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Movac invests in Revolution Fibres to scale global growth

Auckland-based Revolution Fibres has raised $6m in a Series A funding round led by Movac, New Zealand’s most experienced technology investment firm. Founded in 2009 by Iain Hosie, Simon Feasey and Michael Perrett, Revolution Fibres has developed a unique technology to produce electro-spun nanofibres for use in a wide range of applications, such as filtration, skincare, sound absorption and composite reinforcement. Revolution Fibres has 15 employees and achieved early sales traction in several markets. Movac Partner David Beard comments “We have been targeting an IP-based business for Fund 4 for some time, and we were compelled to invest in Revolution Fibres because it had made a significant transition from R&D into scale volume manufacturing. With its applications spanning a diverse set of industries, it can adjust quickly and take advantage of a rapidly changing environment. We are delighted to have led this round which has included a diverse set of investors from NZ, US and Asia.” Revolution Fibres Chairman Andrew Turnbull comments “Iain and the team at Revolution Fibres have built a fantastic platform technology which is now ready, with the right team and funding, to be scaled. We’re very focussed on what we want to do with the business and sought an investor who understands what it takes to build a global deep tech business from New Zealand. Movac’s investment style and their experience in helping to grow value in companies with deep intellectual property meant a lot to us. Most importantly, there’s also a strong fit in terms of approach and aspiration.” The funding will be used to accelerate commercial opportunities in key offshore markets, and to invest further in production capability. Mr Beard will join the Revolution Fibres board. Phil McCaw, Movac Managing Partner commented, “We’re excited to have the opportunity to work with the Revolution Fibres […]

Covid-19: PPE register goes live

ManufacturingNZ has made live a national Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) register to help identify manufacturers that can assist in the fight against Covid-19. ManufacturingNZ Executive Director Catherine Beard says there is significant PPE manufacturing capability within New Zealand. “The Government was keen to get better visibility of what manufacturing capability we have in New Zealand to produce PPE, so we’ve provided this clear list that includes contact details for each business,” Beard says. “Many of the business reached out to say they could reconfigure their operation to do face masks and other equipment.” The launch of the register comes as more than 14,00 New Zealanders signed a petition calling on the Ministry of Health to follow overseas guidelines for every health worker caring for those with confirmed or probable Covid-19. Thousands of doctors and nurses from across the country are rallying the Government for more effective PPE in the fight against Covid-19. “New Zealand is an innovate little country and many of our manufacturers have quickly adapted to help in the response to Covid-19.” The register already includes more than 70 businesses and will be updated daily as new manufacturers put their hand up to unite against Covid-19. Manufacturers can text ‘PPE’ to 313 to get the link to register. The list can be found here: https://www.manufacturingnz.org.nz/resources-and-tools/covid-19-ppe

Team New Zealand

We work together. We share ideas. We recover the business base. We keep moving forward. In these challenging times we can recover and move forward, meeting the challenges that arise and benefitting from them. Ideas will present themselves…and the unthinkable become a reality. Companies and organisations are working together to share the information that we need in the time of the virus. EMA and ManufacturingNZ and Buy NZ Made are but three examples of the organisations making us aware of opportunities available to support the recovery. We are seeing businesses diversifying to lend a hand. Such as those who are manufacturing detergents in their plants which were initially started to produce wine. Let’s keep this activity going as we get back on track. If you have a story to share about how the virus is affecting your business or activities you are currently involved in to support others, we want to know. We will publish your story and assist your company to connect to others as a provider of a service or business opportunity in the current climate. Either in the magazine or on the website www.nzmanufacturer.co.nz And by the way, where possible, Buy NZ Made.

Robot disinfects large areas

A robot capable of rapidly disinfecting large areas has been invented by a world-first solutions business to speed-up the fight against coronavirus. Forth Engineering in Cumbria is known for its innovations to solve complex industry challenges in the nuclear, oil and gas, renewables and other sectors all over the world. Forth managing director Mark Telford and his team have responded to the fight against COVID-19 by inventing a remotely operated disinfecting robot. “It’s an amazing bit of kit. I took it to one of our sites and it disinfected 68,000 square feet in just 20 minutes. It’s very impressive,” said Mark. “We’ve put together our tracked robot, vapour cannon, camera and lights, and developed the first one in a matter of days. “That’s how quickly we always work, it’s just that the sectors which need our help are different right now and this is a national emergency. “We have had lots of inquiries about it and we are now going into production. We will have to see how many robots people want us to manufacture.” The robot can be worked remotely, controlled from a safe distance, to help the NHS and other organisations keep areas clean during the coronavirus outbreak. “It can be used to sterilise ambulances, hospitals, shops and supermarkets, wherever it’s required,” said Mark. “It works in a similar way to a vapour cigarette in that it fires high pressure vapour which will settle in every part of a designated area. “It can also be used to disinfect factories and offices, schools and colleges, before people return to work and go back to education after the lockdown to make sure they are safe to use.”. In terms of the impressive speed of Forth’s response, Mark said it’s how he and his […]

