Manufacturing Technology

At the coalface of technology adoption in manufacturing

By Jane Finlayson, Head of Advanced Manufacturing, EMA As the backbone of New Zealand’s economy our manufacturing sector contributes approximately 10% to GDP and employs more than over 240,000 people. Yet, despite its significance, the sector’s productivity has been stagnating, with labour productivity growing at a mere 0.92% annually over the past decade, well below the national average of 1.17%. This stagnation is not due to a lack of effort or ambition. Instead, it reflects a critical gap: the sector’s slow and fragmented adoption of technology. While many larger firms are beginning to modernise their operations, many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) still rely on outdated systems, manual processes, and fragmented workflows. This digital inertia is limiting their global competitiveness and resilience. At the Employers and Manufacturers Association (EMA), we see firsthand how these challenges play out. Through our series ‘ASB Manufacturers Workshop: The Impact of Industry 4.0 on Your Business’, manufacturers consistently share a mix of enthusiasm and uncertainty about the path forward. While many are eager to innovate, they often feel overwhelmed by the scope of change and unclear about where to start. One of the most urgent barriers is the widening digital skills gap. In PwC’s 27th Annual CEO Survey, released last year, 83% of local business leaders report they have a skills shortage within their organisation and 76% specify a lack of technical capabilities as a barrier to transformation. This disconnect is deeply concerning, especially as technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), collaborative robotics (cobots), the Internet of Things (IoT), and data analytics have moved from being future ambitions to current necessities. Feedback from manufacturers who have attended the workshops confirms this. There is growing demand for reskilling workers not only in technical areas, such as integrating Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) with design tools, managing Supervisory […]

Looking forward to SouthMACH 2025

-Adam Sharman, CEO LMAC,APAC As we look ahead to SouthMach 2025, it is hard to avoid the national and global context in which this year’s event is set. Global volatility and uncertainty, combined with a slow domestic economy are providing significant headwinds for New Zealand’s manufacturing industry. With the country’s industry coming together in Christchurch, we are provided with an opportunity to learn from each other, share ideas and collaborate for the benefit of the industry and country as a whole. Having recently attended the Australian Manufacturing Week exhibition in Melbourne and hearing the themes of digitisation, diversification and decarbonisation as priorities for Australia’s manufacturers, we will be paying close attention to see if these themes are replicated in the attendees, speakers and visitors to SouthMach. With the shift in the support landscape occurring in the last 6 months e.g. the disbanding of Callaghan Innovation and, with it, the Industry 4.0 Demonstration Network, at LMAC we are proud to be playing an active role in the continuing awareness and capability development of the industry. With this goal front and centre, we are pleased to be collaborating with the EMA, ASB and AspectPT to bring the Smart Manufacturers Workshop to SouthMach on both days. I will be presenting, as part of the seminar series on ‘Getting Started with Digital Transformation’, providing a practical guide to the first steps of a digital transformation in manufacturing and how this can be achieved in cost-effective way. The new addition of the Minister for Manufacturing Awards is a fantastic initiative and we congratulate all the nominees and finalists who have been recognised so far across all categories. The announcing of the award winners at SouthMach is sure to be a highlight as we celebrate the amazing people and organisations working across our industry. LMAC have […]

Own It: Leadership is a Personal Responsibility, Not a Title

In the picture: David Altana is head of Growth & Partnerships at Smartspace.ai & Co-Founder & Host of The Better SMB Podcast. You can’t change your business without changing how you lead. In the picture: Rob Bull, Director & Principal Consultant at Plexus Consultant & Co-Founder & Host of The Better Business SMB Podcast We’ve made the case. New Zealand’s productivity crisis is real, and it won’t be solved by waiting on government policy, new funding mechanisms, or the perfect hire. Now we come to the heart of the matter. If we want better-performing businesses, change needs to happen to avoid the status quo and repeat the conversations of the past 30 years. If you’re the owner, GM or leader of a manufacturing business, the next leap isn’t strategic. It’s personal. The next frontier is you. The Mirror Test Think back to last week. Were you the calm in the chaos, or part of it? Were your conversations clear, or rushed? Did your team get direction, or distraction? Did you put aside any time to improve your leadership skills or knowledge? This might have been as simple as being curious and watching a couple of YouTube videos. Learn what is happening in leading businesses, it doesn’t take too long to find a couple of case studies and pick up a few pointers, then think about how this can be applied in your business. Leadership isn’t just visible in the big decisions. It’s in the energy you bring to the day-to-day. And your team mirrors it back, whether you realise it or not. Many of us rose through the ranks by being the fixer, the hard worker, the one who showed up when others didn’t. But that mindset, the hustle, the constant firefighting, the 14-hour days, doesn’t scale. It […]

Digital transformation on a shoestring: Auckland’s innovative approach to manufacturing

