Smart Manufacturing Today

Nico Patchay - Niche Modular Construction

Wellington company showing the way for low carbon

The drive for low carbon has rapidly become a focal point for Aotearoa’s construction sector, where the most forward-thinking and innovative operators are partnering with other experts to decarbonise in ways that also deliver biological, ecological, and social co-benefits. One company showing the way is Wellington-based volumetric offsite manufacturing company Niche Modular Construction, whose technical manager Nico Patchay (left)spoke to HERA’s CEO Troy Coyle on the Stirring the Pot podcast about the business’ adoption of HERA’s Zero Carbon Steel program, Hōtaka Whakakore Puhanga Waro, which launched last year in a global first for the construction sector. The offsetting program means there is now a zero-carbon steel option for most steel products used in Aotearoa, noting that the sector has a number of other decarbonisation initiatives in play, including the recently announced plans to construct an Electric Arc Furnace at New Zealand Steel. The program is supported by the work of thinkstep-anz, which HERA commissioned to develop robust program rules to determine the underlying requirements for calculating the emissions for offsetting. HERA’s partnership with Ekos, a leader in carbon management and environmental financing, underpins the administration of the offsetting process, and offsets are sourced from native forest projects in the Pacific Islands. Niche Modular Construction was the first company to use HERA’s Zero Carbon Steel program, and is utilising the carbon offsets to reduce the net emissions of its steel modular building projects, which are primarily classroom buildings. Niche operates in both the public and private sectors and is also exploring the potential application of offsets in modular apartments. Niche currently utilises around 15 tonnes of steel in its builds and has its own engineering department that handles all aspects of the structural steel components. Niche Modular reports the additional costs of using Zero Carbon Steel have been manageable; it bears […]

World class applies to government too!

From August issue NZ Manufacturer -Ian Walsh, Argon & Co Over the last few years, I have written about the need for business, government, and educational institutions to come together to address NZ’s productivity crisis. Recent actions by government show the extent of the work to be done. Funding has been cut for trade training and apprenticeship funding (TTAF) and fees free funding is nigh on impossible to access if you have ever done any level 3 or above training or a degree anywhere. These funds have now been redirected to universities to help with their funding gaps due to lower overseas enrolments etc. Whilst I understand the need to support institutions through this post covid period as they re-establish their new reality and business models it should not be at the expense of training and developing our future leaders in productivity! It is instructive to note that the UK is funding productivity training directly and reviewing university funding based on contribution to the economy. Of course, this creates arguments about how you value this, but the UK is clearly prioritising the need to build capability to ensure they can be more productive and competitive in future. They have stiff competitors, Ireland is setting new benchmarks, Brexit has challenged traditional relationships. It could be argued this is not relevant to NZ so for a more local comparison, Australia. On a per head basis, they train twice as many people in post graduates diplomas as we do! Over 15 years ago the UK drove the adoption of lean as a key strategy of Highways England, with documented savings as an outcome. Over the last few years, they have delivered significant projects on time and on budget with billions of pounds of savings. The key point to this is government and the […]

Ways to decarbonise heavy industry

Heavy industry in the world’s most advanced economies can become carbon neutral – if governments implement the right policies in the next five years. Chemical,steel, cement and other heavy industries are critical to everyday things we rely on, like vehicles, buildings and surgical supplies, the IEA explains. But producing these materials involves vast amounts of energy and heat. This means it’s harder for heavy industry to reach ‘net zero’ – carbon neutrality – with steel and cement producers facing particular challenges. What to do Set a clear direction Ambitious plans with clear targets should be developed for industry sectors by no later than the mid-2020s, backed by clear policies that promote innovative technologies and the efficient use of materials. Show industry what works Demonstration projects in different regions would show how industries can operate with near-zero CO2 emissions. Governments should be deciding in the next one to two years how to finance these and reduce any risk. At least two or three methods should demonstrate ways to produce both steel and cement with near-zero emissions, the IEA suggests. Finance innovation in heavy industry Grants, low interest loans and other types of finance could help fund the roll-out of near-zero emission technologies. Funding would help new and existing industrial plants and related areas like transport and storage. Boost demand for near-zero technologies Governments can help boost demand for materials made with near-zero emissions. This might include long-term support for first mover commercial plants in different technologies. Public sector procurement contracts that span a number of years are an example of government support. Work together An international industry decarbonisation alliance could include agreeing “concrete commitments” with the main aim to accelerate industry’s transition to net zero. Adjust measurement tools Carbon emissions from industry differ across plants, sectors and countries. For this reason, […]

Will digital enablement make our company less human?

