NZ Manufacturer April 2021

April 2021

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COMPANY PROFILED & H Steel – manufacturing in the construction game.

7 BUSINESS NEWS Waste: The enemy of world class.

Listen to uniquely Kiwi stories contributing to New Zealand’s future

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CIRCULAR 14 THE ECONOMY Sustainability tools for a circular economy.

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– How diversity and inclusion benefit industry and the New Zealand economy by David Downs, Chairman of the Hi-Tech Trust New Zealand is in the grips of a major skills shortage with a wide variety of industries struggling to fill key roles.

A recent report from NZ Tech (the technology industry group) shows the technology sector has a matched skills shortage of approximately 5,000 jobs in the digital tech space, with similar shortages showing up across the advanced manufacturing sector.

Availability of skilled staff regularly features as one of the top growth constraints for New Zealand technology firms.

But despite this dire predicament, a large part of our population remains cut off from training and upskilling as they are unable to access, or afford, the training ‘on-ramp’ to the high quality jobs the tech

sector can offer.

Regional New Zealand, lower socio-economic groups, and in particular, Māori, Pasifika and women are most affected. It’s shocking how few people from these cultural and demographic backgrounds are represented in the tech sector, despite years of handwringing and efforts to address the issue.

As well as being socially just, increasing access and diversity is also economically smart. All the evidence shows that talent is evenly distributed across the population – but opportunity is not.

We need to address the issues which stop full participation in technology careers and to maximise

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CONTENTS Contents

DEPARTMENTS

11 LEAD LEAD Solving the tech sector skills shortage.

Get your carbon diet on track.

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44 EDITORIAL EDITORIAL New Zealand in the grip of a major skills When EMEX 2021 comes to town. shortage.

BUSINESS NEWS PROFILE 65 COMPANY

Manufacturing in the age of in sustainability.

D & H Steel – manufacturing the construction Is NZ’s Covid game. response world class?

Kirk Hope

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UKK’s CPTPP a win for exporters.

NEWS 6 BUSINESS materials made from food waste.

MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY 8 Construction Waste: The Enemy World Class. more NZ Code can makeof manufacturing competitive.

TECHNOLOGY 9 MANUFACTURING Dewalt Design Assist breaking new ground.

Testing machine advances filtration.

ANALYSIS 10 Hitachi High-Tech expands metal analysis

ADVISORS Is Chief Executive of BusinessNZ, New Zealand’s largest business advocacy body. He has held a range of senior positions at Westpac and is a barrister and solicitor.

Ian Walsh

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Ian is Managing Director of Intent Group, a master black belt improvement specialist and global lean practitioner. He is passionate about improving productivity and helping to create world class New Zealand businesses.

Time for change. range.

Anatomy of a data-driven supply chain.

CIRCULAR ECONOMY 14 THE EMEX 2021 tools for a circular economy.

14 Sustainability Floor Plan and Exhibitors.

-15 INTERVIEW 16 THE Brown, CEO of Asmuss Steel & Flow ANALYSIS 16 Dean Control.

Achieving carbon neutrality: One company’s lessons learnt.

MANUFACTURING 17 SMART solution reduces CoronaVirus.

SMART MANUFACTURING 17 Composites Christchurch company launches nanoparticle Australia launches lunar exploration mission. measurement.

Cutting edge tool for underwater recovery.

A robot that defies wet.

Matrix 320 reader empowers traceability for automation and INDUSTRY 4.0logistics.

21 adopt Industry 4.0, we must look to the QUALITY CONTROL 21 ToLighthouses.

NDC sensors control manufacturing at the fromt line.

22 ROBOTICS solution to nuclear waste.

NEW PRODUCTS 22 Robotic Structural bearings deliver extreme low-level PRODUCTS 24 NEW friction performance.

Enhanced heat transfer in a smaller package.

Cost-effective and lubrication – free mounting New chainflex of solar panels.series saves 35% cable costs in Top Drives.

AC Servo System provides highest-level safety.

25 DEVELOPMENTS 25 ADEVELOPMENTS zero carbon future for New Zealand.

Mint Innovation raises $20m to build gold Hoop expands offering with co-packing biorefineries. venture.

HRS highlights steam injection for food sterilisation.

Job management platform for Tradies secures investment.

Is automotive ready for hydrogen?

27 REAR VIEW VIEW 28 REAR Innovations accelerating the transition to a

Climate Change Commission calls for decisive circular action. economy.

Leeann Watson

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Is the Chief Executive of the Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce (the Chamber).and is a strong voice for Canterbury business.

Lewis Woodward

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Is Managing Director of Connection Technologies Ltd, Wellington and is passionate about industry supporting NZ based companies, which in turn builds local expertise and knowledge, and provides education and employment for future generations.

Brett O’Riley

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EMA chief executive Brett O’Riley has a background in technology and economic development.

Brett actually grew up with manufacturing, in the family business, Biggins & Co. He currently holds board roles with Wine Grenade and Dotterel Technologies and is also on the NZ Film Commission board.

PUBLISHER Media Hawke’s Bay Ltd,1/121 Russell Street North, Hastings, New Zealand 4122.

New Zealand in the grip of a major skills shortage With a wide range of industries struggling to fill key roles.

MANAGING EDITOR Doug Green T: +64 6 870 9029 E: publisher@xtra.co.nz

This from the Lead Article (Page 1) by David Downs, Chairman of the High-Tech Trust.

CONTRIBUTORS Holly Green, Barbara Nebel, Ian Walsh, David Downs, Lisa van Beurden, Caroline Noordijk

And now that Trans-Tasman flights are resuming, we are in danger of losing people in occupations which only piles more pressure on staff numbers.

Overseas fruit pickers who have been here since last year have a way of leaving us behind and going offshore to Australia, which has suffered shortages as we have.

ADVERTISING Doug Green T: + 64 6 870 9029 E: publisher@xtra.co.nz

This issue is addressed by Ian Walsh in his article in Business News (Page 7) “over the last few months, we’ve been made aware of the impending crisis in the horticultural sector – a crushing volume of produce languishing on the vine (or branch) due to a shortage of pickers.”

