Automated solutions to suit your operation Automated control systems were once a thing of industrial dreams. Yet with the technological advancements of today, these very systems have revolutionised the way we do business. Automated control systems involve operating equipment such as machinery and factory processes, with little to no human intervention. Although the early purpose of automation was to increase productivity, the focus today extends to increasing quality and flexibility in the manufacturing process. Local Timaru firm Industrial Controls South Canterbury Ltd is this year celebrating 20 years in business which, for this industrial automated control systems specialist, means 20 years helping other local businesses succeed. “We’re here, we’re local and we’re supporting a lot of local industry, helping behind the scenes to keep them going and do what they do best,” Industrial Controls manager Erin McNaught explains. “We have teams of industrial electricians, as well as automation and software teams in house, which enables us to take a job from start to finish. We also do a lot of project work and regular ongoing maintenance to ensure clients’ plants are at optimal production performance. Our role doesn’t just end at the completion of a project.” Industrial Controls was established in 1996 by Timaru electricians Dave Stickings and Dave McIver who had both gained overseas experience on large electrical projects in Britain and the United States. After identifying a local shortage in their area of expertise they formed the Timaru-based company, which is now one of the region’s foremost providers of industrial electrical automation systems, providing services for the local industry, including food processing, manufacturing, dairy, water and waste water, and local government. “Over the past 20 years, there has been a big increase in focus on work place safety and compliance,” Erin says. “We’re well-placed to provide for that. We have done a lot of training within our team in areas such as hazardous area design, classification and installation, getting up to play with where the industry needs to be and ensuring we have the capabilities to serve the local industry.”
The business is also investing heavily in development of systems, including compliance, product reliability, irrigation control and management, and energy management. The highly skilled team share expertise in electrical engineering, software engineering, industrial electrical installation and maintenance and engineering. “We have a great team here who are at the top of their field. “Dave has always said ‘you’re only as good as your last job’ and we stick to that. We believe in always doing the very best job and meeting our clients’ needs.” To date the company has successfully completed numerous projects from small to very large installations, the bulk of these projects being turn key solutions. The company has a busy couple of years ahead and is already recruiting in preparation, with numbers already pushing past 80 this year. “Our clients are looking for cost effective, smarter and more efficient solutions for their plants and equipment, which is where we excel,” Erin says. “We don’t see this slowing down.” The company has always had a big emphasis on taking on apprentices, with 13 currently employed and Erin says this is an ongoing commitment, as they fully support continued learning and invest greatly in this area. With demand for services outside of South Canterbury, Industrial Controls Christchurch opened in 1999 to assist
Industrial Electrical and Automation Systems • Turn Key Design & Build • Electrical Design • Installation • Maintenance • • • •
Control Panel Design & Build Motor Control Systems Process Instrumentation Data and Communication Networking
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Automation & Control Networks PLC & HMI Interfacing Real-Time Process Tracking Systems Industrial Database Development Operational & Management Reporting
with the ongoing workload in the city. The company also has a team of electricians based in Rolleston to serve their industrial clients in the area. Two years ago the Timaru-based company purchased the neighbouring building, formerly home to the Timaru Herald, which is being renovated for the rapidly expanding industrial electrical company. “We combine our offices with a full workshop, which allows us to produce a lot of work offsite, which is then taken to the site for installation,” Erin says. “With the business expanding at this rate, we needed a larger premises and we’re excited about the new building. With this move we only see the business growing stronger, along with our ability to provide greater support to our ever-growing client base. “Industrial Controls is proud to contribute to the future development and economic growth of our region by providing a range of services that support our local industry, providing employment and apprenticeship opportunities, and actively recruiting skilled tradespeople into the region.” Industrial Controls 48 Bank Street Timaru Central Timaru T (03) 688 5310 www.icsc.co.nz