-Scott Adams, Argon & Co The answer is a clear “no,” quite the opposite, as it will require clever design, selection, implementation, and maintenance. And if you have done it right it will provide you with more time to do human things like strategy, talking with clients and colleagues, and with increased overall productivity rather than less time working, and more time enjoying life. The automation of routine, complex or dangerous activity is an inevitable and logical path forward for New Zealand businesses. We should be increasingly looking first to a digital solution for any problem or opportunity and always one that is easy to use and maintain. For instance, there is a vast amount of software solutions that are easy to buy, and use, and if we have done well the software will even integrate with other software to digitally enable an end-to-end process. Therefore, we can make our working life much easier if we understand our business processes and therefore our requirements. Many of us in business are getting quite practiced at this new and necessary skill set. Right now, depending on your role you are doing a good proportion of your work without having to think too hard. You, and NZ, would be better off if a larger proportion of our working time was spent thinking hard. Solving big problems, dreaming up new designs, creating rich content, crafting a chair, and writing songs. For most of us we would need that harder work compensated for with more rest and leisure time. So, this might seem like a logical and forgone conclusion of increasing digitisation, but the journey and destination are not certain at a company level. It would be best to prepare well to approach this increasingly digital future with more confidence. Firstly, start by educating the […]

Maori in Engineering podcasts proving popular

Alyce Lysaght, a graduate water engineer at WSP, produces and hosts Maori in Engineering podcasts, that are proving to be very popular. This is an ideal way to influence and reach community and provide a popular picture of the engineering profession through storytelling. The podcasts can all be viewed on the one site https://www.maori-in-engineering.com/podcast

Women founders lay down challenge for New Zealand to do business better

2023 women founder conference, Electrify Aotearoa: Auckland, saw the best and brightest women in business lay down the challenge for New Zealand to do better. The best and brightest women in Aotearoa business want improvements to the business sector and they’re not going to wait around for someone to fix things.. Organised and presented by Ministry of Awesome and hosted at the SkyCity Theatre, Electrify Aotearoa saw keynotes from a broad selection of Aotearoa’s most electric founders, including Janine Grainger of Easy Crypto , Maru Nihoniho, of Metia Interactive, and Frances Shoemack of Abel along with 20 other inspirational speakers and startup experts conducting masterclasses and panel discussions. A key challenge for New Zealand business laid down by Electrify Aotearoa was to support and invest capital in as many women-led start-ups as men. Other panels at the event included, Barriers to investment led by Theresa Gattung, Founder mindset led by Suse Reynolds of Angel Association NZ with Supie’s Sarah Balle and Jessica Manins, Co-Founder at Beyond, as well as masterclasses in brand and go-to-market, suitable for entrepreneurs at all stages of their growth trajectory. Sold out for its second consecutive year, Electrify Aotearoa again underlined the inportance of building deeper connections among entrepreneurial wahine, to lift each other up and open doors for one another. Ministry of Awesome CEO, Marian Johnson said the event was a “thunderclap” moment for women in business in Aotearoa to demand and lead the change the country needs. “To every woman in this room, this is your call to action to believe, to activate, to connect with each other and power up. Every one of our speakers is a trailblazer and an innovator so tell their stories, tell your own, and share that inspiration around,” Johnson said. “For NZ to be a world leading innovation economy, […]

Electrical apprentice challenge back for 2023

With the annual challenge to find New Zealand’s best electrical apprentice back for 2023, the winners of the 2022 challenge have some sage advice for those considering entering, and for the employers of the young sparkies about to be put to the test. Exposure to all the varied elements of the industry that the competition provides is invaluable, says Mathew Masters, who won the Industrial Award in last year’s Master Electricians Apprentice Challenge, sponsored in part by Schneider Electric. “Taking part in the challenge is a rewarding way to upskill. The team at Dalton Electrical supported me with my learning going into it, and I was given opportunities many apprentices wouldn’t get to touch. “There’s a lot I didn’t know about the expanse of the industry when I came into it; I just wanted to do something hands-on after university, and now I’ve found what I’m good at. “I come from a programming background and the challenge was a catalyst for me to learn my way up. People want homes that run off their phones, but automation is becoming applicable in so many contexts now – including industrial – and I’ve been able to see the technical side of it, which opens up a whole new space in the electrical industry for me to explore.” Mathew’s advice for young people is “not to be afraid of the trades,” a sentiment shared by Palmerston North-based Thomas Mitchell, who recently completed his apprenticeship with Hedley Electrical and was the Domestic/Commercial Award winner in the 2022 Challenge. “I left school with an Excellence in NCEA but wasn’t overly excited about any of the careers that seemed to stem from university education. I came up against a bit of stigma about the trades being held in less esteem as a viable professional path, but […]

