Publications

MADE A SNAPSHOT OF TARANAKI’S MAKERS, INNOVATORS AND CREATORS

CONTENTS F I TZROY EN GINEERING

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METH AN EX

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1

CSA SURF B OA RDS

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BY T HE N U M B E R S

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E CO IN N OVAT I O N

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FO NTERRA – CO LLI NGWOOD STREET 26

LO N Z A

7

HIV ETE C H

8

S WITC H F LOAT

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M A D E – A S N A P S H OT O F TA R A N AK I ’S M AK E RS, IN N OVATO R S , AN D C R EATO R S

Q P SPO RT

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B REMNER MUSIC

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ECL

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D EVO N PLASTICS

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EH L

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32 33

PAC E E N G I N E E R I N G

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LOWE F U R N I T U R E

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N E XA N S

12

R IV E T

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TH E H O ME O F MA KERS, I NN OVATO RS A ND CREATO R S

T R ACK I T

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A H ELPI NG H AND

TA R A N AK I P I N E

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S E N T IN E L I N S P E C T IO N S E RV IC E S

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HOWA R D W R I G H T

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A R M AT E C E N V IRO N M E N TA L

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C A R AC G RO U P

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YA R ROWS FAM I LY BA KERS

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P R E CIS I O N M IC RO C I RC U I T S

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G LO BAL S TA I N LE S S

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TARANAKI REGION

AC KN OW LE DG E M E NTS Published by Venture Taranaki Trust, June 2018.

Venture Taranaki greatly acknowledges the support and assistance of Taranaki’s many makers, innovators and producers.

Photographs: Nasa/USGS, Patrick Reynolds, Rob Tucker, Graham Nelson, Venture Taranaki, and supplied by profiled companies.

Project Manager: Dr Anne Probert, Venture Taranaki. anne@venture.org.nz Design: C7 Design Writing and editing: Tracey Howarth, Antony Rhodes ISBN: 978-0-473-44495-2 Disclaimer: The report is provided as general content only. Neither Venture Taranaki, nor its employees or stakeholders, nor any of the contributing organisations, accepts any responsibility on any grounds whatsoever, including negligence, to any other person. While every effort has been made to ensure that the information included are accurate and reliable, Venture Taranaki or any contributing organisations or individuals shall not be liable for any adverse consequences of decisions made in reliance of any report provided.

MADE

A S N A P SH OT O F TA RANAKI’S MAKE RS , INN OVATO R S , A N D CRE ATO RS .

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producers, but all played a critical role in terms of innovation and economic impact.

That publication highlighted that the number of people employed in Taranaki is comparatively high for the size of our region – in fact Taranaki’s percentage in this respect is the second highest of any region in New Zealand. More than half of our people work in food product manufacturing, again one of the highest percentages in the country, while engineering is also a key strength of our production base.

This publication builds upon this focus on manufacturing, extending coverage – in terms of both the number and diversity – of companies involved in the sector, and

ilbur Wright once remarked that it’s possible to fly without motors, but not without knowledge and skill. The same can be said for manufacturing, where machinery, robotics and technology can get the job done, but the success of the output is even more dependent on creativity, innovation and ideas.

Venture Taranaki launched its first manufacturing profile of the Taranaki region in June 2017. That publication included 17 of the province’s manufacturers, and painted one of the first pictures of this strategically important, but often overlooked component of our regional economy. Some of the companies profiled were household names, while others could be described as high-value niche

It is the people who have identified problems, needs, demands and solutions. It is this place, and our people, that lie at the heart of this publication.

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MADE – A SNAPSHOT OF TARANAKI’S MAKERS, INNOVATORS AND CREATORS

unequivocally demonstrating that Taranaki is a place where enterprise, and things, are ‘made.’

More important, though, is showcasing the talents, ideas and innovations that are behind those businesses. It is the people who have identified problems, needs, demands and solutions. It is this place, and our people, that lie at the heart of this publication.

Measuring our level of innovation, enterprise and creativity however, is a challenging task. We have commenced this benchmarking endeavour by documenting Taranaki’s level of self-employment, the number of new business start-ups and the investment made in the past 10 years through research and development grants. We have analysed our strengths in specialist design, engineering and scientific and technical services, as well as the level of importance Taranaki businesses place on technology for business success, and their perception concerning how we currently rate. Technology and innovation are viewed as instrumental components of regional development which will significantly transform some of our key industries, and which should be prioritised.

The release of Tapuae Roa, Taranaki’s regional economic development strategy, reaffirms this direction, noting that the wealth and successes of our region must stem not only from our rich natural resources, but increasingly from the ‘smarts’ of our people: less wealth beneath our feet and more wealth between our ears, to reference that document.

As we look to transition our economy from advantages that are dependent on raw ingredients to those that are built on great ideas, we need to identify, develop and leverage those talents, transforming ideas that stem from human capital into enterprise.

This publication has been extended to help Taranaki begin that journey and identify not just the big producers of stuff, but the makers of ideas and how those ideas have been nurtured to become enterprises.

Our landscape may be legendary, but this document forms part of a concerted shift in thinking beyond geology and geography to focus on people. It is their knowledge and skill that will make this plane fly higher and further.

Dr Anne Probert, Venture Taranaki

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Our landscape may be legendary, but this document forms part of a concerted shift in thinking beyond geology and geography to focus on people. It is their knowledge and skill that will make this plane fly higher and further.

Participants in Startup Weekend Taranaki, a fast-paced event that progresses ideas into potential start-ups, at New Plymouth’s Manifold coworking space. Photo: Graham Nelson.

