Events

Balancing innovation and growth

-Adan Sharman, Senior Partner, Dsifer The EMEX Exhibition happens every other year at the Auckland Showgrounds and is both a chance for vendors to showcase the latest in manufacturing technology, systems and services, but also an opportunity for the industry to comes together to share perspectives on the challenges facing the industry, and the opportunities available through evolutions in approaches, technologies and markets. The 2024 edition of the EMEX Exhibition was no exception. Following on from the highly attended 2022 edition as the industry came together for the first time since the COVID pandemic, this year’s event had a more grounded feel to it as vendors and manufacturers alike seek to balance innovation and growth for the long term with capital and market constraints in the short term. One notable change since 2022 was the presence of New Zealand’s first minister for manufacturing, Andrew Bayly. Whilst it is still early days in the establishment of the portfolio, the fact that the industry now has ministerial representation is seen as a positive development as New Zealand struggles to keep pace with the investment in the industry that is being demonstrated overseas. Whilst there may have been little directly for manufacturers to shout about in the May budget (announced on the final day of the exhibition), Minister Bayly has indicated some positive moves already, notably an extension of the Smart Industry Readiness Assessment funding to support manufacturers identify opportunities for acceleration through the adoption of industry 4.0 technologies. This visibility of the industry at the ministerial level was welcomed by the exhibitors and visitors to EMEX this year. However, in speaking with attendees, the focus remains on navigating through a challenging economic environment, whilst not limiting potential future growth and agility for the long term. Whilst every business has its own context, […]

EMEX 2024 – One company’s reflections

From June issue, NZ Manufacturer www.nzmanufacturer.co.nz -Des Pitfield, Datum Machines, Lower Hutt The Datum Machines stand was the result of 11 months of design and prototyping. The last three months were very intense and at times very challenging. We learned a lot and realised some of our business processes and engineering production will need to change going forward. But that’s how we learn. As the crated machine left Waiwhetu on a Mainfreight Truck heading to Auckland, Zak commented that there was 11 months of our lives in that box. We have had a great deal of support over the last eight months or so with other small businesses helping and wanting to see Zak succeed. They recognised his determination, design talent and self-taught engineering skills which have resulted in the finished DGM-S1 Gantry Mill CNC machine. Support from others like Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce and NZ Manufacturer magazine wanting gave Zak’s business exposure to help get the machine out there. Exhibiting at the EMEX Engineering and Mechanical trade show was an expensive exercise and such a venture always costs a big percentage more than what you first imagine. The stand alone was $11K but I think all up it would have cost us at least $16,000, probably more. Zak, his sister Jax and Des Pitfield. That said, the show was a great success. The contacts made with other NZ businesses, potential suppliers, future collaborators, as well as prospective customers was worth it alone. Everyone was impressed with the DGM-S1 and even more impressed to realise it has been Aotearoa New Zealand designed and manufactured. Pretty much single handed by Zak. Other exhibitors of CNC machines came by to check it out and meet Zak. They recognised and commented on the machines look and build quality. They congratulated Zak and […]

Mulcahy Engineering and Epicor comment on EMEX 2024

How did you find EMEX 2024? Kayne Mulcahy, Managing Director, Mulcahy Engineering Graeme Evans, Regional Vice President (ANZ), Epicor Kayne Mulcahy, Managing Director, Mulcahy Engineering: This was our ninth time exhibiting at EMEX, with our first being back in 2007. It is always great to reconnect with existing and potentially new customers, suppliers and business partners directly. Having the opportunity to share knowledge and experiences with industry peers is also an invaluable outcome of the show. Graeme Evans, Regional Vice President (ANZ), Epicor: We support manufacturers across Australasia to optimise their end-to-end operations through enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions that deliver real-time intelligence. EMEX 2024 was a terrific opportunity for us and a wide variety of individuals and organisations to collaborate around the themes of engineering, manufacturing technology and electronics. As the largest trade show of its kind in New Zealand, it is integral for cultivating relationships and fostering a culture of innovation and growth, driving the entire sector forward. Was the energy positive, potential for sales? Mulcahy: There was a really positive energy amongst both exhibitors and attendees at this years show, which is pleasing considering the current economic conditions faced by many. A real sense that businesses are feeling that we may be past the bottom of the cycle and are looking forward to the climb back up to a more favourable trading environment. Evans: EMEX has now been in operation for more than 40 years – an incredible milestone. There were more than 200 exhibitors and an estimated 5,000 buyers in attendance. Naturally, there is always potential to drive sales at EMEX, but Epicor’s priority for the three-day event was to meet with our existing customers and establish new relationships with organisations that we can empower in the short and long term. How are you finding present […]