DESIGN & PRODUCTION Kim Alves, KA Design T: + 64 6 870 8133 E: kim.alves@xtra.co.nz

Can you imagine putting all your energy, labour, fertiliser, sprays, pruning and thinning practices over a whole year and then watching helplessly as some, or even worse, most of your crop ends up as worm food?

WEB MASTER Julian Goodbehere E: julian@isystems.co.nz

What an incredible waste, and yet this is what the industry has faced.

PUBLISHING SERVICES

David Downs is particularly concerned for the large part of our population cut off from training and upskilling, at a time when we have a matched skills shortage of 5,000 jobs in the digital tech space, with similar shortages showing up across the advanced manufacturing sector.

On-Line Publisher Media Hawke’s Bay Ltd

DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTIONS E: publisher@xtra.co.nz Free of Charge.

MEDIA HAWKES BAY LTD T: +64 6 870 4506 F: +64 6 878 8150 E: publisher@xtra.co.nz 1/121 Russell Street North, Hastings PO Box 1109, Hastings, NZ NZ Manufacturer ISSN 1179-4992

Vol.12 No. 3 APRIL 2021

Copyright: NZ Manufacturer is copyright and may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the written permission of the publisher. Neither editorial opinions expressed, nor facts stated in the advertisements, are necessarily agreed to by the editor or publisher of NZ Manufacturer and, whilst all efforts are made to ensure accuracy, no responsibility will be taken by the publishers for inaccurate information, or for any consequences of reliance on this information. NZ Manufacturer welcomes your contributions which may not necessarily be used because of the philosophy of the publication.

Post-Covid-19 we need access to the widest set of skills we can, to transform our country and maximise the country’s potential.

D & H Steel managing director, Wayne Carson in Company Profile (Page 5) says his company had to change its recruitment model, which combined some local training with sourcing skilled staff from offshore.

The company is now even more firmly focused on its apprenticeship training programme and upskilling local people.

“It is extremely hard to find the right people, so we have to train them,” says Carson. “It’s a five-six year process but we started about four years ago when our industry, and other industries, realised that we can’t simply rely on importing staff.

“We’ve seen the value of increasing our commitment to training apprentices and investing in our staff. So, we’re partway down that track but we still have some way to go.”

BTW…job website Seek recorded the highest number of jobs it had ever advertised in March. Ads were up by 55 per cent in March 2021 when compared to the same month last year.

Doug Green

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Success Through Innovation

Editorial

Company Profile D&H Steel – manufacturing in the construction game -by Lisa van Beurden

D&H Steel Construction is an Auckland-based structural steel contractor with its fingerprints over many of the largest structural steel projects nationwide.

For almost 50 years it has led innovation in the steel industry, from being an early adopter of welded beams and on-the-ground erection techniques to, more recently, driving quality management systems in fabrication.

The company straddles manufacturing and construction. “While we are a structural steel fabricator for the building industry, we consider ourselves a manufacturing operation as 70 percent of our work is undertaken in our workshop facilities,” says D&H Steel managing director Wayne Carson.

Looking ahead at the next 12 months, D&H Steel has a very strong order book, of which some is a function of pent-up demand spilling over from COVID-related lockdowns and slowdowns, says Carson.

Beyond that Carson says that there is less certainty but COVID and other market influences have led industry players to focus more on financial sustainability.

“The industry is giving greater consideration to risk and making firmer decisions,” says Carson. “We have a more robust market as a result.”

COVID has had other impacts. For the last few months, D&H Steel has been very disrupted by the effects of COVID, more than expected, especially around the shipping and supply of product, says Carson.

As a result, the company has had to take a more conservative approach to procurement processes.

“Just-in-time procurement has been shown to be very high risk across all industries so we’re having to carry higher stock levels, and having to allow for longer lead times to procure job-specific materials.

“It means we need to get started on projects earlier than previously, which, in turn, means an earlier commitment from clients to get the procurement process underway.”

D&H Steel has retail customers that are accelerating new building programmes because they cannot rely on just-in-time deliveries. Carson says it will lead to more demand for warehousing and transport hubs as retailers look to strengthen their storage and delivery capability.

Carson says that when COVID hit the company moved into survival mode with the full support of its staff.

“The onset of COVID has proven that our business is agile but we need to be even more so. We are growing our people to accept that change is healthy and, as a result of what we’ve been through, we are a better business and must continue to adapt.”

COVID has amplified the industry’s skills famine and D&H Steel has had to change its recruitment model, which combined some local training with sourcing skilled staff from offshore.

The company is now even more firmly focused on its apprenticeship training programme and upskilling local people.

“It is extremely hard to find the right people so we have to train them,” says Carson. “It’s a five-six year process but we started about four years ago when our industry, and other industries, realised that we can’t simply rely on importing staff.

“We’ve seen the value of increasing our commitment to training apprentices and investing in our staff.

So we’re partway down that track but we still have some way to go.”

The steel industry is an integral part of local communities nationwide, says Carson, and having a diverse team is extremely important to D&H Steel’s business.

“It strengthens our resilience and our respect for others we deal with, such as clients, consultants and other trades,” says Carson. “It has also presented opportunities for us to access new areas of the workforce, including Māori and Pasifika communities.”

Diversity and inclusion is part of a wider sustainability initiative that the company, and the wider structural steel industry, is pursuing.

Today, the definition of sustainability is wide ranging, and D&H Steel has found it helpful to identify the different areas of focus: financial health, growing and supporting the workforce, environmental sustainability and being a responsible member of the community.

“By putting an overarching name to these we have been able to identify our strengths and weaknesses. We have set improvement goals, assigned KPIs and started to measure our progress,” says Carson.

“While we’re already proud of our contribution to the community, as a result of applying a sustainability lens to these, we are becoming a much stronger, more responsible corporate and community member.”

In terms of future opportunities, D&H Steel is focused on strengthening

its client relationships and proactively growing structural steel as a preferred building material.

“Structural steel itself is a cost-competitive option, offering a wide range of sustainable solutions,” says Carson. “From both a structural performance and a robust supply chain perspective, structural steel is now a well-accepted, well-refined and low-risk building alternative.”

As a result, the past two decades have seen demand for structural steel solutions grow substantially.

Today, structural steel’s share of the multi-level construction market is more than 50 percent nationwide.

