD, a role Mr O’Connor will take over on 30th November. “I’m really pleased that Gerard will be taking on the role,” says Mr Platts. “Gerard is very experienced and knows our business well. Under his leadership it’ll be business-as-usual.” Since opening in 1990, PDV has grown from two to 25 staff – including 21 in the firm’s Alexandra Street headquarters and four international staff based in Ireland. PDV’s team of highly qualified chemical, process and mechanical engineers have delivered projects for clients including Fonterra, Tatua, the Dairy Goat Cooperative, Danone, Glanbia (Ireland and USA), Dairconcepts (USA), First Milk (UK), South West Cheese and more. Mr O’Connor says that PDV Consulting is a New Zealand success […]

Aurecon announces new CEO to drive global growth

Global engineering and infrastructure advisory company Aurecon has announced the appointment of Managing Director Australia and New Zealand William Cox as its new Global Chief Executive Officer to lead the organisation’s rapid growth and continuing diversification across Digital, Advisory and Asia. Effective from 1 February 2019, William will be based in Sydney. His appointment marks the end of current Aurecon CEO Giam Swiegers’ successful fixed four-year term, which saw the company more than double its profits since 2015. William said: “This is a terrific opportunity to steer Aurecon during a time of significant growth and change for our industry. Incredible technologies are helping us plan and build infrastructure in a way never seen before, truly changing the way we engineer, design and advise. “My focus areas for the immediate future are to consolidate and continue the growth trajectory in Digital, Advisory, and in Asia where we see immense potential in transport infrastructure, the built environment and fast-growing data centre sector.” As Aurecon Managing Director – Australia and New Zealand, William has a proven track record in building a financially successful, high performance culture with strong client engagement. William is a civil engineer with over 30 years’ experience in transport, aviation and infrastructure across Australia and the UK. William is also Aurecon’s Pay Equity Ambassador for the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) and Aurecon’s representative for the Consult Australia Male Champions of Change. Under William’s leadership, Aurecon implemented female representation targets in Australia. In 2016, there was 26 per cent female representation and a target of 30 per cent was set for 2020. That target was reached in early 2018 and now the aim is 40 per cent by 2020. As a member of Aurecon’s Executive Committee, William has contributed to the company’s strategic direction, reporting directly to Giam Swiegers.

Why the Japanese business climate has never been sunnier for Kiwi entrepreneurs

-Annette Azuma, director, Staples Rodway For businesses looking to expand their operations into international markets, there’s never been a better time to head for Japan. Several premier international sporting events will bring millions of tourists to Japan in the next three years and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) has been ratified by both Japan and New Zealand. With the Japanese market more globally-focused than ever before, the climate is perfect for those can adapt to Japanese culture and tastes. Staples Rodway recently co-hosted the Start Acting: Japan seminar with New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE), the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO) and Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED). The event is the third in a highly popular series of Japan-focused business seminars, aimed at helping Kiwi businesses capitalise on the interest generated in New Zealand and build a long-term strategy for success in Japan. Fashion designer Karen Walker, keynote speaker at the Start Acting: Japan seminar, first entered the market in Japan two decades ago. This year she reached the pinnacle of any retailer’s aspirations, opening a store in Tokyo’s Ginza 6, the newest and most exclusive shopping destination in the country, and arguably the world. Her willingness to explore a new market, combined with a premium product that she has adapted specifically for Japanese tastes, are a blueprint for other Kiwis to follow. Statistics New Zealand reported two-way trade with Japan totalling $4.1 billion last year and that’s set to rise. Already the world’s third largest economy, Japan’s population of 120 million is expected to welcome 40 million tourists annually by 2020, as Japan hosts the Rugby World Cup in 2019, the Tokyo Olympics in 2020 and World Masters Games in 2021. New Zealand’s sporting prowess lends itself as a marketing tool. The timing […]

