Smart Manufacturing Today

Women in Business: Marina Rajic, CEO BioViros

Tell readers what it is that you do? At BioViros, we make special tools called viral vectors to help fight cancer. Imagine these as tiny delivery vans. We take a harmless virus, remove its contents, and put in a special package instead. This package has instructions that can teach our own immune system to recognise and fight cancer. We produce these viral vectors in large quantities so they can be used in cancer treatments. It’s a bit like running a factory that makes special delivery vans, but these vans are 0.000000001 meters in size, and their cargo is to equip our white blood cells. So far, we have established a laboratory for production in Lower Hutt, and hired key people to do run the process in NZ. As we expand in 2023, we are prioritising communication with our investors, understanding that their partnership is crucial for the team growth and production scale up to enable production of viral vectors for clinical trials in NZ and beyond. Where are the opportunities in Bio Tech? In the last couple of years, we’ve seen a growth of FDA approved drugs for cell and gene therapy. We have decided to dive deeper into this and place our bets on viral vector manufacturing. I hope to see New Zealand attracting a lot of talent in the field of cell therapy in the very near future. Globally we will also probably see a shift towards personalised medicine, driven by genomics and bioinformatics where precise algorithms can tailor the treatments for individual patients. Does BioViros have overseas markets? A large portion of BioViros market will be overseas. We’ve talked to people from Australia, US and will look into Asia as well. Customers are mainly interested in sourcing a high-quality product without the fear of delays, because that […]

New Zealand research to fly on International Space Station

Dr Sarah Kessans. A research facility prototype developed in Christchurch will soon orbit Earth aboard the International Space Station (ISS) under a partnership between the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) and US space company Axiom Space. The facility for studying protein crystal growth in space, developed by Senior Lecturer at the University of Canterbury’s School of Product Design, Dr Sarah Kessans, in collaboration with teams from Arizona State University and Christchurch companies Asteria Engineering Consultancy and Intranel, was one of two projects selected for initial feasibility studies in 2022. “We signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Axiom last year and agreed to two feasibility studies, one of which led to Dr Kessans’ project,” MBIE Director of Innovative Partnerships Joe McKay said. “This facility could lead to major advances in medical, biotechnological, food science, and agricultural innovation and we are excited to support the next step.” Sarah’s research facility is scheduled to fly on Axiom Mission 3 (Ax-3) later this year, which will be the third private astronaut mission to the ISS. “Being able to conduct this research on the ISS is such a huge opportunity and really is critical to what we’re trying to achieve in terms of scientific innovation and future commercial outcomes,” Sarah said. “When protein crystals are grown in microgravity, they can develop into larger and higher quality crystals than what we can grow on Earth. These crystals can then be used to create high-resolution pictures of the protein’s structure. If we have a detailed picture of what virus proteins look like, for example, we can develop things like antiviral drugs and vaccines.” Current facilities for protein crystal growth on the Space Station require significant time and resources for astronauts to mix samples, set up experiments, observe growth and adjust settings as needed. By developing […]

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. The picture shows a V7 plant in Japan. 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 […]

Battery power plus product stewardship for a brighter future

By Dominic Salmon, 3R Group Business Development – Sustainable Solutions The transition away from fossil fuels will rely heavily on large batteries – it’s estimated that EVs and stationary energy storage batteries can enable 30% of the emissions reduction needed in the transport and energy sectors. The conversation can often steer towards electric vehicles, but large stationary batteries are just as important. Large batteries are not yet widely used in New Zealand outside of EVs and hybrid vehicles. However, the potential applications for stationery storage are huge. These range from use in homes to store excess solar power, to national power grid stabilisation, upgrading old, inefficient battery systems and even as back up for key infrastructure in the event of natural disasters such as Cyclone Gabrielle. The range of stakeholders in this area is wide, from EV and home solar system owners (and potential owners) to energy generation companies, vehicle and battery importers, recyclers and, well, just about anyone who has energy needs. Like all solutions though, thought needs to go into preventing unintended consequences. In the case of batteries, it’s ensuring they are ethically and sustainably produced and don’t become a problematic waste stream at end of life. While small markets like New Zealand, which don’t mine the minerals or manufacture large batteries, can’t have a direct impact on their production, we can ensure they are used as efficiently as possible. Importers, retailers and consumers can also use tools like the Global Battery Alliance’s battery passport to track battery health and environmental impact and create demand for ethically and sustainably manufactured batteries. Making this transition obviously isn’t straight forward but there is a significant amount of work being done, including in Aotearoa New Zealand by the Battery Industry Group (B.I.G). Batteries in the Land of the Long White Cloud […]