In Christchurch, due to structural steel’s strong seismic performance, its market share is over 80 percent – up from virtually nil before the Canterbury earthquakes. Steel is also becoming the preferred material in Wellington because of the local seismic issues.

So, what’s next for D&H Steel?

“We are embarking on an Industry 4.0 development programme,” says Carson.

Otherwise known as the Fourth Industrial Revolution, Industry 4.0 relates to both the capture and better use of business and manufacturing data, and to the connectivity of data to bridge the physical and digital worlds.

Carson says the aim is to use data to enable autonomous decision-making processes.

“It’s an innovative approach to better managing a business’ processes. It uses leading-edge technology to monitor assets and processes and provide status updates in real-time, and it enables scenario planning without putting assets at risk,” says Carson.

It also allows real-time connected value creation networks by involving stakeholders early, and encouraging vertical and horizontal integration.

“You can take a more holistic view of your business and pick out things that are worth focusing on,” says Carson. “It’s the future of manufacturing.”

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Business News Construction materials made from food waste UK-based company Biohm uses natural vegetative material to ‘grow’ insulation panels.It has also developed a new type of composite material that is 100% biodegradable and vegan.

Biohm is one of 17 companies in The Circulars Accelerator Cohort 2021.

What if we could use waste or carbon-negative materials to make buildings?

Biohm,a ‘biomanufacturing’ company is doing just that, creating building materials from mushrooms, orange peel, cocoa husks and other food waste.

They have developed an alternative to wood-based sheet materials made from waste by-products from

the food or agricultural sectors.

Biohm is a member of The Circulars Accelerator

Called Orb, the composite material is 100% biodegradable and vegan and can be moulded into shapes.

Cohort 2021, an initiative to help circular economy

It has also developed a world-first insulation panel made from mycelium – the white, thread-like roots that grow from fungus. The natural mushroom fibres can outperform some insulation products.

World Economic Forum’s innovation crowdsourcing

“Mycelium is usually found in forests, underground, and it holds the topsoil together. It allows plants to connect to one another – it’s like nature’s Internet.

And we grow that into an insulation panel that can provide superior insulation values compared to other alternatives on the market,” says Biohm founder Ehab Sayed.

The accelerator is a collaboration with UpLink, the platform, and is led by professional services company Accenture in partnership with Anglo American, Ecolab, and Schneider Electric.

An incomplete circle More than 92 billion tonnes of materials were extracted and processed in 2019, contributing to about half of global carbon dioxide emissions, according to the World Economic Forum.

“The resulting waste – including plastics, textiles, food, electronics and more – is taking its toll on the

Cutting back on waste Sayed started the company after being shocked by the waste from the construction industry.

By repurposing waste, and creating biodegradable products, his company contributes towards the ‘circular economy’.

Commercial & industrial growth

entrepreneurs scale their innovations.

environment and human health,” the Forum adds.

A circular economy could deliver up to $4.5 trillion in economic benefits by 2030, but currently only 8.6% of the world is estimated to be circular.

Employment growth

Economic output

Crime rate East Tamaki is the largest industrial precinct in Auckland with 2000 businesses and a growth rate higher than the regional average. getba.org.nz

getba Greater East Tamaki Business Association Inc.

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Business News Waste: The Enemy of World Class -Ian Walsh, Managing Director, Intent Group Limited

Most practitioners of continuous improvement and “lean” thinking will explain the approach to world class as making value flow by eliminating waste and continuously improving processes, practices and systems to support this value.

Over the last few months, we’ve been made aware of the impending crisis in the horticultural sector – a crushing volume of produce languishing on the vine (or branch) due to a shortage of pickers.

Can you imagine putting all your energy, labour, fertiliser, sprays, pruning and thinning practices over a whole year and then watching helplessly as some, or even worse, most of your crop ending up as just worm food?

What an incredible waste, and yet this is what the industry has faced.

Clearly, this was not the intention of the orchardists; had they known this would be the case, they would have managed their orchards to reduce the costs, efforts and waste.

surely there would be enough people crying out for any employment opportunity they could get?

The reality is this was not the case. Firstly, you’d have to be willing and able to pick fruit. Our nation’s experience over the summer shows this a far less simple requirement than you’d think.

Secondly, you’d have to be willing to relocate to the region that needs you. Thirdly, you’d have to be willing to work when required, and this is weekends and evenings at times.

With these considerations in mind, there simply aren’t that many folks who fit the bill, and certainly not enough to fill the labour gap.

The problem stemmed from the lack of available labour to pick the crop. When we went into Covid lockdown last year the harvest was nearing or had reached completion.

This has been evident to the industry for a long time, who have worked with Work and Income (WINZ) for many years before the problem became insurmountable (unless you are going to apply draconian measures to the labour force such as forced relocation).

The emerging problem of lack of labour, due to border restrictions on Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme workers, was highlighted and well documented.

The solution was RSE scheme workers, which has been a win-win since 2007. It is not about cost savings, as there are additional costs in utilising this workforce (flights, accommodation etc.)

Yet in a period of nearly 12 months we were unable to put a process in place to avoid this waste.

It is providing labour that the local economy is unable to meet for a period of the year. It provides a good source of income for many of the islands that are in the scheme.

The assumption appeared to be that there would be enough labour freed up from other sectors to fill the gap.

With the unemployment rate climbing, mostly through cuts in the tourism and hospitality industries,

This is much better than letting the fruit go to waste.

This year 14,400 was the number of RSE workers expected (the same as last year, despite huge growth

in horticulture).

Of this only 8,000 were available (6,000 who did not go home and 2,000 the government let in).

Given this known labour shortfall, ensuring that sufficient labour was available should have been a huge priority, given the potential revenue, impact on GDP and impact on local economies and people of not realising your crop!

As discussed in previous articles, other countries have a Ministry of Trade which ensures these kinds of crises don’t happen. They ensure that country puts its best trade foot forward, and that the sectors collaborate and co-ordinate to avoid unnecessary waste.

It’s clear now that there was no plan B to mitigate the waste. It’s surprising that many of the (mostly Pacific Island) countries that provide these workers have no Covid issues and we could have had lots of empty isolation hotels in those locations had we chosen to be more proactive.

To exclude these workers and consequently allow this waste is unfathomable and unacceptable.