3D modelling important in design of New Zealand’s Pūhoi to Warkworth motorway

Design Joint Venture (DJV), a collaboration between engineering consultants, Beca and Tonkin + Taylor has highlighted the power of Seequent’s Leapfrog Works 3D geological modelling software in the design of a motorway extension from New Zealand’s Pūhoi to Warkworth. With an estimated cost of more than NZ $700m (including maintenance over 25 years), the 18km Pūhoi to Warkworth motorway extension includes a road corridor that cuts through steep hills and valleys, and the creation of seven bridges including three viaducts. Combine this with the cutting of 7 million cubic metres of earth (and the filling of 5 million), and the challenge of soft alluvial sediments – and it’s easy to see why a project wide ground model is essential as a basis for geotechnical design, and to mitigate project risk Meeting population demands As the population of Auckland reaches over 1.5 million, and the demand on the Northland area increases, the region of Warkworth is classed as a growth centre. The number of cars travelling the route daily is set to rise from 19,700 in 2012 to 31,300 in 2026 – the extension will provide a better connection with all of the associated safety and traffic flow benefits. The design work was subcontracted to Design Joint Venture (DJV) a collaboration between engineering consultants, Beca and Tonkin + Taylor. Seequent’s Leapfrog Works, which is specifically designed for the Civil Engineering and Environmental industries, was used as the 3D geological modelling software to more accurately define the geology. Chris Monk, Engineering Geologist, Tonkin & Taylor, says, “There were three areas of focus. North, which showed low-lying topography; Central, which has significant cut and fill embankments and; South, which contained two viaduct structures. It was important we could use a modelling tool that worked flexibly around the different geology and surface types to […]

Mastercam 2019 Lathe a comprehensive turning software

From accepting and programming any CAD file to Dynamic roughing and precision finishing, Mastercam 2019 Lathe provides a variety of techniques to turn all of your parts exactly as you need them. Mastercam 2019 Lathe features a new Tool Designer, Mill-Turn Environments, Multiple Plunge, and so much more. 3D Tool Support Build tools from 3D STEP models using the new Tool Designer. The Tool Designer is a function panel with tab-style navigation, providing a structured workflow that is similar to using a wizard. You can define tools, assign them to operations, and view them when running Classic Backplot and Mastercam Simulator. Mill-Turn Environments Mastercam 2019 allows Lathe users to run select Mill-Turn machine environments, giving users the productivity benefits of Mastercam’s Mill-Turn programming environment. Experience automated job setup and part transfer, full machine simulation, and simplified programming of C/Y axis toolpaths. Multiple Plunge The Lathe Groove toolpath includes a Multiple Plunge option which allows you to rough out a groove with rib cuts. This is beneficial when you are concerned about tool deflection. Consistent tool pressure can result in better chip control, and more even tool wear. Multiple Plunge gives you the option to machine the ribs with a more aggressive feed rate than the initial plunges. Also available in the Mastercam 2019 Lathe is: Improved support for cross-centerline turning. Support for Swiss machines. Swiss users with active Lathe and Mill/Mill 3D licenses can now take advantage of familiar Lathe and Mill toolpaths (available in the United States). Full integration of the PrimeTurning toolpath. Mastercam 2019 features improved tool libraries, including 3D tool libraries and the introduction of 3D tool support.