Mitigate or adapt? With climate change it’s both

If you’re dealing with the aftermath of the weather events, as many are, we wish you well. Adapting to climate change. Since the disastrous weather earlier this year, it’s a term we’ve heard regularly in the mainstream media. What does adapting involve? Why does it matter? As a manufacturer, do you need to keep reducing (mitigating) climate change as well as adapting to it? (The answer to that last question: an emphatic yes!) This article explains why mitigating and adapting to climate change must go hand-in-hand for New Zealand manufacturers. But first, the science Let’s start with the global picture. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change is adamant: a 1.5°C increase in global temperatures over pre-industrial levels will adversely affect the world’s climate. A 2°C increase will be more serious still. The cause of this warming? Greenhouse gases (GHGs). Zoom in to Aotearoa New Zealand. Scientists at the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) and University of Waikato are convinced that Cyclone Gabrielle’s devastating rainfall is an example of climate change. The cause? Global warming, due to GHGs, increases air temperatures. Warmer air holds much more water vapour. When this vapour cools, it rains. Photo credit: Kelly Sikkema on unsplash. What does mitigating climate change involve? Think of mitigation as the fence at the top of the cliff. Mitigation is about addressing the causes of climate change by reducing the GHGs we emit. If you’re a manufacturer, it could involve reducing the carbon in your products or moving your factory to renewable electricity. To date, governments and businesses have focussed on mitigation – with good reason. We all benefit when we reduce climate change. What does adapting to climate change involve? If mitigation is the fence, adaptation is the ambulance. With a poorly maintained fence (an atmosphere damaged by […]

Productivity – the only economic way forward

-Ian Walsh, Argon & Co New Zealanders are at a crossroads. Surely it is now apparent that continuing to do what we always did will not cut it in the next twenty years? Last month I shared that Ireland (once comparable to NZ) is now almost twice as productive as we are, whereas we now find ourselves in the bottom half of the OECD with our quality of life heading the wrong way. Just look at our nearest neighbour who can recruit our best and brightest, pay wages which match employee’s worth, and provide better work conditions and futures. How can this be? What are they doing differently? Why is their economy vibrant, enabling them to continue to recruit, attract, reward, and grow talent? We are now struggling to pay nurses, teachers, police officers and defence force the sustainable wages which encourage them to continue in the vital roles we need. Our infrastructure is not meeting the climate change challenge and we have major investments to make to future proof the country and help the global drive to curb the impacts of climate change. We have done many of the things that advanced economies have done to provide the environment to meet these challenges, including regulatory, taxation (still a work in progress, I note), committees, working groups and suchlike, yet we have not embraced the approaches larger more competitive economies have. The lower levels of competition due to distance, market size and cost to serve have been a barrier to entry, but since Covid this has changed. So, if we want to achieve the sustainable growing economy we need, then we must be internationally competitive. This means being world class. It means adopting proven best practices and relentlessly improving. What would it mean for your business to be able to […]

Engineering worth up to $18b a year to economy

Engineering New Zealand has released a report showing engineering contributes between $14.6 and $18.1 billion a year to New Zealand’s GDP – and that we will need almost 2,500 more engineers every year just to keep up with demand. The report by PwC shows engineering positions produce an average of about $228,000 of GDP per employee per year – nearly twice as much as the average New Zealand worker. Engineering New Zealand Chief Executive Richard Templer says, “It’s great to have an estimate of what engineering is worth to New Zealand.” “To understand how engineering contributes, PwC had to look inside every industry. Engineering spans the whole economy, from the things that most people associate with engineering, like structural and civil projects that build the infrastructure all New Zealanders rely on, to more niche areas, like food-processing engineering, artificial intelligence and biomechanical implants.” PwC estimates about 77,000 engineers are currently employed in New Zealand – around 3 percent of the workforce. The report says New Zealand will need almost 2,500 engineers every year assuming long-term economic growth of 3 percent. This doesn’t include the new engineers we need to replace those who retire, leave the profession or go overseas. Templer says, “In many ways the report has confirmed what we know – that engineers are of immense value to New Zealand’s economy, and that there’s a need for more engineering talent in New Zealand.” Templer also recognises the need to support diversity within the profession. “Only 18 percent of Engineering New Zealand’s members are women, and Māori and Pasifika are also underrepresented. In order to serve our communities effectively, engineers need to be more representative of those communities.” He points to initiatives like The Diversity Agenda and The Wonder Project, which aim to foster a more inclusive environment and show […]