The surprising ally shining a light on manufacturing and industrial sector

Naked Creative, a surprising boutique marketing agency based in Invercargill, is making significant waves in the New Zealand marketing scene by successfully partnering with heavy industry companies and supporting their growth and international expansion. In a refreshing departure from the norm, Naked Creative has proven that big hitters in the marketing world can emerge from unexpected places, challenging the notion that major cities are the sole hub for marketing expertise. Despite their smaller size, Naked Creative has established themselves as a formidable force in the industry. Their unique approach and expertise have allowed them to carve out a niche in working with primary sector, food handling and manufacturing, engineering, and logistics companies. Through their innovative strategies and tailored campaigns, Naked Creative has become the go-to agency for these industries, providing targeted and effective marketing solutions. Naked Creative Chief Executive Erin McCall (pictured here,right, with Naked Creative Director, Carla Forbes) acknowledged the advantages of being a boutique agency based in Invercargill. “It’s actually a blessing being boutique, and with a head office in Southland as we have significant primary industry and industrial companies here. It’s what we know. “We have transferred that knowledge to lots of organisations throughout New Zealand, and our size has allowed us to be nimble and move quickly,” she said. Naked Creative’s collaboration with industrial clients throughout New Zealand has earned them a reputation for delivering exceptional results. They have displayed a keen understanding of the specific needs and challenges faced by companies in these sectors, playing an instrumental role in supporting their growth and facilitating successful expansions into international markets. NZX-listed engineering and industrial automation innovator, MHM Automation has worked with the agency for many years. MHM Automation CEO Richard Rookes said the partnership they have with Naked Creative was a valuable one. “The team take […]

Have you ignited your Power Rangers?

-Insa Errey, Advisor, NZ Manufacturer www.nzmanufacturer.co.nz How the power of staff engagement leads to energy reduction. While technological advancements and infrastructure improvements play a crucial role in decarbonisation, one often overlooked factor is staff engagement. Employees who are actively engaged in energy-saving initiatives can make a significant impact on energy reduction and as such emissions reduction. This article explores the relationship between staff engagement and energy reduction, highlighting the benefits of fostering an engaged workforce. Raising Awareness: Raising awareness among employees is one of the primary ways staff engagement can contribute to energy reduction. By conducting awareness campaigns, providing training sessions, or implementing internal communication channels to disseminate information, employees become educated about the importance of energy conservation. Ensure the process is fun and relatable, to get your staff onboard. Understanding the impact of their actions, ignites them to become more conscious of their energy usage. Engaged employees are more likely to adopt energy-efficient behaviours and encourage others to do the same. Behaviour Change: Engaging employees in energy savings initiatives encourages them to change their behaviour. Simple actions such as turning off lights when not in use and powering down computers can collectively contribute to significant energy reductions. This can then be extended at their workstation. If their workstation had an Energy Star rating what would it be, and how could this be improved? Engaged employees serve as role models for their peers and promote a culture of energy consciousness throughout the organisation. Employee Empowerment: Engaging employees in energy reduction efforts empowers them to take ownership of their workplace environment. When employees feel empowered, they are more likely to actively participate. Organisations can involve staff members in energy audits, encourage them to identify areas of improvement, and implement their suggestions. This involvement creates a sense of ownership and strengthens the […]

Mergers: The way to growth?

-Ian Walsh, Partner, Argon & Co With inflation at a high, the cost of capital has now caused the deferral of many projects, or to make the cost of any investment more palatable, the restructuring of them. In addition, many senior leaders, having navigated COVID and the associated supply chain disruptions, have already invested in additional storage and now find interest rates sky rocketing. In this environment many business owners (and baby boomers especially) are choosing to retire or find themselves needing to sell due to cash constraints, the interest rates, and difficult trading conditions. This, of course presents opportunities for growth-minded companies to acquire businesses and associated capital. The challenge is how to do this well. It is one thing to write a cheque, it is another to acquire and integrate a high performing asset quickly to realise the merger benefits. Unfortunately, I have seen many businesses do the former and struggle for years to achieve the benefit, if ever. In fact, only 6% of capital projects deliver target objectives in the first two months. But the prospect of merging can be enticing; an established footprint, brand, proven capability, established supply lines, existing capital, complimentary capability and so on. So, why do so few do this well? In my experience, it is a function of a number of things: The leaders of the purchasing business overestimate their understanding of the new business, and do not engage or retain adequate support. They do not create an integration team to manage all the aspects of the integration, and as they are inexperienced in mergers and integrations (it is not their core business) they do not know the pitfalls, heading blindly forward without a sherpa. If they do create a team, the brief is narrow, failing to consider all the elements of […]

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