New app traces contacts, retains privacy

Using digital data for contact tracing could be a powerful tool for containing the spread of COVID-19 and a new technology app in Singapore could help address fears of data privacy, says a digital data expert. Andrew Chen is a Research Fellow at Koi Tū: The Centre for Informed Futures – the University of Auckland’s new think tank and research centre. Dr Chen’s research in computer systems engineering focused on camera-based person tracking, as well as how technology might be used to help protect people’s privacy. He now brings that technical lens to better understand how society can use digital technologies more safely. He says contact tracing using data from smartphones could be one of the most powerful tools in containing the spread of the pandemic, allowing governments to act quickly to contain infected individuals, keep an outbreak under control and effectively suppress virus spread. “We need contact tracing to save lives and using digital data could make that much more effective. But we also need to protect people’s privacy and minimise rights abuses that could have serious consequences,” he says. “But constant tracking of all people, whether they are infected or not, is a deep invasion of privacy. It is a use of the data that most people would not have known about, and users effectively cannot opt-out to retain their privacy.” However, an app called TraceTogether – used in Singapore since 20 March – could be a promising alternative, says Dr Chen. People install the app on their phones with Bluetooth enabled. When they are physically close to someone else with the app, the phones exchange Bluetooth signals and the encounters are logged in the app. It takes several seconds for the exchange – short enough to capture most interactions but long enough to ignore spurious connections. Anonymous IDs […]

New approach needed for economic recovery to begin

New Zealand business needs a new approach from Government to regulation, projects and procurement if the economy is going to start to recover. EMA Chief Executive Brett O’Riley has called for a new recovery playbook by Government to give businesses the flexibility to recover and thrive, and potentially increase their productivity. “As we prepare for moving out of Alert Level 4 we have an opportunity for changes to be made that can ‘fast start’ existing businesses and potentially expand employment in key sectors. We understand the Government is up for change and our discussions with businesses point to some quick wins, with sectors like manufacturing and construction poised ready to go,” says Mr O’Riley. Key initiatives the EMA are advocating to be implemented as we come out of Alert Level 4 include: – using fast track and streamlined RMA consenting for shovel-ready projects, with consenting led by the project entities. – consent and bylaw changes to enable businesses and projects to operate 24 hours a day with multiple shifts, to speed up progress and to encourage businesses to hire more staff to fill the shifts. – reintroduction of the 90-day trial period to enable businesses to trial staff seeking to enter new industries and roles. – use the acclaimed SCIRT and NCTIR project delivery models, developed for the Christchurch and Kaikoura earthquake recoveries. – allow open book procurement by Government enabling lead contractors to be appointed to major projects quickly. – bring forward maintenance activity throughout New Zealand on roads, rail, hospital and schools, the latter while students are at home. – Re-purpose the Provincial Growth Fund to provide small local councils with the funding they need to kick-start those maintenance programmes. – change foreign investment rules and fast track OIO approvals to encourage private sector investment into new projects […]

Christchurch package welcomed by local business community

Today’s announcement of a new $200,000 Business Support Subsidy package to help Christchurch businesses impacted by COVID-19 is welcomed by Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Leeann Watson. The ChristchurchNZ Business Support Subsidy offers eligible Christchurch businesses up to $1000 each to seek professional advice to help navigate the economic and resourcing impacts of COVID-19. Over the past three weeks, The Chamber has engaged with thousands of organisations through their adviceline, webinars and website. Ms Watson says the majority of enquiries have been around seeking clarity on the wage subsidy and essential services, as well as businesses seeking human resource, employment relations, and health and safety advice. “During such uncertain and challenging times, it is essential that businesses have access to the right expertise and support to guide them through these complex issues and help them navigate and effectively apply general guidelines to their specific situation. Support provided through the Business Support Subsidy package announced today will continue to ensure that businesses can access that support.”