A new insights paper from Tātaki Auckland Unlimited reveals how small manufacturers can embrace digital technologies without breaking the bank or risking disrupting their processes. Manufacturing remains a cornerstone of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland’s economy, contributing more than $11 billion to the region’s GDP and employing approximately 85,000 people. Despite this significant economic footprint, New Zealand’s manufacturing sector faces persistent productivity challenges compared to other advanced economies. A pioneering initiative called Digital Manufacturing Light aims to change this by helping small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the manufacturing sector take their first steps toward digital transformation. This month, Tātaki Auckland Unlimited (the region’s economic development and cultural agency delivering on behalf of Auckland Council) is releasing an insights paper that introduces the Digital Manufacturing Light concept and shares findings from a successful pilot programme. The Digital Manufacturing Light pilot, which began in April 2022, was led by the University of Auckland in collaboration with Tātaki Auckland Unlimited. Around 20 Auckland-based organisations participated in the pilot, which included workshops and trial deployments of digital solutions. Pam Ford, Director of Economic Development at Tātaki Auckland Unlimited says, “Digital transformation doesn’t have to be expensive or disruptive. By adopting a phased approach using readily available technologies, manufacturing SMEs can create affordable and low-risk digital solutions that provide immediate benefits.” The Digital Manufacturing Light concept draws inspiration from the United Kingdom’s ‘Digital Manufacturing on a Shoestring’ programme developed by the Institute for Manufacturing (IfM) at the University of Cambridge, and is being developed in collaboration with IfM and partners across Australia and New Zealand. It follows similar principles but has been adjusted to suit the New Zealand business environment. This approach is particularly relevant for New Zealand’s manufacturing sector, which is predominantly composed of small businesses. Of the country’s 24,000 manufacturing businesses, only 1.6% employ […]

Engineering capacity when and where you need it

Celebrating 10 Years of Caliber Design at SouthMach 2025 Caliber Design is turning 10—and we’re marking the occasion at SouthMach 2025 with a celebration that reflects who we are: practical, people-focused, and project-driven. Visit us at Booth 135 for a slice of birthday cake and go in the draw to win a $1,000 Christchurch Adventure Park voucher. While you’re there, we’d love to talk about how we can help you scale your mechanical engineering capacity, flexibly and efficiently. We’re not a consultancy. We’re not a contractor. Caliber is something different—a secondment-based engineering firm with a growing team of over 60 mechanical engineers working with businesses across New Zealand. We embed engineers directly into your team, on-site or remote, to provide the horsepower you need to get projects across the line. Whether you’re navigating a peak workload, filling a short-term skills gap, or moving a major capital project forward, our engineers are there when and where you need them. From machine design and product development to FEA and project engineering, our team has deep, practical experience across a wide range of industries—from automation and manufacturing to food processing, aerospace, and advanced materials handling. What Makes Caliber Unique? What sets Caliber apart isn’t just our model—it’s our people. We carefully select engineers who bring the right mix of technical ability, communication skills, adaptability, and professionalism. We back them with systems, mentors, and processes that ensure they deliver value quickly. And we stay involved—checking in regularly, monitoring progress, and making sure the secondment is working for everyone. When you engage a Caliber engineer, you don’t just get that one person—you tap into the entire Caliber network. That’s 350+ years of collective experience, shared knowledge, and access to a powerful library of proven templates and systems. As one client put it, “Caliber engineers don’t […]

Article 2: The Crucial Role of System Integrators in Industry 4.0 and Automation

-Frank Phillips, Director, Fulcrum Welcome to the next part of our Industry 4.0 series for SME manufacturers. We’re exploring various companies that can help you embrace advanced technologies and optimise your operations. Today’s focus: System Integrators. Let’s dive in and see how they can drive your business success. System Integrators: The Orchestrators of Connectivity In the realm of Industry 4.0 and automation, system integrators are the maestros who ensure that all the pieces of your technological puzzle work seamlessly together. These companies specialise in connecting various automated systems, ensuring smooth communication and integration between hardware and software components. They act as the bridge that links different technologies, creating a harmonious and efficient manufacturing environment. Maximising Efficiency: How System Integrators Add Value Engaging a system integrator can significantly enhance your manufacturing operations by ensuring that all automated systems and technologies work in unison. Manufacturers facing challenges like disjointed processes, data silos, and inefficiencies can benefit greatly from the expertise of system integrators. By creating a unified system, these professionals help optimise workflows, reduce downtime, and improve overall productivity. System Integrators tend to have significant cyber security knowledge. When establishing a wider Operational Technology (OT) environment they can be key partners to keep your business secure. Journey to Integration: Typical Engagement and Resource Requirements The process of working with a system integrator typically begins with an assessment of your existing systems and a thorough understanding of your integration goals. This phase involves site visits, technical evaluations, and collaborative discussions to identify integration opportunities and challenges. The system integrator then designs a customized integration plan tailored to your specific needs. Expect to allocate internal resources, including IT personnel, operations managers, and system administrators, to collaborate with the system integrator. The engagement can range from a few weeks to several months, depending on the […]