Free trade with Korea a boon for Kiwi exporters

– Jack Stenhouse, NZTE Trade Commissioner for South Korea. The eleventh largest economy in the world, the Republic of Korea, is home to some technology and manufacturing giants – names we all recognise, like Samsung, Hyundai, LG and Daewoo. Korea’s economic success is founded on access to world markets, and that’s great news for New Zealand exporters. While it’s still early days, the Korea-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement signed in 2015 looks to be delivering on its promise to boost business and strengthen ties between our two countries. This relationship has been reinforced by President Moon Jae-In’s visit to New Zealand this week. J-Nomics and the rise of consumer spending Korea is our fifth largest goods export market, and two-way trade recently surpassed NZ$4 billion in value. Since the New Zealand-Korea Free Trade Agreement (FTA) came into force three years ago, two-thirds of our exports now enter Korea duty free, a figure that will eventually reach 98 percent. This softening of Korea’s traditionally protective trade policies translates to further opportunities for Kiwi exporters, and Korea’s focus on lifting wages and creating jobs brings more good news. President Moon Jae-In’s economic reforms, dubbed ‘J-Nomics’ aim to raise wages among lower and middle income earners, and increase domestic consumer spending. This, combined with a solid growth outlook, means Korea remains a reliable market for New Zealand businesses. While forestry products account for a decent amount of our exports to Korea (to the tune of almost NZ$500 million), it’s an even more attractive and significant market for our food and beverage exporters, where the FTA has seen trade in the F&B sector increase by 35 percent to top NZ$700 million. We’re winning because Korean consumers value our reputation for safe, reliable and premium products, but there’s definitely room for ongoing marketing investment to increase […]

Why the circular economy must link up the whole supply chain

The long-discussed concept of the circular economy (CE) seems ready for takeoff. New information technologies like the internet of things (IoT), big data analytics or blockchain are the powerful means everybody is waiting for. The real door-opener is still to be found in the analog world: It’s about trustful collaboration. But only when all actors along the product life cycle find profitable ways to take resource scarcity into account, and only if they share both costs and benefits, will CE be able to unfold its full potential. So trustful collaboration is asking for a lot. It needs to convince decision-makers of the business opportunities they get once they trade their silo-oriented optimization rationale for a holistic-management approach that addresses the entire life cycle of the products and the materials involved. Making use of circular economy to prosper and differentiate products and services is suitable for business-to-business heavyweights, too. For example, ocean carrier Maersk created a digital twin of their latest container ships down to the smallest bolt. Through this, the company will ultimately know how much and what material is being used in their fleet. During routine overhauls or at the final disassembly, Maersk has a clear systemic view on which parts and materials can be reused, remanufactured, upcycled or continue to stay in the circular flow of shipbuilding. Executing supply chain power It’s not by chance that most CE case studies are when economically strong asset owners and service providers such as Caterpillar and Maersk are in the driving seat. The same applies to powerful vendors, for instance tech giants such as HP and Dell who have established highly efficient return systems for used products. Why is it that CE pioneers are often found among these kind of companies? The two most obvious reasons: on one hand, these players have […]

businessman is working on tablet and using smart phone in office

Accelerate your business by using your voice

Ask any business owner or board-level executive involved in manufacturing about the demands of growing a business, and they would probably readily agree that it’s tough. Apart from juggling various elements to keep the business on a growth trajectory, there are the endless administration tasks. Regularly producing reports, quotes, estimates, proposals, plans and invoices can be daunting, and may even negatively impact on productivity. However, the challenge no longer needs to be overwhelming thanks to technology. Speech recognition is now more accurate, more powerful, and more usable than ever before, and it can help facilitate the growth of a business. Adopting a desktop speech recognition solution – like Nuance Dragon Professional Individual for the PC – can improve a business’s everyday performance and productivity. Save time producing documents Dragon does the typing for you as you speak and, as we talk three times faster than we can type, the productivity implications are considerable. Dragon quickly and accurately turns your spoken words into text. It lets you put your voice to work to easily dictate and edit documents, proposals, reports and more. With Dragon you spend less time producing documents, and more time on activities that boost the bottom line. Plus, as Dragon works with all Microsoft Office applications, you can also create spreadsheets and presentations by simply using your voice. The solution also lets you speak to send emails, and as it’s compatible with popular web browsers, you can also deploy Dragon to search the web and use social media with unparalleled speed, ease and comfort. Dragon rewards the user by helping you gain precious time. Work that may have taken hours – typing a large document or clearing your inbox – can now be achieved faster and without the need to type, and the time saved can be allocated […]

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