We have some exceptional produce in NZ. To deliver this quality product to the world we need to eliminate these types of wastes from our value chains and rapidly!

I’m keen: let’s support our growing industries by developing better approaches to deal with these issues in our new Covid world.

Circular Awards launched in Australia & New Zealand A new awards program, The Circle Awards, will celebrate and unite the businesses, organisations, projects and people shaping the

impact and protects precious natural resources.

better way of doing things for a better world,

circular economy in Australia and New Zealand.

Nick Hoskin, Co-Founder of TWMR and The Circle

galvanising more people in the movement.

Established by The World’s Most Rubbish (TWMR) in

Awards said, the Circle Awards showcase tangible

The Circle Awards are open to any product or service

partnership with NSW Circular, The

examples of circularity in action, demonstrating

demonstrating circular practices across the following

that we can consume more consciously without

categories: Food & Drink; Fashion; Health & Beauty;

compromising on quality, cost or experience. In fact,

Events; Architecture & Construction; Transport

Bravery, and Urban List, The Circle Awards aims to spotlight products and services adopting circular practices that span all aspects of our day-to-day lives.

It also aims to grow awareness of the sustainable options available to more people, not just the ones who are already looking for them.

circular design thinking is behind some of the most interesting products and services on the market as a driving force for innovation.

& Travel; Home, Garden & Utilities; Lifestyle & Technology; Art & Design; Materials & Process; Community; Education & Research; B2.

The Circle Awards are here to recognise and celebrate those making progress in this space, not just those doing it perfectly or on a large scale, with the awards

Keeping resources in use for longer, and in a

open to a diverse range of entrants of all shapes and

perpetual loop, or circle, reduces environmental

sizes. Its aim is to unite those championing a

Submissions: Are now open and close on 14 May 2021. Winnerswil be announced 14 June 2021. https://thecircleawards.com/anz/

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NZ Manufacturer April 2021

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Media Kit

2021

Includes Editorial Calendar

y r o t s r u o y l l e We t 8

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publisher@xtra.co.nz

Manufacturing Technology Testing machine advances filtration, face mask development and effectiveness New Zealand nanofibre manufacturer Revolution Fibres has made a significant investment in a testing machine to enhance the development and performance of its filtration media.

The PALAS PMFT 1000 testing rig – one of the world’s leading machines for testing protective face masks and filtration efficiency – analyses the ability of masks to filter particles, bacteria, and viruses such as Covid-19.

Overseas, to help contain Covid-19 spread and better protect frontline health workers and patients during the pandemic, PALAS has been providing numerous hospitals with the ability to test the protective masks they use.

Revolution Fibres’ new PALAS machine is the first of its kind in New Zealand.

Ray Connor, Revolution Fibres CEO, says the machine is key to advancing the performance of its SETA nanofibre filter media product which is used in face masks that meet and exceed N95 and N99 standards.

“The PALAS enables us to test face masks to ensure they meet required standards and properly protect people and health workers who are on the frontline of the pandemic in New Zealand and around the world.”

filters instantly at the required international standards, as opposed to sending the material overseas to be tested.

The testing rig is able to evaluate respiratory masks more effectively than standard testing with an exact analysis of filter mask efficiency for SARS-CoV-2 (size approx. 120 nm up to 160 nm).

protecting against viruses such as COVID, bacteria and other toxic particles which can be just 100 nanometres.

Our nanofibre filter media can trap 99% of microscopic particles such as spores, allergens, and Dr Fabrice Karabulut with PALAS testing bacteria.” rig 2 Fibres Revolution

“A lot of the work we do to enhance and improve our products involves increasing the capability of nanofibre filtration media. As part of this, we compare the performance of our SETA product to traditional filtration media using the PALAS machine as it provides us with incredibly specific data and results.”

Nanofibre filter media is widely recognised as one of the more breathable fabrics available for filter media.

Once its products are ready to take to market, they are then sent to a third-party testing lab for certification.

“Research and development are at the heart of what we do and the PALAS enables us to continue to analyse, develop, and advance new filter media applications before taking them to market.”

The machine has played an instrumental role in the advancement of its new filter media with added functionality, including anti-microbial properties.

The pedigree of PALAS’ technology speaks for itself, says Connor, with its certified fine dust measurement, in the context of environmental monitoring, making it one of the most important partners for manufacturers and suppliers when testing filters and filter media.

Dr Gareth Beckermann, Technical Manager at Revolution Fibres, says the diameters of nanofibre range from 10 300 nanometres, which is 10 - 100 times smaller than conventional melt-blown microfibres, meaning they are very effective in protecting against viruses such as COVID, bacteria and other toxic particles.

PALAS gives Revolution Fibres the opportunity to test its

“It means nanofibre filter media is very effective in

supplies filtration media to multiple overseas face mask manufacturers, such as HALO in the US, and HVAC systems including leading New Zealand home solutions company HRV.

Using a proprietary electrospinning process Revolution Fibres creates nanofibre rolls in lengths of hundreds of metres long and tens of thousands of square metres for export to markets such as Asia, Australia, and the US. Connor says the PALAS machine is one of the key parts of the company’s growth trajectory which has seen it scale up dramatically in the last year to meet international demand for SETA filter media, skincare product ActivLayr, and acoustic insulation product Phonix.

DEUTSCH HD30 & HDP20 CONNECTOR SERIES Designed specifically for the truck, bus, and off-highway industry, heavy duty, environmentally sealed, multipin circular connectors. contact sizes 4 through 20.

Tel: 04 566 5345 Email: sales@connectors.co.nz Web: www.connectors.co.nz www.nzmanufacturer.co.nz

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Manufacturing Technology Hitachi High-Tech expands metals analysis range with OE720 Hitachi High-Tech Analytical Science has further expanded its metals analysis range with the launch of the OE720.

A year ago, the reveal of the ground-breaking Hitachi OE750 caused waves in the industry by making high-performance metals analysis finally accessible to all sizes of metals producers.

It can analyse antimony, bismuth, lithium, strontium and sodium, and tramp and trace elements, ensuring these can be controlled within the aluminum melt for optimal structural modification.

Designed to help foundries, fabricators and manufacturing plants meet ever more demanding specifications, the new OE720 joins Hitachi High-Tech’s new OE series.