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MADE – A SNAPSHOT OF TARANAKI’S MAKERS, INNOVATORS AND CREATORS

INNOVATORS, MAKERS AND CREATORS

BY THE NUMBERS 40,199 Estimated total employment, including self employed, in New Plymouth District

57,209

3,363

Taranaki Total estimated employment, including self employed

Estimated total employment, including self employed, in Stratford District

13,647 Estimated total employment, including self employed, in South Taranaki District

4

540

9,663

Manufacturing businesses in Taranaki

People in self-employment in Taranaki

8,695

16.9%

Employees work in manufacturing in Taranaki

Self-employment as a percentage of the total Taranaki workforce

1,335

Taranaki ranks

2nd Highest Region in NZ

Number of business ‘births’ in Taranaki (annual to February 2017)

In terms of the percentage of manufacturing to regional employment

$15.2 m

Taranaki’s top four manufacturing subsectors that provide highest levels of employment in Taranaki are:

1

2

Dairy Meat product/ processing cheese production

3

Poultry

Value of R&D grants processed by Venture Taranaki for Taranaki businesses (2007-2017)

4

7.1/10

Structural steel/ fabrication/ engineering

Taranaki businesses rank the importance of technology to economic success

$122 m

NEXT FIVE YEARS – ANTICIPATED INDUSTRY TRANSFORMATION DUE TO TECHNOLOGY (%)

SPECIALIST ENGINEERING, DESIGN AND OTHER SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL SERVICES

35.0

Contribution to Taranaki’s regional GDP p.a.

30.0 25.0 20.0

Key areas of Taranaki expertise in specialist technical services: Engineering design and consulting

Computer systems design and related services

15.0

ng

cturi

fa Manu

30.4

16.7 16.7 15.7

10.0

Surveying and mapping

y

italit

p e e/hos ultur ealth ervic s / l i H Agric a Ret

5.0 0.0

tion tion porta Trans r Othe

a Educ

8.8

6.9

4.9

As ranked by Taranaki businesses, November 2017

*Statistics sourced from Infometrics, Statistics NZ and Venture Taranaki. Image Credit: NASA/USGS

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MADE – A SNAPSHOT OF TARANAKI’S MAKERS, INNOVATORS AND CREATORS

E C O I N N OVAT I O N

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n an unassuming outbuilding on a lifestyle block at the foot of Mt Taranaki, mechanical engineer and inventor Michael Lawley creates life changing customised renewable energy solutions exported to customers dotted around the world.

These customers range from lifestylers in remote or inaccessible spots in all corners of the globe, through to some of the billions of people in developing countries who live without power. It is not uncommon for Lawley to provide a customised hydro turbine to power a small, isolated village in Asia or South America – dramatically changing the lives of hundreds of people with the educational and employment opportunities that power can bring.

He cleverly re-uses recycled Smart Drive motors in his products too – the same motor that is a household name thanks to Fisher and Paykel who invented the motors for their

washing machines.

What makes Lawley more than just a clever inventor and his work transformative, is the bespoke nature of each of his hydro solutions – each hydro turbine is customised to suit the client’s needs, the physical situation the turbine will be working in, and how easily or not the turbine will be able to be maintained and serviced in years to come.

Lawley employs two others to build, test and dispatch the turbines and offers internships to engineering and renewable energy students. He focuses the student’s time on specific research and development projects and in the process no doubt inspires the next wave of innovators and problem solvers that anything is possible, even powering small villages in remote places from heartland Taranaki. www.ecoinnovation.co.nz

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LONZA

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t’s not every day that a leading Swiss-based biotech company brings a niche New Plymouth agrichemical and timber treatment company into its fold and what’s more, invests millions of dollars into the development of a new state of the art lab for research and technology. But that’s exactly what happened in 2015, when global heavyweight Lonza recognised Zelam’s successful track record and voted for its future potential by purchasing and investing in the company.

Zelam were already recognised as global experts in crop and wood protection research and solutions, marketing products such as insecticides and herbicides for crop protection as well as chemicals to prevent the rot and decay in timber. With Lonza’s backing the New Zealand team now has access to new

international markets as well as investment in capital projects – like the new lab – and the equipment and people to grow their smart science-based research company. In fact, production is expanding and creating employment for around a dozen new team members.

Once again, a Taranaki business is punching above its weight in research and development and excelling on a world stage. In the process Lonza is creating strong employment opportunities, exciting growth potential and adding an important layer of diversification into the region’s mix of core industries. And with Lonza’s global resources and more than a century of chemical know-how to draw on there is unlimited potential for growth. www.lonza.com

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MADE – A SNAPSHOT OF TARANAKI’S MAKERS, INNOVATORS AND CREATORS

HIVETECH

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ith critical importance being placed on clearly demonstrating to global clients that New Zealand honey can be tracked to source, and any counterfeits confidently exposed, it may come as a surprise to learn that the technology at the forefront of this traceability internationally, is Taranakibased HiveTech.

HiveTech is a technology solution provider for the commercial beekeeping industry, developing products to ensure honey is traceable, hives are kept healthly and disease free and beekeepers are kept safe when working in remote areas. With HiveTech technology, when honey boxes are sent to the processing factory, a full history of the hive that produced this honey can be read automatically from radio frequency identification tags (RFID) attached to the honey boxes.

This provides the honey industry with true pot to hive traceability, a key requirement of New Zealand export partners such as China and Europe. With the value and reputation of honey, especially Manuka Honey, knowing where every drop of honey is in the system and where it has come from is vital.

Hivetech, part of Taranaki’s Barton Holdings, launched in mid2017 and has already garnered two prestigious awards – the Roy Paterson Trophy for Innovation at the ApiCulture New Zealand Conference and the TSB Innovation Excellence Award at the TSB Business Awards, both in 2017 – and has qualified for the finals of the New Zealand Tech Awards in 2018.

What this Taranaki technology means for the commercial beekeeping industry and New Zealand exports alone far exceeds a slew of awards – it means New Zealand is once again on the world stage for not only a quality primary product, but now for our innovative, industry enhancing technology. And, the reputation of New Zealand’s honey industry remains untarnished.

www.hivetech.nz

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S W I TC H F LOAT

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eeing costly energy industry drilling projects come to a grinding holt when drill strings got stuck in wells inspired Taranaki mechanical engineer Mark Horwell to come up with a solution. The clever Switchfloat system the inventor landed upon, is not only a time and money saver for the multimillion-dollar energy industry, it’s also a world first innovation.

Horwell tested and refined his innovative drill string float-valve system in high temperatures and high pressure wells to develop a product that would perform in the extreme conditions of a drilling environment. And perform it did.

