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Will the election matter?

Comment is welcome on this post. What are you looking for? Do you have expectations from the upcoming election? Editorial, July issue, NZ Manufacturer www.nzmanufacturer.co.nz Yes, if the party you want to get in, gets in. How about the rest of it – what will the victor do to work closely with the business community? What will the victor do to keep business moving forward, to stabilise the economy and bring about greater equality? We are in the ‘silly season’, the time before an election that allows lots to be written and outcomes suggested. Businesses always has a plea – for solutions to help them to be more competitive in the marketplace. This means having the financial tools to invest in the technology required to do so, engaging with Industry 4.0 and keeping an eye on AI and what that will mean soon. Dealing with climate change. Confidence to invest in innovative technology, because it is a risk, especially if there is no guarantee of contract manufacturing on a financially viable level. Greater access and identification on world markets for our products, creating business opportunities, engaging with some of the excellent innovators in the country, who take financial risks by putting their ‘stake in the ground’ to become be a success story. Innovators with bonafide credentials are what we are talking about. Those from such companies as Buckley Systems, The Gallagher Group, Fisher & Paykel, Fonterra, Stabicraft who have the expert knowledge required. A new government will take time to settle in. A year of consolidation of processes and getting to know each other. NZ businesses punch above their weight. Within our small population are lots of people who develop great products. A Minister of Manufacturing could help them to succeed. Back to the beginning…will the election matter? Not […]

Kuva: Aki Loponen, 2023Pictuner Oyaki.loponen@pictuner.fiwww.pictuner.fi

The rise and rise of portable welding machines

It is not that long ago that portable welding machines were seen as heavy, clunky equipment. Limited in their capability, they could usually only perform one type of welding, such as stick, TIG or MIG. And because of their power output, were mainly relegated to performing light and small welding tasks. Over the last 20 years however, portable welding machines have evolved significantly. While single-process welders are still available in the marketplace and no doubt have a place in the industrial landscape, operators can now also choose from a wide range of multi-process machines. These provide greater convenience and flexibility as they can be used to tackle various fabrication or construction jobs and projects both in the workshop and out in the field without the need to switch power sources. Greater productivity Apart from the ability to tackle a wider variety of work, quality portable welders also help deliver excellent welding results. According to Paul McVicar, Managing Director, Kemppi Australia, this is because of the machine’s stable arc. “Quality portable welding machines usually provide a very stable and even arc that allows the user to deeply penetrate various metals and produce consistent, high-quality welds. This reduces the need for reworking the weld as well as post-weld cleaning, which allows the operator to increase their output, while saving them both time and money,” explains Paul. Also contributing to improved productivity is that modern portable welders are far more powerful than their predecessors. Today, operators can choose a portable multi-process machine that has a 320 A with a 40-60% duty cycle. Or a 200 A with a 40% duty cycle. The greater amperage combined with the higher duty means that machines such as the new Kemppi Master M 205 let the welder safely create quality welds for a longer period of time […]

Using single-use packaging in your business – read on

– Natalie Martin, 3R Group Materials Innovation Manager Rightly or wrongly, single-use plastic packaging gets the lion’s share of attention in terms of sustainability and waste reduction. While much of this is focused on consumer goods, it’s far from a problem faced exclusively by retailers. Single-use plastic packaging is so pervasive throughout supply chains that just about all industry members deal with it in some way or form. As a result, they will all be affected by regulations aimed at reducing plastic waste, increasing recyclability and getting an industry-funded, regulated product stewardship scheme off the ground. In July 2020 single-use plastic packaging was declared a priority product under the Waste Minimisation Act 2008. This means it’s one of the six product categories that must have regulated product stewardship schemes established. Product stewardship sees scheme members contribute towards the collection of their products at the end of life so they can be reused, recycled or properly disposed of. Why single-use plastic packaging? This product category is by far the widest ranging of those declared priority products, covering thousands of products. Plastic also isn’t simply ‘plastic’ but is split into seven different types depending on its chemical makeup. That makes recycling it, or even establishing collection systems much more complicated. Its negative environmental impacts when littered are well documented and are most frequently in the public eye. Despite this, single-use plastic packaging has an important role to play in reducing waste by keeping food fresh and safe and preventing goods from being damaged. It’s low weight and durability means it can also offer a lower carbon footprint than other materials when it comes to transport. In line with circular economy principles, the key is to ensure its use is minimised, that it’s used as effectively as possible and then recovered and recycled. […]

