Smart Manufacturing Today

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 […]

Waikato company key carbon and stainless steel tube player

Precision component production ignited with 3D Tube Laser Cutter Industrial Tube Manufacturing, located in the Waikato, has established itself as a key player in the domestic market of carbon and stainless steel tube. Their dedication to constantly improving and expanding has enabled them to attain remarkable success in the industry. Bolstering its national reputation as a reliable supplier of high-quality steel tube, Industrial Tube commissioned its game-changing 3D Tube Laser Cutter last year – a one-of-a-kind in New Zealand that has sparked a surge in demand for its services and solidified the company’s position as a leader in the industry. Industrial Tube general manager Ian Foster says the company is proud to have been a cornerstone of the Waikato manufacturing community for almost four decades now, catering to a wide range of industries with its broad product offering and excellent service. “With the market demanding efficiency, versatility and extreme attention to detail, investment in automation and innovation has been a key focus for our business,” says Foster. Known as ‘Pro-Tube services’, Industrial Tube offers 3D laser cutting, CNC Drilling, deburring, tapering, swaging and telescoping of tube, including carbon steel, pre galvanised steel and stainless steel, in addition to its extensive milled tube offering. “Pro-Tube raises the bar in terms of what’s possible in tube processing and manufacturing. New technology like the 3D Tube Laser Cutter, coupled with the experience and knowledge of our engineers, means we can deliver more options and alternatives to New Zealand businesses that are seeking high-quality, customised components,” he says. Since its integration into Industrial Tube’s manufacturing processes, the 3D Tube Laser Cutter has unleashed a wave of opportunities for local manufacturers. The precision, speed, and versatility offered by this cutting-edge machinery have elevated the capabilities of businesses, enabling them to create intricate components with precision […]

Kemppi Australia’s Art of Welding Competition now open

Kemppi Australia’s annual Art of Welding Competition is now open for 2023. The competition showcases “welding art” which can take the form of a welded sculpture, pattern design, a motif or an object. The welding process involved to create the art piece can be manual or use more advanced techniques such as robotics, lasers or friction welding. The competition is open to both professional artists and amateurs. It encourages individuals, whether they are welders, apprentices, teachers, hobbyists or professional metal artists to exhibit their creativity. “There is an abundance of creativity in both Australia and New Zealand, not just among our great professional artists, but also among ordinary individuals, and we are really proud to be able to again run this competition to showcase their flair,” said Paul McVicar, Managing Director, Kemppi Australia. This year, the competition will again feature a dedicated amateur category. Entrants can win from a pool of four great prizes that include Kemppi welding equipment, helmets, clothing and gloves. The competition will run until Friday 29th September and is open to anyone in Australia and New Zealand over the age of 18. For more information on how to enter visit the Kemppi Australia Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn pages or message Kemppi Australia’s social media pages directly or email skettos@skettos.com.au for a copy of the competition flyer. Alternatively, visit https://www.cognitoforms.com/KemppiAustralia/KemppiArtOfWelding2023CompetitionEntryForm for access to the entry form.

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