Lengthy (and costly) delays associated with

stuck drill pipe are significantly reduced with drill string non return valves that can be locked open and shut downhole. Pipe recovery and drilling survey tools conveyed on wireline are able to pass through Switchfloat valves while remaining placed within the well. Horwell likens using his invention to taking out insurance, it may not be needed, but if it is, you stand to save a lot of money and time.

Proudly imagined and developed in Taranaki, there is worldwide interest in the Switchfloat valve and it is in demand in oil, gas and geothermal organisations in New Zealand, Australia and the US. www.switchfloat.com

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MADE – A SNAPSHOT OF TARANAKI’S MAKERS, INNOVATORS AND CREATORS

PAC E EN GI N EERI N G

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uccessful engineering companies are commonplace in Taranaki. What makes Pace Engineering, a family owned mechanical engineering company, stand out from their competitors is how they have complemented their traditional mechanical engineering services with the sale, installation and support of high end JCB power generation and Kaeser compressed air equipment.

Not only is this expansion a natural fit with their existing business, it has also presented opportunities to trade on their reputation and grow and diversify their client base to include the likes of poultry, dairy farming and rental industries.

Their growth has also meant the team has been able to open a Waikato division in

Hamilton to help serve their upper North Island customers.

For customers, they have access to a true one-stop shop of engineering services. It’s not uncommon for the power and compressed air side of the business to generate work for the engineering workshop, resulting in customised turn-key solutions for clients.

For Taranaki, Pace generates employment for around 75 people and the power and compressed air side of the business has resulted in the upskilling of some of those personnel, adding to the local talent base. Pace Engineering is an excellent illustration of the region’s innovation and evolution in engineering. www.power-air.co.nz

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LOWE FURNITURE

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rading Auckland’s big city challenges for the ease of running a business in Taranaki was an easy choice for talented furniture makers and entrepreneurs Jason and Katherine Lowe who relocated their business in 2017.

The move made sense in every possible way for the couple who could not only see the financial benefits of being based in a smaller region, but also the lifestyle opportunities of moving and growing their custom-designed furniture making business in Taranaki.

Now based in Bell Block, the pair, along with two employees, manufacture custom furniture for retailers, architects, interior designers and private clients throughout New Zealand – their location only enhancing the bespoke nature of their business.

What sets them apart is their balance of being able to produce custom designed pieces

with wholesale capabilities. They have the design talent, craftsmanship, machinery and the systems to scale up or down depending on the product, market and client.

Sustainability and being eco-responsible is also important to the pair and they only use sustainably grown timber, most often sourced from the Pacific Islands and the United States.

They constantly review their business practices to ensure that their only impact is to make the environment better.

The Lowe’s vision is to see more retailers, customers and industry professionals realise that they don’t have to import quality custom design furniture from the likes of Europe and the US, the quality and individuality is available in New Zealand, and in the Lowe’s case, right here in Taranaki. www.lowefurniture.co.nz

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MADE – A SNAPSHOT OF TARANAKI’S MAKERS, INNOVATORS AND CREATORS

NEXANS

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wide range of electrical power cables, from low voltage through to medium voltage power cables with ratings up to 33kV, all of which are quality and environmentally certified to ISO9001 and ISO14001.

Nexans’ strategy is founded on continuous innovation in products, solutions and services, employee development, customer training and the introduction of safe, low-environmentalimpact industrial processes.

Their team of experts can also provide technical consultancy, cable design, logistics solutions and other specialist services. These value-added benefits are a product of their extensive experience in the industry.

Nexans New Zealand is part of the Nexans Group which is represented in over 40 countries worldwide, employing close to 26,000 people.

As part of the global group, Nexans New Zealand pride themselves on having the best of both worlds – local expertise and global capabilities!

s the country’s largest power cable supplier, Nexans New Zealand manufactures a wide range of electrical cable solutions for the energy, infrastructure, industrial, building and construction markets.

They have been manufacturing and distributing power cables since 1967, and today provide high quality cable and consulting services for, on average, 200 projects around New Zealand and the Pacific every year, ranging in size from relatively small residential and commercial works to major multimillion dollar infrastructure projects.

Nexans have supplied custom cabling solutions to a number of major projects in the Taranaki region: Kupe production plant, the McKee project, and the Taranaki Combined Cycle and Peaker Plant to name a few.

Nexans New Zealand employ over 140 staff, with a manufacturing facility and head office in New Plymouth, and sales and distribution warehouses in Christchurch and Auckland.

The New Plymouth factory produces a

www.nexans.co.nz

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RIVET

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approach to engineering and willingness to take on new and different projects. One of their latest and more unique commissions was creating a still for local gin producers Juno Gin. Established in 1990 Rivet has two dedicated modern well-equipped workshops, a stainless steel fabrication workshop in New Plymouth and an engineering workshop in Bell Block.

They also specialise in laser, plasma and water jet profile cutting.

The company has recently been ISO9001 accredited, an international standard that reaffirms their commitment to quality through all their systems and procedures and consistently meeting or exceeding customer requirements.

here aren’t many steel fabricating companies that have a permanent 14m high billboard showcasing their work, but New Plymouth’s Rivet has in the form of the Len Lye Centre which they provided the mirror-like stainless steel panels for in 2015.

Not all of their work is as high profile as the Len Lye Centre, but they have a reputation for delivering top quality clever stainless steel, sheetmetal products and engineering solutions for all their clients. Their products range from custom-made, one-off pieces like the Len Lye Centre panels and the St Andrew’s church spire, to strengthening, tanks and components for the dairy, water treatment, food, energy, building and electrical industries New Zealand wide.

Employing 48 people, the award-winning Rivet team is known for their innovative

www.rivet.net.nz

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MADE – A SNAPSHOT OF TARANAKI’S MAKERS, INNOVATORS AND CREATORS

TRACKIT

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ooking in from the outside, New Plymouthbased software and web services company Efinity has used their online and digital technology expertise to solve a frustrating, time consuming and ultimately expensive problem they observed in the local energy sector – how to effectively and efficiently manage people and asset logistics within companies and collaboratively across the industry.