This aids high throughput production, where the quality of the melt needs to be verified at several points.

The OE720 boasts the same high-performance as the OE750 but offers an attractive price advantage to companies who don’t need additional gas analysis capability.

High performance made affordable: Complex supply chains and increased use of scrap metal as a base material puts foundries and metals manufacturers under increasing pressure to control tramp and trace elements within the melt and finished product.

The OE720 optical emission spectrometer covers the entire spectrum of elements in metal except for gases like oxygen and hydrogen and has some of the lowest detection limits in its class.

The result is an analyser that has the capability of much more expensive instruments, bringing high quality analysis within reach for the first time for many foundries and metals manufacturers.

Innovative technology: The secret to the Hitachi OE series’ performance is its unique LightWing optic design*, coupled with superior CMOS detector technology.

Faster and easier analysis with comprehensive software: In addition to innovative hardware technology, the new OE720’s performance is also enhanced by innovative new software.

The intuitive SpArcfire operating software makes OES analysis quick and easy.

The Hitachi GRADE Database, included in the OE720, offers more than 15 million records for over 340,000 materials from 74 countries and standards, reducing time and potential errors from manually consulting grade catalogues.

Optional charge correction software automatically calculates the right quantity of material to add to a melt to bring it into spec.

ExTOPE Connect wireless technology allows manufacturers to gather live data for real-time decision making even across multiple sites, lines, and production stages.

With a product designed for every stage, from incoming materials verification to production control, to end product inspection, the OE720 is the latest addition to Hitachi High-Tech’s extensive range of analytical equipment, designed to deliver effective quality control throughout the metals production process. *patents pending

This unique combination achieves the very large wavelength range necessary to measure the entire range of elements within metals at ppm levels; essential in meeting today’s tight metals specifications.

Low cost of ownership: The second advantage of the LightWing optics is reduced argon and power consumption, thanks to its ultra-compact design. As well as a fast start-up and measurement time, helping keep costs down and productivity high.

Developed for the aluminum industry: The OE720 is the ideal analyser for aluminum casting as it can determine phosphorous to very low limits in near eutectic and hypereutectic aluminum-silicon alloys.

Hexagon acquires CADLM Hexagon AB, a global leader in sensor, software and autonomous solutions, has aquired CADLM SAS, a pioneer in powering computer-aided engineering (CAE) with artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to revolutionise the impact of simulation in product development processes and lifecycles.

Founded in 1989, France-based CADLM has years of experience developing computational design and optimisation methods for industrial products and processes, and since 2014 has been developing AI and machine learning solutions.

Its ODYSSEE software platform applies AI and machine learning to real-world sensor data and physics-based simulation data to produce accurate, predictive models of a product at efficient computing power levels.

TechRentals® is an IANZ endorsed Calibration Laboratory.

We offer both IANZ Endorsed and Traceable Calibrations of test and measurement equipment inluding:

The combination enables faster, more efficient simulations of dynamic, multi-physics phenomena – such as automotive crash and safety – that fully characterise and understand real-world product behaviour.

This insight enables engineers to explore the design space more extensively and interactively and improve next-generation products without prohibitive computing cost or time.

Furthermore, the pervasive use of the digital twin beyond the early design phase enables manufacturers to leverage image recognition, predictive simulation and fault prediction to address challenges such as downtime, throughput, quality and flexibility throughout the manufacturing process.

“The convergence of CAE with advances in data management, AI, machine-learning and an increasingly connected manufacturing lifecycle is transforming the industry’s ability to address increasingly complex design challenges with rapid innovation and increased productivity,” says Hexagon President and CEO Ola Rollén.

“CADLM’s AI knowledge and technology further strengthen our Smart Manufacturing solutions portfolio, putting data to work beyond the early design phase to improve product design innovation, manufacturing productivity, product quality and environmental sustainability through reductions in material waste.”

CADLM will operate as part of Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division.

The acquisition has no significant impact on Hexagon’s earnings. Completion of the transaction (closing) is subject to normal closing conditions.

0800 832 473 www.techrentals.co.nz

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Hexagon is a global leader in sensor, software and autonomous solutions.

They put data to work to boost efficiency, productivity, and quality across industrial, manufacturing, infrastructure, safety, and mobility applications.

Their technologies are shaping urban and production ecosystems to become increasingly connected and autonomous – ensuring a scalable, sustainable future.

Manufacturing Technology How IIoT edge devices and gateways are vital elements of a monitoring strategy -Daniel Sultana, Country Manager, Australia and New Zealand at Paessler

One of the key benefits of converging IT (Information Technology), OT (Operational Technology) and IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things) systems in a manufacturing business is that it enables a more holistic approach to manage the entire infrastructure.

The resulting digital interconnectedness provides vast improvements for manufacturers in terms of efficiency, reliability and profitability, but there are risks associated with IT/OT convergence, according to the Australian Cyber Security Centre.

resulting in hundreds of employees being unnecessarily evacuated and a loss of productivity.

What are IIoT gateways?

For this reason, facilities management has become a new area that has adopted the use of sensors to help manage aspects like power consumption and even airflow around production, warehouse and distribution facilities.

Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) refers to a network of connected devices in the industrial sector and is a subset of the Internet of Things (IoT).

Being able to monitor these environmental metrics as part of an overall monitoring strategy, gives a clearer picture of the entire environment.

An IIoT gateway is a bridge between a field network and the IoT platform or sometimes a business application. IIoT gateways can be viewed as data aggregation points for field devices or wireless networks.

For example, rising temperatures could indicate a problem with the Heating Ventilating and Airconditioning (HVAC) system and any spikes in temperature or humidity could pose a risk to certain machinery.

They provide local storage and compute capabilities as well as a user interface for data processing and system management.

Knowing these values helps businesses make decisions about other aspects of their infrastructure and will often facilitate proactive steps to be taken to mitigate risk, even before a failure occurs.

The defining characteristic of connected devices on IIoT networks is that they transfer data without human-to-human or human-to-computer interaction.

Connected devices communicate through IIoT gateways, which are physical servers that filter data and transmit it to other devices and software applications.

IIoT gateways have therefore become a key part of a solution to monitor an entire infrastructure holistically, which provides a multitude of benefits for manufacturers that adopt it.