Proven and new at the same time: tribo-polymer iglidur E7 for energy-efficient plain bearings

Treotham expandS its plain bearing range with the very abrasion-resistant igus material iglidur E7. With specifications such as low coefficient of friction and excellent vibration dampening, the tribo-polymer iglidur E7 has already proven its strengths in the sliding elements of the drylin linear technology from igus. Now the plastics specialist has also included the material in its plain bearings catalogue range. This also allows users to benefit from iglidur E7 mechanisms with rotating or pivoting movements. The low coefficient of friction of the material ensures smooth movements, reduces the required drive energy and saves additional costs. In times of advancing automation of the industry, durable, cost-effective and above all energy-efficient machine components are called for. Since 1983, the motion plastics specialist igus has been developing tribo-polymers for plain bearing technology that are free of lubricants and therefore free of maintenance. igus has a total of 57 iglidur materials in its product range for various applications. iglidur E7 is among them. The tribo-polymer has been used in the sliding elements of drylin linear systems since 2012 and has been available in dryspin lead screw nuts since 2018. iglidur E7 has already proven itself in many applications such as camera lenses, train doors and even 3D printers. Above all, the vibration-dampening specifications of the tribo-polymers convince the user. Therefore, igus has now further developed the material for its plain bearing range. The iglidur E7 is specifically designed for low to medium loads in pivoting movements and withstands surface pressures of up to 18 MPa in motion. Due to the very low coefficient of friction of the iglidur E7, the drive energy is reduced, saving costs for the user. The new plain bearing material is suitable for flap or sensor bearings. Further applications are found in packaging, textile machinery and furniture technology. Tried […]

Kemppi expands helmet range

Leading international welding equipment manufacturer, Kemppi, has launched its next-generation Alfa and Beta welding helmets and respirator models. The new e-series models provide excellent protection for arc welding, cutting, grinding, gouging and inspection processes. What’s more, they deliver refined performance, durability and comfort to suit various budgets. The new e-series range has been designed using feedback from ‘active welders’ to deliver greater wearable value. Highly robust and durable, both the Alfa and Beta e-series models feature an impact-rated shell that is tough and strong, yet lightweight. The spacious design of both the Alfa and Beta e-series accommodates eyeglasses and half masks, while also allowing good access to tight spaces. Plus, several settings and features support easy adjustment for the best personal fit and extra welding comfort, including a comfort headband, integrated magnifying lens holder and an overall 20% weight reduction when compared to previous Beta models. Users can also choose from new, optional leather neck and shoulder protectors. Both Alfa and Beta e-series models include a flip-up welding lens that is perfectly positioned for pre and post-weld inspection. Plus, the lenses’ GapView feature is especially suitable for tacking and setting work. The large and clear impact grade inspection lens has a viewing are of 80cm2 and is certified to EN 175B and AS/NZS 1337.1. Users can choose from a wide range of welding lens options. Alfa e-series Starting at just 467g, the Alfa e-series welding helmets are Kemppi’s most lightweight and compact face shields in its welding safety product range. A durable, low-cost solution that provides protection for all general welding applications and grinding, the Alfa e-series welding helmets are equipped with either a passive glass welding lens or auto-darkening ADF welding lens. Beta e-series The Beta e-series has been designed for professional welders. Certified for welding, cutting and grinding according […]

Cradle to Cradle, Life Cycle Assessment and Circular Economy: A love triangle

Life Cycle Assessment, Circular Economy and Cradle to Cradle are seen as interchangeable terms by some, and totally separate concepts by others. As is the case with most things, the truth lies somewhere in the middle. A life cycle approach Figure 1 A life cycle approach looks at all stages in the life cycle of a product. There are similarities between Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) study, Circular Economy and Cradle to Cradle (C2C), which causes some of the confusion. However, they are different concepts- albeit with a shared approach to sustainability and problem solving within sustainability. The common link is a ‘life cycle approach’ which considers a number of different environmental impacts such as carbon footprint and use of resources. These environmental impacts occur across all stages of a product’s life cycle, from when the raw materials are grown or gathered to where the product ends up after it has been used. The life cycle approach highlights the bigger picture of environmental impact and can act as a great starting point for identifying and improving on environmental hotspots in the manufacturing industry. Avoid ‘burden shifting’An LCA study avoids ‘burden shifting’ – solving a problem in one area of environmental impact while creating a problem in another. ake the example of cucumbers. Removing plastic wrap around cucumbers results in lower packaging impacts, but vastly increased food waste downstream. An LCA would look at this information together – and would inform you that wrapping cucumbers in plastic actually results in better outcomes for the climate. Rethink material use The C2C concept takes a similar life cycle approach to products but goes one step further to ensure that all materials used in production can be reused as a nutrient. These nutrients stay in either a biological cycle where they are returned without harm […]

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