Their new and clever solution, Trackit Energy, is a cloud-based logistics software solution that has already proven its worth in creating efficiencies, improving compliance and reducing costs for the energy sector not only locally but internationally too.

The scalable and customisable nature of the software has meant it has wide application across other sectors. A joint venture with Massey University is in place to help track student’s

practical and evidence-based assessments and skills and the team is working with other education providers to help solve their logistics problems. Interest in the software’s potential has also been received from organisations including Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise and the Ministry of Civil Defence.

In the process of creating Trackit Energy, a Taranaki company has grown their business of being successful web developers and designers servicing local and national clients, to creating a leading edge software product with global interest and application across multiple industries. And in doing so have broadened the boundaries of what business type they see themselves. www.trackitenergy.com

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TA R A N A K I P I N E

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improving structural performance, developing superior coating systems and improving durability treatment processes of wood.

They have invested in new technology, with an emphasis on maximising the volume of timber cut from each log – increasing overall productivity and minimising waste.

Not only is Taranakipine responsive to worldwide interest in engineered wood, they are also capitalising on the growing demand for Radiata pine as tropical hardwood forests have been over harvested and hardwood is becoming a scarce and very expensive resource.

“Now is a good time to be a grower, manufacturer, designer and builder using New Zealand’s own Radiata pine for a wide range of engineered wood products,” says Taranakipine’s CEO Tom Boon.

aranakipine has evolved over the past 60 years from a small family owned-business based at National Park processing native logs, into leaders in value-added engineered wood products using sustainable 100% renewable plantation New Zealand Radiata pine.

Now based in New Plymouth, the Taranakipine team of 170 manufactures a comprehensive range of timber products for both the local market and for export to Australia, Europe and North America.

A key feature of wood’s growing appeal includes its flexibility under stress such as earthquakes, cost competitiveness, long-life, its environmental benefits, ease of use, speed of installation and finally its finished look.

With a strong focus on research and development, the team at Taranakipine has prioritised product advancements, such as

www.taranakipine.co.nz

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MADE – A SNAPSHOT OF TARANAKI’S MAKERS, INNOVATORS AND CREATORS

SENTINEL INSPECTION SERVICES

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aranaki’s local non-destructive testing (NDT) specialists, Sentinel Inspection Services, spotted an opportunity to improve on a routine pipe inspection system that not only saves their oil and gas customers time and money but in the process has cemented their reputation as innovators in the inspection business.

What’s more, the small and agile Sentinel team managed to research, test and develop this exciting new tool in parallel with growing their new business.

Sentinel’s industry-changing pipe inspection system determines the lifespan of equipment by measuring the level of corrosion under pipe supports and accurately calculates whether they need replacing now or later. For customers,

this means they can use this knowledge to determine the lifespan and management of their pipes, reduce down time as they can now factor in and plan for pipe replacements and it reduces the risk of corroded pipes bursting, not only saving time and money but also improving safety in the multimillion-dollar energy sector.

While this new bespoke inspection tool was developed primarily for use in the energy sector, Sentinel’s menu of other non-destructive testing, heat treatment and statutory inspection services is called on by manufacturing, construction and engineering clients throughout New Zealand. www.sentinelltd.co.nz

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HOWARD WRIGHT

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global recognition, numerous awards and a large international customer base. In fact 75% of their products go off shore to all corners of the world and they are one of the top three suppliers of hospital beds in Australasia.

Good design and care doesn’t stop at the end product. Care for the environment is also a key driver at Howard Wright.

Their products are manufactured from recyclable steels, aluminium and plastic and they also recycle waste at their manufacturing facility.

With a team of 37, based in an award-winning ‘environmentally conscious’ workplace and with exports around the world, the company has come a long way since motor mechanic Howard created his first hospital bed for a local nurse in his home workshop.

ince motor mechanic Howard Wright founded the company in 1963, Howard Wright has become an award-winning leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of medical beds and stretchers.

Great design starts with talking at Howard Wright – talking to everyone who uses their products, from nurses and patients through to maintenance technicians. And the people who design the products do the listening so they can create practical, innovative and intuitive products using the latest electronic componentry.

“Being a design-led company with original thinking is exciting. Every new product we supply we know makes care safer and easier,” says Howard Wright CEO Bruce Moller.

This design-led approach, combined with their purpose of making care safer and easier, is at the heart of everything they do and has led to

www.howardwrightcares.com

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MADE – A SNAPSHOT OF TARANAKI’S MAKERS, INNOVATORS AND CREATORS

A R M AT E C E N V I RO N M E N TA L

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Their products are designed and made in a purpose-built 1500 square metre fibreglass factory in New Plymouth. All products are designed and manufactured to international standards. To ensure the highest level of quality assurance is provided, Armatec maintains a quality assurance system covering both design and manufacture. This includes materials traceability, so that if there is a problem in the future, materials can be identified and traced back to the supplier.

With more than 35 years of experience in the industry, Armatec Environmental has established an enviable reputation for manufacturing high quality, corrosion resistant products for tough environmental situations.

rmatec Environmental is a New Zealand leader in the design, manufacture and supply of world class industrial fibreglass products and systems for odour, pollution and corrosion control.

The family operated business employs a team of 25 located across two sites – one in New Plymouth and the other in Auckland.

Armatec Environmental products can be found in industries as varied as dairy, wastewater, pulp and paper, fertiliser, food, chemical plants, galvanisers and marine, here in New Zealand and exported to customers in Australia and Egypt.

Their range of air pollution control products and systems to reduce discharges of noxious gases, odours and particulates from plants, sets them apart from their competitors.

www.armatec.co.nz

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CARAC GROUP

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in innovation, the 40-strong Carac Group team pride themselves on accommodating individual client requirements and their fast turnaround for one-off and sample products. The ability to deliver on quality, speed and service is in part down to their well-equipped workshop featuring high precision equipment including the country’s most advanced laser cutter.

Carac Group remains a family business flying the flag for New Zealand designed and made products. Over the years the company has received a number of business and innovation awards in recognition of their contribution to business and industry.

“We enjoy pushing the boundaries of what is possible in engineering and delivering better solutions,” says John.

life-long talent for fixing and inventing things led self-taught engineer John Burling to establish Carac Group in 1988. This talent for product innovation and improvement, coupled with John’s enthusiasm, is at the core of Carac Group’s success.