Since digital transformation in manufacturing started, more and more connected and smart devices are appearing in factory settings.

This includes sensors for monitoring environmental factors like temperature, humidity and vibrations, as well as devices needed for smart automation.

Building monitoring systems There are concerning stories about poorly secured building automation networks being hijacked,

The rise of the industrial edge Many industrial automation vendors are drawing inspiration from information technology to address any challenges, turning to an approach known as edge computing, which is a form of distributed computing that moves computing resources closer to high-demand areas on the network’s edge. With more resources at the edge, data can be prepared locally before wide distribution; modern security measures can be layered onto legacy systems and advanced functionality can be embedded in processes to support a resilient network.

Data is key to managing production processes effectively and needs to be gathered, analysed and utilised at all levels, from the production floor and throughout the entire facility right through to despatch. This means that devices that were previously isolated, including programmable logic controllers (PLCs), industrial PCs and Remote Terminal Units (RTUs), now need to use different messaging protocols to connect to the cloud and

other data collection systems.

Industrial MQTT MQTT (MQ Telemetry Transport) is the most popular IoT-specific messaging protocol. However, there are various challenges with using MQTT in an industrial environment.

MQTT’s intuitive flexibility requires stronger guarantees of interoperability and state management to meet the needs of a diverse industrial network.

Furthermore, whilst MQTT provides a framework for large-scale integration and addresses essential cybersecurity concerns, MQTT on its own cannot create a secure IIoT infrastructure.

Implementing a scalable monitoring system All of this has resulted in industrial edge devices becoming data aggregation points that are connected to various systems and therefore form a key part of a solution to monitor the entire infrastructure holistically.

In order to deliver a scalable monitoring system without worrying about vendor lock-in or IT infrastructure investments, manufacturers need to simplify the traditional architectures required to connect field assets to software systems. The use of IIoT edge devices makes many applications more affordable and practical in the industrial setting.

The economic pressures and increased pace of technology adoption and digital transformation will continue even as the world recovers from the ongoing impact of the pandemic. It is therefore looking extremely likely that system integrators, developers, engineers and technology consultants will look more frequently to IIoT edge computing in search of the kind of competitive advantage it provides.

NZ Government accelerates move to SaaS with TechnologyOne TechnologyOne and the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE) have announced a new procurement framework which will pave the way for 23 NZ government agencies to transition to modern and secure Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) environments.

clear roadmap for their digital transformation to a SaaS platform.

security authorities.

It is part of the government’s reforms to ICT procurement making it simpler, clearer and faster for agencies and industry to transact services and deliver better outcomes for the community.

common standard for e-Invoicing, which means NZ

The new streamlined procurement arrangements will offer stronger cybersecurity options and improve services to citizens by allowing agencies to be more flexible and innovate more quickly.

The agreement comes at a good time for government agencies with TechnologyOne’s SaaS infrastructure being certified as compliant with the New Zealand Information Security Manual (NZ ISM) for several years already, building on the high-level credentials recently awarded to TechnologyOne by Australia’s

software company and one of Australia’s top 150

The agreement provides a common contractual framework, providing NZ Government agencies a

The Australian and New Zealand governments use a agencies can benefit from work already done across the Tasman.

TechnologyOne is Australia’s largest enterprise ASX-listed companies, with locations across six countries.

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Manufacturing Technology Northland students embrace online learning When Covid-19 sent schools into lockdown, keeping students motivated and their learning morale high much resembled the challenges workplaces faced.

Remote learning required whānau, educators, community organisations and businesses to step up.

The success of Kiwi Can Online has led to innovation in how the Foundation’s programmes are delivered not only in schools but also within local communities to a wider range of age groups. One example is Stars, targeted at students aged between 13-18.

at a Waikato School. Giving back to the community reflects our value of manaakitanga – or looking after people our way – and alongside our Iwi shareholders we aim to provide value within local communities beyond a financial return,” says Tarrant.

Enter Kiwi Can Online, which the Graeme Dingle Foundation launched in 2017 with support from Moana New Zealand.

Recent reports from the Education Review Office showed that schools with Stars helped students get through 2020.

Kiwi Can’s preferred delivery method of kanohi ki te kanohi (face to face) isn’t always feasible in schools located in more remote areas. The online learning portal was created to meet the needs of these tamariki.

A further innovation in Northland is an adaptation to include career readiness workshops and events.

“We recently asked the Foundation whether our investment is making a difference. We’re particularly pleased to note the high satisfaction ratings from Far North school principals around the programme’s cultural responsiveness.

It now helps 961 students across 11 Northland schools and many more around Aotearoa. Kiwi Can promotes life skills, values and learning programmes which are about respect, resilience and fun.

“Without Kiwi Can Online I’m not sure our organisation would have survived and stayed relevant in lockdown. It has made a huge difference to enabling us to be a viable organisation to deliver trainings in 2020, and led the way for further development for training purposes in our other programmes,” says National Programmes Director for Graeme Dingle Foundation, Simon Martin.

Chief Executive Officer of Moana New Zealand, Steve Tarrant, says support for the programmes is in line with the wholly owned Māori organisation’s commitment to the communities in which it operates. Moana farms Pacific oysters and lands fin fish in harbours across the Far North.

“Both Kiwi Can and Moana New Zealand were deemed essential services during level four lockdowns. We’re rightly proud of our five-year partnership.

“In 2017 we invested 50 percent of support needed to launch Kiwi Can Online through a pilot project

“To also see 90 percent agreement ratings that students had improved attitudes, better behaviour and learned new skills, that speaks volumes.”

Far North students now have a platform of resilience, excellence and strong values.

“We are continuing to see improvements in the behaviours of students. I’ve been told that students who aren’t overjoyed at having to come to school love the Kiwi Can day and ensure they are there.

“We now have the Site & Farm Manager from Moana’s Kāeo base on our Board of Trustees which is cementing our relationship even more. We thank Moana for its continued support of our Kiwi Can programme and the annual raft race event. More than 900 students in the Far North so appreciate this.”

Fittingly, Kāeo Primary School in the Far North won the Kiwi Can Outstanding School category late last year at the Graeme Dingle Foundation Excellence Awards for the second time.