Harm reduction to take centre stage at EMEX 2024

From May issue, NZ Manufacturer magazine The Employers and Manufacturers Association (EMA) says it will be using its presence at EMEX 2024 this month to promote the urgent need for manufacturers to work together to help improve the sector’s health and safety record. EMA Head of Advanced Manufacturing Jane Finlayson says that the manufacturing sector has one of the country’s highest rates of workplace injury and there has not been the improvement in workplace harm that has been seen in other sectors such as construction and primary industries. “Simply put, too many manufacturing workers are being harmed at work. In fact, you are twice as likely to be injured working in a manufacturing environment in New Zealand than you are in Australia, and the economic and social cost is too high,” says Jane. “Every year there are about 30,000 injuries in the manufacturing sector and ACC pays out $50 million for acute injuries resulting in more than 240,000 lost workdays. But it’s not just about the economic costs. Each injury can have an impact on an individual, a family, and a community, “It also has a huge business impact, affecting productivity and morale. No one wants to see an employee, or a colleague, injured or seriously hurt at work. “That is why we’ve launched Project Whakahaumaru with support from ACC. This project aims to bring the sector together to develop a five-year action plan to reduce harm and improve the health, safety, and wellness of everyone working in manufacturing. Jane says the team are looking forward to engaging with manufacturers at EMEX to hear their ideas and encourage them to get involved in the project and share their experiences. “We don’t pretend to have the answers. The reasons for the high rates of harm in manufacturing are complex and, to […]

EMEX is a big deal…

May issue, NZ Manufacturer includes our second Preview of EMEX 2024. Click on the link below to read. Because it is the premier trade fair in the country for the manufacturing sector. Where visitors can see the best of the best all in one place. An example of an exhibitor is Datum Machines Ltd of Wellington, a manufacturer, who has been designing and engineering over 18 months the Series One Gantry Mill CNC machine from the ground up. NZ Manufacturer May 2024 by Media Hawkes Bay Limited – Issuu This machine is for companies wanting to add CNC automation to their production workflow and increase productivity. At an extremely competitive price. A labour of love, devotion and lots of money, the machine, an example of great Kiwi ingenuity, is on display at EMEX 2024, on Stand 4115. As much as it is an event to discuss business – buying or selling, export opportunities etc – it also benefits visitors who want to discuss industry trends and share stories of success. New Zealand has a rich history of inventions and product development, something that became clear to me a little while back when I produced for this show’s organisers a History of Manufacturing in New Zealand document which went back as far as the early 1900’s. Today’s innovators, using different technologies and equipment, manufacturing for the needs of the times, have a rich history to fall back on, on the path to success. So, let’s keep manufacturing strong. We certainly do have our challenges in today’s environment. But they are only challenges. We adapt, we change, we keep moving forward. We keep making the next ‘big thing.’ -Doug Green, Publisher

Embracing the Future: How Digital Twin Technology Can Accelerate Manufacturing Operations