Sustainability and productivity: happy bedfellows

-Dr Barbare Nebel, CEO thinkstep – anz It’s good news for local manufacturers: investing in sustainability makes your business more productive. In this article, we look at how sustainability is helping New Zealand manufacturers achieve more with less. The traditional approach: more productive, less sustainable Many people view productivity and sustainability as yin and yang – connected, but opposite. Over the past 150 years, productivity has often grown at the expense of the natural environment, people and communities. For example, to increase output, many businesses have depleted natural resources like water and dumped growing amounts of waste in landfills. On the social side, greater productivity has often meant making people redundant or disrupting communities as factories expanded. It doesn’t have to be like this. Your sustainability programme can make your manufacturing business more productive too. Today’s approach: more sustainable, more productive too As a manufacturer you know the drill. To increase productivity, you need to generate more output for your inputs. In practical terms, this can mean using your raw materials more efficiently or ensuring your supply chain runs smoothly to avoid outages. In economic terms, it can involve reducing the costs of your inputs and cutting staff turnover. Here are six ways your sustainability programme can boost your productivity too. Use your raw materials as efficiently as possible Get more from your raw materials and you’ll be more productive. The circular economy is your go-to here. Your aims: to design out waste and pollution, keep products and materials in use and regenerate natural systems. Food manufacturer Sanford ensures that even low-value parts of its raw materials do not go to waste. Sanford partners with Auckland-based nanotechnology manufacturer, NanoLayr who use the collagen from the skins of Sanford’s sustainably caught hoki to make nanofibre facemasks. Tackle your carbon emissions and […]

Who is exporting?

NZ Manufacturer, June 2023 A mere 30 New Zealand companies, according to the Productivity Commission, account for over half of all exports. They say focus really needs to be on innovation and moving away from volume to value-added products. So, what are overseas trade visits for? Do business legations need to be vetted to determine that the ‘fact finding trip’ is not just an overseas holiday? Do they bring back business for the country? How much money has government invested over the years in trade visits that result in absolutely no return? Dairy is New Zealand’s biggest export earner – worth about $19 billion a year. The largest increase for the year ended December 2022 was for milk powder, butter, and cheese. This is New Zealand’s largest export commodity group, making up 28 percent of total exports over the year. This industry group, with a proven track record, doesn’t need to justify the trip; they have established markets and maintain them very well. To get more than 30 companies contributing to our export success, we need to increase productivity which needs: a positive attitude and involvement of management; proactive employees; good working conditions; tools and equipment available to raise productivity and the availability of input supplies. The four determinants of a nation’s productivity are physical capital, technology, human capital, and natural resources. Technology is a decisive factor in productivity, along with physical capital (equipment used to produce products), human capital (the knowledge of labourers), and natural resources. Now all of this sounds logical but obviously is not being put into practice(properly) if only 30 companies generate most of our export revenue. What are the restraints? At present, the shining light for export growth appears to be the gaming industry. What is everyone else doing? We are in a constant state of […]

Major international summit to boost Kiwi healthcare, tech & food exports

A major international healthcare summit to be hosted in New Zealand is set to boost export access for Kiwi health, tech and food product manufacturers into over 10 nations with a combined GDP of US$33 trillion. A number of foreign dignitaries will be among the projected 10,000+ international and domestic attendees at the event, which is also expected to benefit the tourism sector and the local economy. Guests include health policy specialists from United Arab Emirates, China, Indonesia and Singapore. Government and industry representatives from Vietnam, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, Egypt, UK, Germany and Kazakhstan are also expected to attend. A number of the country’s healthcare organisations and largest food exporters including St Johns, Fonterra and Zespri have also confirmed they will use the event to promote their products to buyers from countries with a population of over 2 billion. In addition, buyers from China’s largest e-commerce platforms including Alibaba, JD.com, Meituan and Kuaishou are also set to attend – as they look to grow the number of their New Zealand suppliers. Tony Browne, former New Zealand ambassador to China and chairman of the Council of Next Federation, the event organisers, says the High 5 “Post Pandemic” summit, will include a series of seminars, forums, workshops and exhibitions focusing on economic recovery, mental health, telemedicine, ageing wellness, PPE and education. “The event will provide attendees with the opportunity to engage with industry leaders as they share industry policy research and market insights dealing with challenges facing the health industry. “We will also provide a centralised procurement platform for exhibitors to connect with international buyers and health experts. “While New Zealand has established trading relationships for food and beverages there is an increasing opportunity for us to look at growing health supplements and health tech exports. “The event will enable participants to […]

Kayasand receives backing from NZGIF to reduce carbon emissions from concrete

Kayasand, a distributor of premium sand manufacturing technology, is opening its first V7 high-technology manufacturing demonstration plant in New Zealand, which uses waste products such as recycled glass, concrete and slag, and turns them into premium sand for concrete. Kayasand has received the backing of New Zealand Green Investment Finance (NZGIF) via a $3.5 million equity investment. The green investment bank was established to accelerate investment that helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions. A further $1.8 million of private investment has been secured alongside the NZGIF investment bringing the total raise to $5.3 million. Natural sand supplies are becoming harder to access and traditional concrete manufacturing processes, including the impacts of sand dredging on coastlines such as Pakiri, 100km north of Auckland, are not sustainable over the longer-term. Dr Bram Smith, Kayasand General Manager, says “Our technology can reduce or in cases eliminates the need for natural sand dredging. It uses by-products and recycled materials such as quarry crusher dust and recycled glass to manufacture a sand of such quality that it makes stronger concrete than natural sand when mixed with cement. Our goal is to reduce carbon emissions from concrete production by up to 20% using this method.” Kayasand technology is used in over 300 plants across Japan, China, India, and Australia. NZGIF Chief Executive, Craig Weise, says the deal is an important step and is a boost for the construction sector and consumers who are eagerly looking for more sustainable building materials. He says, “Auckland’s infrastructure requirements alone are projected to be $26 billion over the next decade and if New Zealand is going to meet its CO2 emission reduction targets, we need to find alternative manufacturing and building methods. We are delighted to invest in Kayasand to help deliver its services to the construction sector and to support […]