Success started with a unique and innovative range of trailer couplings and has grown to include a range of automotive, agricultural, marine, engineering and utility related products.

Carac Group’s products are available nationwide and exported around the world, predominantly to America.

The latest invention to come out of Carac Group’s Eltham manufacturing plant is a tow lock that will never slip or come undone – something Burling anticipates will have massive appeal both in New Zealand and overseas.

In addition to their outstanding track record

www.carac.nz

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MADE – A SNAPSHOT OF TARANAKI’S MAKERS, INNOVATORS AND CREATORS

YA R R O W S FA M I LY B A K E R S

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Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam.

Embracing the latest technology and blending it with traditional bread making methods sets Yarrows Family Bakers apart.

Pioneers in the manufacture of frozen dough products, Yarrows were the first New Zealand company to export butter based goods (frozen croissants) to the United States. They were also the first bakery in New Zealand to install a mechanical mixer and an electric oven.

Today Yarrows remain at the leading edge of new baking and production techniques.

They work in partnership with their customers to provide support and advice on new ideas, techniques, equipment, baking methods and best practice bakery operation.

arrows Family Bakers was founded in 1923 in the small South Taranaki township of Manaia and it is now one of the largest independently owned bakeries in New Zealand.

Proudly owned and operated by the third generation of Yarrows, the state of the art Manaia bakery operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They produce a wide range of world-class bread, buns, rolls, artisan breads, cookies, croissants, Danish and muffins for supermarkets, retailers and foodservice customers in New Zealand, Australia and Asia.

Yarrows has been working with one of the world’s largest fast food chains, Subway, for over 15 years supplying them with their Subway sandwich. Every month they produce frozen dough sticks for Subway franchises in New Zealand, Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore,

www.yarrows.co.nz

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PRECISION MICROCIRCUITS

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s New Zealand’s only manufacturer of thick film microcircuits, Precision Microcircuits design, prototype, evaluate and manufacture custom electronics solutions from their base in the foothills of the Pouakai Ranges near New Plymouth.

Thick-film technology is a process where electronic components are layered in a way to create very robust products often suited to harsh and demanding operating environments.

These thick-film electronic microcircuits can be found in everything from animal training systems, military systems, outdoor security products, health products and domestic appliances. Much of Precision Microcircuits production is exported, mainly to China, Mexico and America. In New Zealand one of their biggest clients is Fisher & Paykel.

The award winning, family business was started in 1995 by Managing Director, Barrie Carruthers and is now run by his son, Rob Carruthers. The team of 12 creative thinkers and technical engineers is passionate about creating

great products and innovative solutions for their clients.

The company’s competitive advantage comes from something so simple, but something we have in abundance in Taranaki – clean air. Clean air enables the company to make highly accurate circuits, resulting in less expensive fine-tuning down the line. It also provides cost savings not having to filter air like their overseas competitors.

Further accuracy has been built into the production process over the years, with Rob’s custom-made computer programs. He wrote them, without any formal training in the area, because it was the best way to get what was required.

A plaque quoting founder Barrie Carruthers on the office wall sums up the spirit running through this niche electronics provider: “If any company is not actively developing new products, they have made a conscious decision to be out of business in the next five years.” www.pml.nz

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MADE – A SNAPSHOT OF TARANAKI’S MAKERS, INNOVATORS AND CREATORS

GLOBAL S TA I N L E S S

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here are two sides to the stainless steel fabrication business Lincoln Raikes established with his son in Hawera in 2004 – industrial products and art. Yes art. Global Stainless Artworks is a world leader in the fabrication of steel balls, spheres, and sculptures custom built to the specifications of professional sculptors and artisans from around the globe.

Their first sculpture, the Tall Tree and the Eye, designed by world leading artist, Anish Kapoor, stands 15 metres tall and resembles giant shiny bubbles emerging from the ground.

It has been shown in London, Spain and South Korea. Similar sculptures have been made for French and Singaporean customers.

Raikes had been experimenting with the idea of making these shiny, seamless stainless steel ‘balls’ for years before patenting the method in 2000. The stainless steel spheres are made from marine grade stainless and buffed to a mirror-like finish. The impressive sculptures are manufactured to withstand wind and movement from potential earthquakes.

The industrial side of the business, Global Stainless Industrial, sees Raikes and his team of 24 manufacture a range of different shaped domes, flanged ends and long radius bends for pipework and ducting. These products are used in the food and beverage industry, industrial applications, pharmaceutical, marine, dairy and transport industry for New Zealand customers as well as those in Australia, Europe, UK and America.

While not always as artistic and eyecatching, these industrial pieces are made with the same attention to detail, high standard, customisability and inventiveness of the components for Raikes’s art commissions. www.globalstainlessindustrial.com

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FITZROY ENGINEERING

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stablished in the late 1950s in New Plymouth, Fitzroy Engineering has become one of New Zealand’s largest heavy fabrication and multi-disciplined engineering companies with a wealth of experience in oil and gas, petrochemical and energy projects.

Their extensive range of expertise includes: engineering, project management, procurement, structural steel fabrication and erection, mechanical design, heavy fabrication, site construction, mechanical contracting, maintenance services, catalyst handling, shutdown management and support, piping, industrial coatings, machining and rigging and scaffolding. In fact their scaffolding and rigging division is one of the largest industrial scaffolding set-ups in the country.

Employing a staff of over 400 Fitzroy Engineering is based in New Plymouth with branches in Auckland, South Taranaki, Wellington, Brisbane and Chinchilla and is a subsidiary of Dialog Group Berhad from Malaysia.

Quality, cost competitiveness and ability to deliver on-time, have helped Fitzroy Engineering secure many local and offshore contracts, and they’ve recently developed their engineering design and construction management capability for smaller scale industrial project applications.

Fitzroy are probably Australasia’s most experienced offshore oil & gas engineering services company and have had a role on every offshore production project in New Zealand waters. They have also successfully completed large offshore projects in Australia with one notable example being the engineering, construction and installation of the Yolla Accommodation Module in the Bass Strait in 2010/2011.