From May issue, NZ Manufacturer magazine www.nzmanufacturer.co.nz -Adam Sarman, Senior Partner, Dsifer In an industry in which flexibility, agility and innovation are no longer competitive advantages, but tickets to the game, the ability to make responsive, agile decisions, predict future requirements and innovate without impacting operations are critical. In this dynamic industry context, digital twin technology has emerged as an important but underutilised technology. Digital twins are software models that represent the attributes and operating behaviour of physical assets, product designs and/or processes. They support better decision making by simulating how these applications behave given certain inputs. A digital twin’s ability to enable progressive learning and capture tacit knowledge provides a key, differentiating benefit: it stores and structures information in a way engineers and operators can understand. Digital twins, are reshaping how products are designed, manufactured, and optimised across all process and design-drive industries. Three key applications of digital twin technologies are process optimisation through simulation, product design simulation, factory/operation design and predictive maintenance. Process Optimisation: Enhancing Efficiency and Accuracy Process simulation lies at the heart of manufacturing and supply-chain optimisation, and digital twins provide an unparalleled platform for achieving this. By creating virtual replicas of production processes, manufacturers can simulate and analyse operations in real-time, enabling them to identify bottlenecks, optimise workflows, and improve efficiency. For instance, in automotive manufacturing, digital twins are used to simulate assembly lines, allowing manufacturers to test different layouts and production scenarios before implementation. Moreover, by integrating IoT sensors and data analytics, manufacturers can collect real-time data from equipment and processes, feeding it into the digital twin for predictive maintenance and continuous improvement. Product Design: Accelerating Innovation and Iteration Digital twins play a crucial role in product design by enabling engineers to create virtual prototypes and simulate their performance under various conditions. This […]

The relentless pursuit of “Better, Faster, Smarter”

-Catherine Lye, CEO, Advanced Manufacturing Aotearoa Having arrived late to the viewing of the latest Netflix series, “Drive to Survive,” I couldn’t help but notice the striking parallels between Formula One and our manufacturing/engineering industry. Both embody precision engineering, composites, CNC Machining, additive manufacturing, artificial intelligence, and, crucially, teamwork. Manufacturing is a team sport. Across manufacturing, achieving industry “fit for purpose” embodies the essential quest to align skills with the sector’s dynamic purpose-driven landscape. This necessitates a concerted effort towards upskilling the workforce, ensuring that competencies seamlessly merge with the industry’s fast-changing needs and objectives. Whether embracing advanced technologies, sustainable practices, or fostering innovation, being “fit” demands a workforce adept at navigating the intricate demands of a purpose-driven business. From mastering cutting-edge machinery to embracing sustainable production methods, the journey towards industry fitness entails a commitment to continuous learning and adaptation. Ultimately, by cultivating a workforce equipped with the right skills and mindset, manufacturing can assert its relevance, efficacy, and sustainability in fulfilling its broader purpose within the global economy – economic development, driving productivity, employment, a vehicle for social development, entrepreneurship and wealth creation. Fostering innovation and technological advancement, acting as a catalyst for progress across various sectors, driving growth and enhancing societal well-being on a local, regional and global scale. We must reimagine manufacturing for the next generation. They are the future drivers of our factories. Younger people are seeking problems to solve. You hear stories about them wanting to be YouTube SuperStars, Influencers, but they are just as serious as well as anyone else about earning good money and doing what they can to change and make a difference in the world. Manufacturing presents an intriguing and interesting career choice for them – a change to innovate and solve problems in new ways. To ensure industry competitiveness, […]