Matahio Energy completes acquisition of onshore assets in Taranaki

Matahio Energy has completed the acquisition of a portfolio of six onshore oil and gas licenses in the Taranaki Basin, NZ. Matahio will be the operator of these licenses, holding 100% participating interest in four licenses, and 70% interest in the remaining two licenses. Of the six licenses, three are currently producing. The sale and purchase agreement between the parties was signed in March 2022. All required approvals for the relevant New Zealand regulatory authorities have been obtained to complete this transaction. Key highlights of the transaction: – Operatorship of two fields, namely Cheal and Sidewinder, which are currently producing a total of 1.4 Kboepd (thousand barrels of oil equivalent per day), net to Matahio. Cheal and Sidewinder are well-established, prolific fields, which have produced over 5 MM bbls (million barrels of oil) to date, since the first oil in 2008. – Matahio is adding 2 MM boe (million barrels of oil equivalent) 2P reserves (Net, effective date 1st January 2023). At prevailing oil prices and contemporary OPEX rates, the Cheal and Sidewinder fields are expected to generate positive cash flow until 2030. The New Zealand business’s EBITDA for the calendar year 2022 was NZD$29 MM. – The transaction also includes full technical and operational teams, based in New Plymouth, who have a track record in delivering strong health, safety & environment (HSE) and production performance. Most notably, recent production optimisation efforts have resulted in production rates returning to 2015 levels without drilling any new wells. – Matahio has crafted a multi-year development programme consisting of infill and step-out drilling as well as the appraisal of newer fields in the Puka license (which was 100% acquired by Matahio) to be tied back to existing operated infrastructure. This organic growth programme targets an additional 3.8 MM boe and, if successful, will […]

Australian Steel Convention 2023: Choose Steel

10 -12 September 2023 Sofitel Melbourne, Victoria ASI convention to flag exciting careers in steel Steel as the preferred building material and why you should Choose Steel as a career will be key themes at this year’s Australian Steel Convention at Sofitel Melbourne on 10 – 12 September 2023. What to expect: A young achievers panel will share their career stories – and help shape a new Australian Steel Institute’s (ASI) ‘careers-in-steel’ strategy. Project case studies are back by demand, showcasing the innovative solutions across a myriad of project applications and steel product groups. Popular TV personality and academic Adam Spencer will guide us through an entertaining and informative program, full of energy and valuable insights for your business. There will be valuable insights as to what is happening around the globe, and how these topics affect your business from a global and local perspective. The 2023 convention will present the ASI Choose Steel campaign – an exciting promotional campaign putting steel at the forefront of the public eye as Australia’s preferred building material – and how you can get involved with your steel solutions. The convention will run over three days, and will include a unique opportunity for networking, learning and celebration in a single package. Sponsorship and exhibition packages available now, download the prospectus by clicking on the button below. Please contact Convention Manager, Jessica Abbey at jessicaa@steel.org.au to find out more.

Dr John Peebles: The Board review and strategies for managing issues and crises

https://open.spotify.com/episode/2zYcG5mMK4M3ao2WinNjyb The three questions a Director should ask when they first join an organisation. What Directors can do to upskill themselves to become more effective in their roles. Strategies to prepare for and manage issues and crises. When a board review is required You can listen to the interview on all major platforms including: Podbean: https://thecontentplace.podbean.com/e/dr-john-peebles-the-board-review-plus-strategies-to-prepare-for-and-manage-issues-crises/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2zYcG5mMK4M3ao2WinNjyb Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/dr-john-peebles-the-board-review-plus-strategies-to/id1538676422?i=1000612670276 iHeart radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-c-suite-spot-73692882/episode/dr-john-peebles-the-board-review-114923878/ Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/Dr-John-Peebles-The-Board-review-plus-strategies-to-prepare-for-and-manage-issues-crises-Podcast/B0C4ZWLWB4?ref=a_pd_The-C-_c3_lAsin_0_0&pf_rd_p=625c212d-b95a-47db-8d56-d35a359de6e9&pf_rd_r=W52BA86HMCHVS1RXS8WE&pageLoadId=Mr2Jow1VlFhkTZpS&creativeId=6c5159d7-bb10-4fb4-929b-ae2b2f5000c7

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