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Solving the tech sector skills shortage – how diversity and inclusion benefit industry and the new zealand economy the talent pool. Imagine if we have our next Ernest Rutherford, Beatrice Tinsley or Peter Beck, living in New Zealand at the moment – but he or she is blocked from ever realising that potential because they can’t afford childcare, or the bus fare. Post-Covid-19 we need access to the widest set of skills we can, to help transform our economy and maximise the country’s potential.

To this end the Hi-Tech Trust is putting its weight behind the effort to significantly boost inclusion and diversity, starting with our He Whetū Mārama Ngā Karahipi / Leading Light scholarship programme designed in collaboration with Perpetual Guardian to lower the barriers to entry for people into the sector.

The winners will receive a total of $30,000 in financial assistance to support their journeys into tech, consistent with Hi-Tech Foundation’s mission to reduce barriers and inequities within the tech sector.

The first six recipients of the scholarship include an 18-year-old with 11 siblings to a solo mother retraining after two decades in a different field.

Vaifoa Lam Sam (18), is preparing to enter study this year to pursue a career in tech with a dream of one day working in the gaming, animation and design industries.

Vaifoa, one of 11 children in his family, was born in Sāmoa and moved from Apia to Auckland with his family at four years old.

His fellow recipient, Ramari Heperi, is a proud Māori

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wāhine and mother from Whangarei who is using the scholarship to upskill after a 20-year professional career.

On becoming a mother, Ramari found new motivation to pivot her career and is now in her final year of studying a diploma in Software Development and Web Development.

Ramari is passionate about growing the tech sector in Northland and increasing representation of Māori in tech.

The diverse group of winners represent the changing face of New Zealand. The future workforce doesn’t resemble the traditional view of the technology or manufacturing sector – and that’s great. They represent your customers, your consumers. As well as their direct skills, they also bring new perspectives, opinions and fresh thinking – all of which feeds into the innovation required for firms to be successful.

We all know that New Zealand has a chronic productivity problem. To resolve that we don’t need more jobs - we need more well-paid jobs, and we need those people to be contributing more.

Not by working harder, but by creating new ways of working that increase output while reducing cost.

New Zealand is already one of the hardest working countries in the OECD, we just don’t do that in the smartest way.

Getting more people into the tech sector will change the nature of our economy in ways that we often talk

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about, but sadly won’t realise without direct tangible action.

NZ Tech companies have already shown they can compete well on the international stage, with countries far bigger than ourselves. In the past couple of months alone we have seen multiple, multi-million-dollar tech investments from offshore into New Zealand.

Imagine if instead of two or three $100m companies per year, we had 20, or 100. But to make that happen we need more talent, more investment, more leadership – and a wider participation from across Aotearoa.

To support the increased diversity of the tech sector, and help to widen the talent pool, we invite all New Zealand companies to contribute to the Hi-Tech Foundation’s endowment fund, which has been set up so that the tech sector can be part of our own transformation.

Funds donated go to creating a long-term legacy, and fund initiatives like the scholarships, as well as other projects to address the skills and opportunity issue.

Companies can also help with direct action – take on interns, mentor local students, have an outreach program to populations in your area that don’t have access to the training they need.

You’ll benefit by learning more about them, but also you’ll open up your organisation to new talent and new thinking. It’s a win/win.

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The Circular Economy Sustainability tools for a circular economy The business value of sustainability is well-known today, but the value of a circular economy is perhaps still less known and certainly less understood.

e n v i r o n m e n t a l l y, socially, and economically.

Businesses can build resiliency against the volatility of raw material prices, supply chain risks, and changing legislation by creating circular products and services and moving towards a circular business model.

It also reveals whether you are burden-shifting — where you make positive impact at one stage of the life cycle but unintentionally create problems at another.

The aim of the game is to move away from a linear economy to a circular one that ‘designs out’ waste and pollution — keeping materials in a continuous flow.

A circular economy is designed to be restorative and regenerative. Following the strategic framework for a circular economy forces you to consider not just the impact of the product itself, but also the service it provides, the supply chain that enables that service, and even the broader economic, environmental, and social impacts of the whole system.

Transforming the concept of circular economy into action can be achieved with help of circularity tools such as the Material Circularity Indicator (MCI), and complementary life cycle based approaches, including: • Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) • Cradle to Cradle (C2C) • Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs).

There are many tools and many approaches to assess the sustainability of your products — it can be overwhelming to know where to start. The good news is that many of the methods and tools out there are related and often inform each other.

Fit for purpose — strategy first Before you engage with any of these methods or tools, it’s important to set out your objectives and have a sustainability strategy in place. Understanding what is important to your business and to your stakeholders is critical.

You also need to think about what sustainability issues might affect your business and what your greatest risks are. This will help you build a roadmap with actionable and manageable steps.

Even if you have similar ambitions to other companies, your roadmap and action plan will probably look very different. The life cycle approach to sustainability is great for informing strategy and design briefs.

Applying life cycle thinking Life cycle thinking is a holistic way of looking at the whole life cycle and value chain of product — from the extraction of raw materials and processing, through to product manufacture, delivery, use, and finally to waste management and recycling.

Like the circular economy, it is based on a ‘systems thinking’ perspective that involves looking at a product as part of a system, which also includes the service associated with it.

Examining each stage within the life cycle of your product means that you can identify where you can make the most positive impact:

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Quantifying life cycle impacts with LCA Once you have a better understanding of your entire life cycle, you can choose to undertake a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). This is a great way to quantify the environmental impact of your product at each stage over its entire life cycle using a wide range of indicators, such as carbon footprint, energy use, and water consumption.

An LCA provides insights on your products or services that allow you to make decisions based on science-based environmental data.

If you want to compare products with LCA, you’ll need to get it peer reviewed from three independent experts to make sure it meets the standards.

LCA reports are in-depth and technical. If your audience requires a more reader-friendly document, you could consider publishing an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) instead or alongside the report.

achieve a perfect MCI score, but still have a negative impact on other aspects of the environment.

A multi-pronged approach combining these tools will allow you to achieve your circular and wider environmental ambitions. The circularity information in an MCI can be combined with the wider environmental data of an LCA study through EPDs. InfraBuild was the first company in Australasia to incorporate the MCI into their EPDs. While this provides them with a bigger picture of environmental outcomes, a full picture is not possible without looking at the social impact. This is where Cradle to Cradle (C2C), the ultimate product certification comes in.