From Automation to Augmentation: How Industry 5.0 is Redefining Manufacturing

The landscape of manufacturing is undergoing a significant transformation as we transition from the principles of Industry 4.0 to the emerging focus of Industry 5.0. While Industry 4.0 emphasised automation and the integration of digital technologies into manufacturing processes, Industry 5.0 shifts the spotlight towards augmentation, fostering a harmonious collaboration between humans and machines. Evolution from Industry 4.0 to 5.0 Industry 4.0 brought a revolution by embedding automation and data exchange into manufacturing through cyber-physical systems, the Internet of Things, and cloud computing. The central aim was to streamline operations, reduce human intervention, and enhance efficiency. However, as we pivot to Industry 5.0, the emphasis broadens to include the critical role humans play alongside machines, leveraging the unique capabilities of both to drive innovation and adaptability. Key Differences: Automation vs Augmentation The shift from automation to augmentation marks a fundamental change. Automation focuses on machines performing tasks independently, effectively reducing human involvement in repetitive and labour-intensive activities. In contrast, augmentation enhances human capabilities. It is about empowering workers with intelligent systems, using machines to support and elevate human decision-making and creativity rather than replace it. Benefits of Human-Machine Collaboration The synergy between humans and machines in Industry 5.0 offers numerous benefits. It enhances problem-solving capabilities by combining human intuition with machine precision and data processing power. This partnership can lead to more innovative solutions and a more flexible production environment. Moreover, it increases operational efficiency as machines handle repetitive tasks, allowing human workers to focus on more strategic roles that require creativity and complex decision-making. Examples of Successful Augmentation Real-world examples of successful augmentation in manufacturing often involve collaborative robots, known as cobots, working alongside human workers on production lines. These cobots are designed to assist with precision tasks, reducing the physical strain on workers and lowering the risk of human error. […]

‘Tech bro’ culture stifling startup sector

You might have heard the term ‘tech bro’ – a shorthand for the hypermasculine culture synonymous with the startup world. But while it’s often associated with Silicon Valley, that same culture is alive and well in New Zealand’s innovation scene too, say researchers Professor Anne de Bruin and Dr Janine Swail. Entrepreneurial ecosystems: the networks, organisations, and funding systems that support startup ventures, might seem open to all. But they’re far from gender neutral, the researchers say. “The strong association of masculine traits with entrepreneurship persists, hindering gender equity,” says de Bruin. In a new paper, de Bruin and Swail examine how gender dynamics shape startup ecosystems, and how feminist theories can be used to make them more inclusive and equitable. “If you think about Auckland’s startup sector, it’s still pretty ‘tech bro’,” says Swail. “We need to rethink what it means to be inclusive in entrepreneurship.” She says this starts with challenging the norms that shape entrepreneurial culture – norms that can make women and non-binary people feel unwelcome. “Imagine you’re a female deep-tech entrepreneur looking for a lab or an accelerator programme,” says Swail. “You walk into a space that feels overwhelmingly masculine; in-jokes, blokey language, a boys club. It can be difficult to feel like you belong, let alone thrive.” One of the biggest barriers? Unacknowledged gender bias baked into the structures and language of entrepreneurship. De Bruin points to New Zealand’s finance ecosystem, where most venture capitalists are men. “The way people communicate and operate in that world is often coded in a very masculine way. Language matters, and when we start to unpack it, we see how women and others are often excluded, even unintentionally.” If New Zealand wants to develop a genuinely diverse startup sector, we need to question who it’s built for, and who’s […]

The Skills Shortage Smokescreen

Stop searching for unicorns. Build a workplace worth joining and staying at. “We just can’t find the right people.” It’s the go-to excuse for operational issues, stalled growth and missed deadlines. But let’s call it what it is: a smokescreen. The so-called “skills shortage” is a convenient distraction from a harder truth. For many businesses, they don’t have a people problem, it’s a management problem. David Altana is head of growth and partnership at Smartspace.ai and co-host and founder of The Better SMB Podcast. When we dig beneath the surface, the reality is clearer than we’d like to admit. If your business can’t attract or retain good people, it’s probably not the labour market letting you down. It’s likely something internal: your culture, your systems, or your leadership. You Get What You Build For According to MBIE[1], 40% of roles in Tamaki Makaurau are classed as low-skilled, so let’s contrast a couple of businesses in the same region, competing to attract the same workers. One constantly complains about a lack of skilled staff. The other quietly gets on with hiring, training and growing its team. The difference isn’t luck. It’s leadership. Rob Bull is Director and principal consultant at Plexus Consultant and co-founder and host of The Better SMB Podcast. The successful business has designed itself to be a place people want to stay. It invests in onboarding, creates meaningful development pathways, and builds an environment where team members feel valued. Managers know their people. They communicate. They coach. They share the “why” behind the work. These companies don’t have a secret recruitment strategy, they simply understand retention starts with trust, which is built through day-to-day leadership, not policies or perks. To get an idea of what this looks like in practice, it’s worth reading the Jones & Sandford Joinery […]

Manufacturing fuels the present – SouthMACH 2025 is on soon

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. www.smartmanufacturingtoday.com 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 […]

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Manufacturing Technology