One of their more unique recent contracts involved constructing an underwater restaurant for a resort in the Maldives. The 18m long x 5.4m wide, 410 tonne underwater restaurant was the second largest of its type in the world.

Fitzroy Engineering’s extensive skillset and broad experience helped secure the contract to build the underwater restaurant over international competition and will undoubtedly not be the last time they work on such a large scale, unique project, or beat international competition to win a big contract. www.fitzroyengineering.com

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MADE – A SNAPSHOT OF TARANAKI’S MAKERS, INNOVATORS AND CREATORS

METHANEX

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ethanex is New Zealand’s only methanol manufacturer. The company has three production facilities, all based in Taranaki, and in total it has the capacity to produce up to 2.4 million tonnes of methanol annually. Two of the facilities are located at Motunui and one at Waitara Valley, near New Plymouth. Methanex has a commercial office in Auckland as well as storage facilities at Port Taranaki.

Methanol, CH3OH, comprises four parts hydrogen, one part oxygen and one part carbon. It’s an essential ingredient used to produce other chemical derivatives which, in turn are used to produce everyday products, including building materials, foams, resins, plastics, paints, polyester and a variety of health and pharmaceutical products. Methanol is also a clean-burning, biodegradable fuel.

Increasingly, methanol’s environmental and economic advantages are making it an attractive alternative fuel for powering vehicles and ships, cooking food and heating homes.

Methanol is produced in Taranaki by reforming the gas (sourced from Taranaki’s own oil and gas fields) with steam and then converting and distilling the resulting synthesized gas mixture to create pure methanol. The result is a clear, liquid, organic chemical that is water soluble and readily

biodegradable. Approximately 95 per cent of the methanol produced in Taranaki is exported to the Asia Pacific region.

Methanex’s highly skilled and diverse workforce in New Zealand includes approximately 270 employees in Taranaki with additional support from local contractors. The presence of the company makes an important contribution to the local and national economy.

A recent economic impact report by PwC has estimated that Methanex contributes $NZ640 million to the Taranaki economy and $834 million to New Zealand’s GDP annually, based on 2017 figures. Methanex is committed to the principles and ethics of Responsible Care, consistently exceeding the requirements laid out by local and central government. Both the Motunui and Waitara Valley facilities have won awards for environmental excellence and industrial safety.

The company is also an active and enthusiastic contributor to the social and cultural development of the community, including recently supporting the development of the Clifton Sports and Recreation complex in Waitara, helping reintroduce the kokako in Eastern Taranaki in partnership with the East Taranaki Environment Trust and enhancing mental health facilities at Taranaki Base Hospital. www.methanex.com

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CSA SURFBOARDS

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experience, set them apart and results in a lot of repeat business and word-of-mouth referrals.

It all started 18 years ago in Opunake with teenaged Cain shaping boards for friends.

Nowadays Cain and his small team make around 500 surfboards a year from their Seaview Road factory and showroom and have become one of New Zealand’s top surfboard manufacturing businesses.

It’s not uncommon for out-of-town customers to place an order for a surfboard to coincide with a period of good surf and forgo having their new board shipped to them in favour of an excuse for a Taranaki surf trip. As a surfer himself, Cain understands this rationale and spends a lot of time in the water in the name of research!

ain Aldridge from CSA Surfboards has developed a world-class surfboard manufacturing business, building custommade boards for keen surfers from all over New Zealand.

His process involves mechanical preproduction of surfboard blanks, which are then hand-finished, before unique artwork is applied and fibreglassing takes place. He describes himself as more than just a surfboard shaper and designer; more a surfboard builder as he is skilled in all areas from hand-shaping, through to using design software, fibreglassing, making fins and creating custom artwork.

“There aren’t many places that do the whole process,” says Cain.

This full service approach, coupled with their unique custom artwork and extensive

www.csasurfboards.co.nz

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MADE – A SNAPSHOT OF TARANAKI’S MAKERS, INNOVATORS AND CREATORS

FONTERRA

– C O L L I N G W O O D S T R E E T E LT H A M

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to the specialist melty cheese found in Sizzler Sausages. They shred the frozen mozzarella for Pizza Hut and Dominoes products, as well as the individually wrapped cheese slices found in our grocery outlets. There are more than 275 individual specifications the Collingwood Street team are required to meet for their customers.

Not only is the range of products and list of customers long, the production scale is staggering – one machine processes 1.5 tonnes of cheese per hour and can produce up to 2,000 individually wrapped slices of cheese per minute.

With numbers like that it’s not surprising that 80 per cent of the cheese that’s processed at the Eltham plant is exported. People in more than 50 countries around the world enjoy Fonterra’s Taranaki cheese in their burgers, sandwiches and pizzas.

onterra’s Collingwood Street Eltham, Taranaki, plant is a high-tech cheese production hub – the largest consumer and cheese manufacturing plant in Australasia.

It produces 80,000 tonnes of cut, shredded, processed and sliced cheese for a range of local and multi-national customers including McDonald’s, Burger King and Subway.

The Collingwood Street site was established in the late 1980s and now operates 24 hours a day, 50 weeks of the year. Production has increased due to a major expansion in its sliceon-slice cheese plant capabilities.

Even though the facility produces enough sliced cheese each year to cover three billion cheese burgers, the range of cheese products is tailored to meet each customer’s specifications.

From specific packaging and presentation to suit each individual quick service restaurant brand,

www.fonterra.com

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QP SPORT

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chest protection equipment.

Secondly, they work with some of the best universities in the world on sports science, breast impact studies, breast biomechanics, motion control and health.

And lastly, their New Plymouth based manufacturing and development facility uses state of the art equipment which allows them to continually develop and test new products and features and exceed relevant CE (European) certification.

QP Sport is a family owned business, employing a team of six.

We never stop innovating and are proud to have many sporting codes and individuals endorse our products,” says Managing Director Richie Shearer.