NZ made gantry mill cnc machine doesn’t cost the earth

DATUM Machines Ltd, who are exhibiting at EMEX 2024, have, over 18 months, designed and engineered the Series One Gantry Mill CNC machine from the ground up. The result is a rigid and versatile machine. A steel and composite core construction means reduced resonance and vibration giving better machining accuracy, excellent finish quality and a longer tool life across a wide range of materials including plastics, composites, brass, aluminium and steel. The DATUM DGM-S1 Gantry Mill design is unique in its class in New Zealand. Its material range and precision machining ability outperforms any locally available CNC machine of its size and price range. As Datum Machines Ltd uses their machines to make their machines, they know what the machines are capable of! The versatility of this Gantry Mill CNC machine, combined with its compact size and touch screen operation, makes this an ideal solution for a wide range of users such as, sole traders, artists, prototypers, designers and small manufacturers. The full enclosure for chip containment and operator safety means this CNC machine is also a suitable educational tool for high schools, technical colleges, and training institutions. Priced under $50K this is a reliable and affordable Aotearoa New Zealand made Gantry Mill machine for anyone wanting to add CNC automation to their production workflow and increase productivity. The DATUM DGM-S1 Gantry Mill machine will be on display at EMEX 2024 Visit them at Stand 4115. www.Datum-cnc.com

Steel awards showcase local industry’s strength and innovation

Steel Construction New Zealand (SCNZ) is pleased to announce the results of 2023’s SCNZ Excellence in Steel Awards. The winners were announced on 27 October in Queenstown, where more than 200 structural steel industry leaders and specialists gathered to celebrate the best of the best at an event that showcases the sector’s commitment to innovation, best practice and collaboration. Each year, the task of judging becomes increasingly difficult. This year, 21 finalists were selected from a pool of 32 impressive submissions, which demonstrate the remarkable design and execution possible when steel is used as the primary construction material. “The high calibre of entries is testament to the industry’s ongoing commitment to raising the bar,” says SCNZ Chair David Moore. He notes there has been widespread emphasis on best practice amongst structural steel contractors and a drive to adopt global initiatives such as Industry 4.0. “Our local industry has also maintained its programme of investment in new cutting-edge plant, machinery and technology. These advances in technology have made it possible to construct highly complex steel structures that were previously out of reach,” says Moore. “The high standard of projects is also a reflection of the professionalism demonstrated by the fabricators, builders, architects and engineers that collaborate to bring these projects to life.” The 2023 winners are: Supreme & Over $3M Category Winner: MJH Engineering for One Whitmore Street Occupying a full city block, One Whitmore Street is a landmark 12-storey office tower in Wellington. The 17,500sqm building with its 1,420sqm floorplates and soaring three-metre-high ceilings will be the new home of the BNZ. The structure is designed to withstand Wellington’s unpredictable weather, with a convex profile and rounded corners that help to counter the city’s strong winds. The diagrid structure, with its diamond-patterned exterior, provides structural integrity while eliminating the need […]

Rise of the Machines – is technology really replacing humans?

– Catherine Lye, Head of Advanced Manufacturing and Export Communities, EMA As our Smart Factory Showcase continues building momentum in the Industry 4.0, manufacturing and technology space, it’s time to share some insights into what we’ll be covering during each session. Each Smart Factory Showcase covers several key areas of operation at Nautech Electronics. These include sales and planning, systems, connectivity, research and development, production, testing, facilities, smart business models and implementation strategies. Industry 4.0 and the showcase are all about highlighting how a range of digital technologies enhance manufacturing performance, output, monitoring and control, keeping businesses globally competitive. Today, we’ll consider the view that the adoption of new technologies could lead to the replacement of the human element required in manufacturing – or does it? Many of us have seen The Terminator film series where the artificially intelligent machines become self-aware and hostile with an aim to take over the world in a post-apocalyptic future. As Laurie Kubiak, CEO of Nautech Electronics assures us, people are always going to be necessary for the safe and successful operation of manufacturing machinery and technology. Adopting new technology is about making everyone’s lives easier, both for the company and its people. People are required for all parts of Nautech’s operations, particularly for forward-planning, scheduling, stock management, programming and much more. They cannot be replaced. Adopting Industry 4.0 and smart technologies actually has the potential to create more job opportunities, as people become vital in ensuring maximum machine efficiency, productivity, outputs and operation. Cobots (collaborative robots) are often used to take on certain repetitive tasks that humans could do, but they are able to maintain consistency and run for longer periods. They don’t need to work a standard shift or stop for breaks. Passing on these mundane tasks to cobots also has health […]

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