NZ start-up FabriBotics poised to revolutionise metal manufacturing

FabriBotics, a new manufacturing start-up based in Tauranga, New Zealand, has developed technology in large-scale metal additive manufacturing. The company’s proprietary technology allows for the production of custom metal parts ranging from 1kg to 1000kg in size, using a variety of weldable materials, including stainless steel, aluminium, steel, and bronze. Founders Mike Fry and Ben Jackson began working on the 3D printing (Wire-Arc Additive Manufacturing, or WAAM) technology during an MBIE-funded research program at TiDA Ltd. The start-up has secured pre-seed investment from KiwiNet to further develop the technology and business. The applications for FabriBotics’ technology are vast with the ability to produce custom, large metal parts applicable across many industries, with 1kg to 1 tonne being the target size. Industries include heavy industry, power generation, marine, mining, agriculture, food processing, transport, and architecture. The technology offers a cost-effective solution for creating complex shapes and reducing the costs of machining. Using additive manufacturing to produce near-net-shape billets, the technology minimises material waste and maximises the efficiency of the manufacturing process. The technology also eliminates the need for expensive tooling required for traditional casting methods, making it an attractive option for replacing one-off cast components. Furthermore, the technology enables extensive repair options for broken metal products, offering a sustainable and economical alternative to replacing entire components. New Zealand is ideally placed to benefit from FabriBotics’ technology due to its long supply and logistics chains, high cost of labour and low value of metal waste. The ability to produce custom and niche metal parts on-shore will provide a much-needed solution for industries that currently have limited options for prototyping, spare parts and repairs. Commenting on the launch of FabriBotics, newly appointed Commercialisation Director Iain Hosie says “The potential for FabriBotics’ technology to revolutionise metal manufacturing in New Zealand is immense. With the ability […]

HERA recognises leading Metalminds at Future Forum Awards

In the picture: Innov8taiao (steel is sustainable) Award. The heavy engineering industries’ top innovators and changemakers were recognised at the HERA Future Forum Nation Dinner on 5 May 2023 at the Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū. Sponsored by New Zealand Steel, the awards celebrated the significant impact that individuals and teams are making across Aotearoa, honouring outstanding projects, innovations, and research that demonstrate leading vision and contribute to success within their respective industries. Dr Troy Coyle, HERA’s CEO, says, “I would like to congratulate the winners, finalists, and scholarship recipients for 2023. All of the work they do across the country invaluably contributes to the success of the industry and nurtures the values that will ensure we are servicing a better tomorrow. It is a privilege to acknowledge longstanding dedication, alongside new leaders and up and coming talent.” The 2023 award winners are: Keith Smith Memorial Award – Geoff Bird, Structural Technical Development Manager at Beca. Geoff’s contribution to the industry is a longstanding one, supporting HERA’s Structural Division in 1983 and moving on to become the Structural Manager of New Zealand Steel in 1992, where his work became instrumental in the widespread use of structural steel in multi-story buildings. Geoff is a significant knowledge benefactor for the industry, participating in HERA’s Steel Research Panel and SCNZ technical working groups. He is also an honorary lifetime member of the Structural Engineering Society (SESOC) and a Fellow of Engineering NZ. Next Gen Leadership, Leading Metalmind Award – Mike Ryan, GM of Operations at Farra Engineering. Mike impressed the judges with the breadth of projects for which he was able to achieve the seemingly impossible, as a result earning the informal title ‘guru of solving crazy engineering problems for the hydro industry’. His problem-solving work at the Burrinjuck Hydropower Station […]

SouthMACH 2023 – technology and manufacturing excellence

SouthMACH, the bi-annual technology trade fair returns to Christchurch Arena 24-25 May, in two weeks time. www.southmach.co.nz With on-going change in products and services for the manufacturing sector, some of it quite profound, it is important to visit trade fairs like this, to see the latest technologies available and mix and discuss business opportunities with your peers. IIvisitors Visitors include Canterbury University, progressive members of the chamber of commerce, industry leaders, engineers, technical specialists, operations managers, company decisionmakers and operatives who have a stake in the future of manufacturing in the South Island – and further afield. Students are warmly invited to visit, to view and consider potential career options for the future. Partake in… Make NZ’s ‘Listen and Learn’ manufacturing industry conference on May 24, as part of SouthMach which will focus on peer-to-peer learning opportunities for manufacturing leaders. It’s a one-day conference with presentations from well-known and exciting manufacturing leaders across three sessions,” says Aad van der Poel, exhibition sales and event manager for Xpo Exhibitions, organiser of SouthMach 2023. Sessions during Listen and Learn will include a focus on the local and global environment that New Zealand manufacturers operate in, innovation for profit – as well as products, processes and business models. Reducing waste and carbon footprint will be covered and many are looking forward to MESNZ’s James Neale with his presentation ‘If you want to reduce your carbon footprint, do your homework first’. Van der Poel says that the wide variety of key industry people with crucial information will help manufacturers meet customer expectations, become an employer of choice, and retain a social licence to operate, Industry 4.0, to name but a few. “You will walk away with plenty of new ideas for making the boat go faster in your factory, and future-proofing you manufacturing business,” […]

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