He also believes Taranaki is an excellent base for manufacturing businesses. “The service sector, such as printing, packaging and freight, is of high quality, and attracting and retaining quality staff is not difficult. The region has a progressive culture and there is excellent support for businesses with the presence of Venture Taranaki, the Taranaki Chamber of Commerce, and many specialist groups such as Taranaki Technology”. www.qpsport.co.nz

P Sport has nuns to thank for the advent of their sporting chest protection business.

In 1978, nuns from a local girls’ school in New Plymouth had an orthotics specialist fashion a chest protector for their female football players.

As a result in 1981 QP Sports was established to manufacture and market it. That product went on to become the ‘EconoGuard’ and to this day it is still in QP Sport’s product range, although with a number of design and manufacturing enhancements from the early model.

Sales took off in the early 1990s when the martial arts and fencing worlds discovered QP Sports products. Their products are now standard equipment for fencing, karate and other martial arts and are used by a range of other sporting codes including the likes of lacrosse, equestrian, baseball, cricket and roller derby.

Today, QP Sport design and manufacture their world-leading range of high quality breast and chest protection products for customers in more than 50 countries around the world.

It’s no accident that their award-winning products are sought after world-wide.

Firstly, they are the only company in the world who solely focus on making breast and 27

MADE – A SNAPSHOT OF TARANAKI’S MAKERS, INNOVATORS AND CREATORS

BREMNER MUSIC

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players use and endorse their products.

“We regard this, and the fact that we are now recognised as one of the leaders in practice mutes, as our main success” says Trevor.

The market for the Sshhmute is truly global, with sales throughout Europe, the Americas and Asia. The Bremners report that 95 percent of sales for the Sshhmute are exported, and the company is looking to expand its dealer networks in the United States, China and Canada.

Over the years the range of mutes has increased to 8 models and work continues on other new model options.

Bremner Music is proud to be totally Taranaki – having their plastic parts made by a local injection moulding company Devon Plastics and seals from Shuk Engineering.

They have purchased their own plastic welder for production – and recently added a pad printer to the processes done in house.

The pad printer is used for printing on the cones and previously this was done in Wellington.

remner Music represents the new generation of a high value export product and they handle all the manufacturing and production from their workshop in New Plymouth.

Furthermore, the company has gone from backyard workshop to global market leader, with an idea born out of an old suitcase.

Champion cornet player Trevor Bremner found that it was necessary to practice at odd times and in odd places and the existing practice mutes did more damage than good.

Trevor made the first prototype Sshhmute from an old suitcase and brass in his workshop and the product has since been meticulously refined and developed. It is now made from lightweight and robust ABS plastic, and manufactured in their purpose built New Plymouth production facility.

Practice mutes are an essential tool for any serious brass player, as it allows them to play and practice anywhere, at any time. The Sshhmute range is easy to play, tuneful, and encourages strengthening of the throat muscles.

Trevor says many of the world’s top brass

www.sshhmute.com

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ECL

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safety, increasing efficiency and ultimately contributing to their client’s bottom line. One of the company’s most notable successes is the operating system for the remotely operated Pohukura Production Station.

With a staff of 19 and clients across Australia and New Zealand, ECL’s niche industry expertise in the energy sector has expanded to include new industries, in particular with the advent of the growing demand for their work across cyber security.

This diversification both reflects the organic growth of their business to provide full service solutions for the rapidly changing world their clients operate in, and their talent for looking forward and staying one step ahead. And in the process, keeping Taranaki on the map for innovative thinking.

ack in the late nineties with the Y2K bug looming over the world’s IT systems, instrument engineers turned entrepreneurs Guy Heaysman and Greg Chapman, saw an opportunity to help Taranaki businesses transition smoothly into the new millennium.

Initially run out of Guy’s garage, the inventive pair grew their foray into business continuity to address a wider range of site operations and offer process control and automation solutions, primarily to the local energy industry. From these humble beginnings, ECL has steadily grown to become what is today regarded as one of New Zealand’s leading industrial automation specialists.

They are proud of their involvement in some of the region’s large energy projects knowing they have played a major role in not only automating processes but also improving

www.ecl.co.nz

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MADE – A SNAPSHOT OF TARANAKI’S MAKERS, INNOVATORS AND CREATORS

DEVON PLASTICS

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diverse – from agri, energy and engineering through to medical, electronic, sport, construction and music as well as still having a toe in the footwear industry.

They have recently diversified further with the purchase of Bintec Distributors and become specialists in wholesale and retail stackable storage bins and storage racking systems for trade vans the length and breadth of the country.

Established 30 years ago, this multigenerational family business has always kept the environment at the forefront of their practices. They recycled before it was the norm and currently use two thirds reprocessed raw products. Devon Plastics constantly innovate to ensure their products are long-lasting and easily recycled.

With a talent for continual innovation and bespoke solutions, this Taranaki company is successfully carving a niche in the highly competitive plastics industry, typically dominated by international heavyweights.

rom humble beginnings supplying plastic components for the New Zealand footwear industry, Devon Plastics has diversified to service new markets and in the process they have become a key supplier and partner to many successful local, national and international businesses.

They do this by collaborating with innovators and businesses to develop prototypes, customised tooling and accommodating short run sizes. Locally, customers can meet in person, see the plant’s capabilities, and develop and refine their project brief with Devon Plastics’ expert input. Ultimately, they can watch their product or component come to life.

In Taranaki, Devon Plastics are the only plastics moulding specialists and are a key part of the supply chain for a number of local businesses including QP Sports, Bremner Music, Fitzroy Engineering and Nexans. Around half of their customers are based outside of Taranaki, some as far afield as Fiji and California. The sectors their products are found in are just as

www.devonplastics.co.nz

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EHL

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ell Block’s EHL Group cut their engineering teeth on solving problems for the local energy industry and in doing so have garnered a reputation for their out of the box solutions. This clever thinking has caught the eye of industries as varied as food and beverage, defence and marine, energy and civil engineering, both here and overseas.

They describe themselves as motion control experts – providing innovative solutions for items with moving parts such as oil, air, water and electricity, but even that doesn’t fully encompass the variety of work they do, and can do.

Standout projects outside of the energy sector include the design, build and commissioning of automated gangways systems on the HMNZS

Canterbury to assist the New Zealand Navy in overcoming deployment challenges, as well as a renewable energy project off the coast of Hawaii that harnesses wave power.

Locally their customers include the likes of local major dairy and civil contractors as well as their original client base of energy companies.

EHL attribute their success in diversifying into other industries to the great discipline they have gained over the years from meeting the demands for precision from the exacting briefs of the energy industry. In the process they have become a true one stop shop for customers seeking innovative engineering solutions for challenging problems. www.ehlsolutions.com

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MADE – A SNAPSHOT OF TARANAKI’S MAKERS, INNOVATORS AND CREATORS

THE HOME OF MAKERS, I N N OVATO R S A N D C R E ATO R S

TARANAKI REGION

Taranaki has long been underpinned by an entrepreneurial spirit: from the nation’s first dairy exports to more recent innovations in future energy, enterprise thrives here, supported by an infrastructure that allows ideas to happen.

WORKING TOGETHER

CULTURE OF INNOVATION

Co-working spaces are at the heart of groundfloor innovation globally, and Taranaki is no exception with a number of spaces throughout the region offering like-minded start-ups, instant networks and complimentary skillsets, fuelled by an impressive coffee culture.

From mountain to sea, by way of contemporary art galleries, inspirational architecture, epic events and a rich culture and cultural scene, Taranaki offers unparalleled access to fresh thinking that will foster your innovation and help you attract great people.

SKILLED PEOPLE

DIGITAL CONNECTIVITY

Taranaki is home to a globally connected workforce with a collective skillset honed by the technical demands of the oil and gas, food and energy sectors. The region has a strong culture of innovation and health and safety, and is renowned for its flexible, pragmatic and solutions-focused people.

World-class fibre-based broadband services are provided in New Plymouth, Oakura, Hawera and Normanby, with Waitara, Urenui, Inglewood, Stratford, Eltham, Okato, Opunake, Manaia and Patea due to get fibre in the near future.

SOLID FOUNDATIONS

The Bell Block area, northeast of New Plymouth, has the region’s greatest concentration of manufacturing businesses, and plenty of land for future growth. There are also good sites available for development in towns throughout the region, and a long and strong history of industrial and manufacturing development.

Attractive commercial options are also available.

The region’s three district councils – New Plymouth, Stratford and South Taranaki – provide a range of services including water and waste, and prepare District Plans that guide permissible activities across Taranaki. As such, the councils should be an early point of contact regarding any new development. www.newplymouthnz.com www.southtaranaki.com www.stratford.govt.nz

A CONNECTED REGION

INDUSTRY CLUSTERS

Taranaki is well serviced by transportation networks, with SH3 linking the region to the north and south as well as connecting the region’s main towns. Direct flights from New Plymouth Airport connect to Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Nelson. Rail Services run south from Taranaki to the main trunk railway line at Marton, while Port Taranaki moves large quantities of oil and gas products and other bulk goods.

Clusters and industry networks provide opportunities for collaboration and building valuable business relationships.

SPACE TO LET

The Energy and Industrial group comprises over 20 member companies whose collective expertise spans all aspects of industrial design and construction. The group meets monthly and is facilitated by Venture Taranaki. www.energyindustrial.co.nz Engineering Taranaki Consortium is New Zealand’s leading engineering consortium.

Comprising 11 companies from the Taranaki region, the members unite to ensure strong united leadership, promote the value of the industry and encourage skill development through the annual apprenticeship awards. www.Engineeringtaranaki.co.nz

ENERGY SUPPLY Powering ideas may require large quantities of gas or electricity: as the home of New Zealand’s oil and gas industry Taranaki is very well serviced with supply and distribution of natural gas. The region also hosts electricity generation facilities. In short: we have the power.

Further information on the above groups, plus other networking options, is available from Venture Taranaki.

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A HELPING HAND Venture Taranaki is Taranaki’s regional development agency, and is on hand to help local businesses.

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while research and development grants are available to help develop products or processes.

The trust is also focused on fostering local ideas and innovation, and is behind initiatives including Techweek Taranaki, Idea Summit, Startup Weekend, and a number of forwardlooking actions within Tapuae Roa – Taranaki’s Regional Economic Development Strategy.

A range of regional intelligence publications are produced by the Trust, as well as export assistance, talent attraction, tourism promotion, and broader sector support: it really is a onestop shop for business growth.

Venture Taranaki is an initiative founded by, and a council-controlled organisation of the New Plymouth District Council. The Trust us also supported by South Taranaki District Council, Stratford District Council, Taranaki Electricity Trust, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, Callaghan Innovation, Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, Business Mentors New Zealand, TSB Community Trust, and numerous other private sector organisations.

To learn more visit www.taranaki.info or email info@venture.org.nz

f you’re looking to launch an idea, build your business, or take your products to the world, then the team at Venture Taranaki should be one of the first places you go. Established as a charitable trust, Venture Taranaki offers a range of services tailored to each phase of the business lifecycle.

Venture Taranaki’s services include free Business Start-up clinics, delivered regularly throughout the region to assist anyone with a new business idea to test the concept and progress towards launch. The Trust also offers business support, and can meet with businesses across all sizes and all sectors to offer a customised approach to helping them achieve success.

The organisation manages the Business Mentor New Zealand programme in Taranaki, which connects businesses with experienced mentors who can act as a sounding board to help businesses navigate challenges or growth.

Business capability is developed through Capability Development Vouchers, which enable eligible business managers and directors to boost their skillsets, and offer matched funding up to $5,000 for accredited training courses,

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Taranaki is emerging as a critical component in the next New Zealand, where our future will be built on making good ideas into great innovations. Taranaki is full of people making things: the region is the secondhighest in New Zealand in terms of the percentage of manufacturing jobs to total regional employment, but it’s also becoming a desirable destination for the wider innovation process. MADE presents a snapshot of those with the ideas, skills, innovations and energy to make things and make things happen.

Taranaki’s Regional Development Agency An initiative of

9 Robe Street | PO Box 670 New Plymouth 4340 | New Zealand T: +64 6 759 5150 E: info@venture.org.nz www.taranaki.info

ISBN 978-0-473-44495-2 Published by Venture Taranaki, June 2018.