The ultimate sustainability certification ¬— C2C Where many companies and initiatives focus on doing “less bad”, Cradle to Cradle is all about doing “more good” and designing products that are good for the world.

Like the MCI, C2C looks at the circularity of materials, trying to ensure all materials become nutrients again for either a natural or a technical process — ‘growing’ the next product.

But C2C goes a step further and pulls in other influential factors to achieve a true circular economy — one that does right for the economy, environment, and society.

An EPD is based on your LCA but is condensed down to a document that aims for full transparency and integrity for its reader. It must be verified by a third party. It follows a specific set of rules for different product categories — allowing you to make comparisons with data-driven information.

An EPD is often likened to a nutrition label — it presents the environmental information in a way that is easily accessible and comparable without attributing a positive or negative value to the product.

Measure and improve the circularity of a product with MCI Where LCA focuses on understanding the impact of materials through indicators, the Material Circularity Indicator (MCI) looks at the circularity of the materials.

This tool is the brainchild of Jim Goddin and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, one of the leading institutes advocating the circular economy.

The MCI addresses a challenge that manufacturers often face with the circular economy — measuring the circularity of their products. Using the MCI leads to a score card for materials ranging from 0 (for a linear system) and 1 (for a perfectly circular system).

Therefore, the MCI tool translates the circular economy from a high-level concept into one that enables tangible action.

It is important to note that that the MCI looks at the circularity of materials, which is part of the circular economy but not the whole circular economy.

You can greatly reduce your carbon footprint yet operate within a linear system. Likewise, you can

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Image source: EPEA A C2C certification is the optimum sustainability certification — assessing your products against material health, material reuse, renewable energy and carbon management, water stewardship, and social fairness indicators.

C2C will help you contextualize all circular economy aspects and is a great way to verify if the objectives of a circular economy have been considered holistically and to their broadest extent.

Working together to achieve a truly circular economy When combined together, LCA, MCI, EPDs, and C2C help to achieve a truly circular economy that incorporates social, environmental, and economic dimensions.

From a business perspective, they also help to create products that will perform better in a market that is increasingly connected to social and environmental performance.

By Barbara Nebel and Caroline Noordijk, thinkstep-anz https://www.thinkstep-anz.com/

Chocolate

Do you grow, manufacture, store, transport, or sell food & beverage products?

There are food rules you need to follow.

It’s easy.

Go to foodsafety.govt.nz/myfoodrules to find out: • the plan or programme you need to use • where to register your business, and • who can verify your business.

Do you import food & beverage products?

• You must be a registered food importer (or use a registered agent). Go to foodsafety.govt.nz/ register-as-a-food-importer • You may need a registered plan or programme.

Go to foodsafety.govt.nz/myfoodrules

SEA

SON

ING

Any questions about food rules? Contact New Zealand Food Safety at foodactinfo@mpi.govt.nz or phone 0800 00 83 33 www.nzmanufacturer.co.nz

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Company Profile Asmuss talks to NZ Manufacturer Interview with Dean Brown, CEO of Asmuss Steel & Flow Control What does your business do?

Asmuss Steel and Flow Control supplies steel and flow control products to some of New Zealand’s biggest infrastructure and construction projects; Asmuss Steel supplies the construction and manufacturing industry through to a large array of Civil projects. Our dedicated team are adept at providing solutions in what is regularly a demanding environment, requiring tight lead times, material integrity and competitive pricing.

Steel is procured from the most reputable mills around the world, to certify product quality and traceability.

Asmuss Flow Control supplies to the water and wastewater industry; supporting water distribution, pump stations, treatment plants, reservoirs and irrigation, and to the industrial field; supplying to chemical processing sites, power and energy generation, pulp and paper, oil and gas sites.

The Flow Control side of the business also supplies to the building industry for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, siphonic, sanitary, trade waste, chemical waste and fire protection.

Every day we live out our purpose to create a stronger New Zealand by helping our customers, communities and people succeed.

How long has Asmuss been in business?

Asmuss is a 100 percent New Zealand-owned business, founded by H J Asmuss in 1920. It is one of the largest privately-owned companies in its field.

Family-owned for four generations, with the fourth generation of Asmuss family members now shareholders in the business, the Asmuss family continue what their predecessors did – directing profits back into the business, making smart acquisitions and supporting the NZ economy.

Asmuss is one of the few companies in New Zealand that holds such an intergenerational legacy and has stayed loyal to what it means to be a New Zealand owned and operated company.

In 2020 we marked 100 years in business, however due to Covid-19, we decided to celebrate the Centenary last week (15 April).

We held a private event at the Park Hyatt for friends, family, staff, client, suppliers and industry bodies associated with Asmuss.

Last year, Asmuss amalgamated all four brands (HJ Asmuss & Co, Asmuss Plastic Systems and Asmuss Water Systems, Asmuss South Island) and is now trading under one unifying brand – Asmuss Steel and Flow Control.

How has Covid-19 been affecting your company?

This time last year, we, like many companies, had a limited pandemic plan in place, so we had to quickly adapt, learn and create a detailed pandemic plan and mobilise staff to work from home.

Our management team did everything we could to support our staff during Covid. This included introducing mental health awareness and wellbeing practices.

How are you finding present business conditions?

We are experiencing a period of growth and are proud to be supplying industries that are the ‘engine

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rooms’ to get NZ back on track post-Covid and help NZ navigate our way out of a recession.

Those industries include water reform, infrastructure, construction and shovel-ready projects with central and local government.

Where are the future opportunities for your company?

We are excited about what the future holds for Asmuss and the company. The amalgamation of the four brands into one in 2020, along with the brand refresh, has improved business alignment creating opportunities to leverage our scale and provide greater clarity on Asmuss capability and product offering to customers.

Asmuss will continue to supply industries that will do well in New Zealand in the future such as construction and infrastructure, industrial processing, shovel-ready projects, and projects that will be part of the three waters reform programme.

In April we launched the Asmuss Charitable Trust to continue in our commitment to create a stronger New Zealand by helping our customers, communities and people succeed.

Dean Brown, CEO Asmuss Steel & Flow Control

next move ensuring they move to companies that are solid and sustainable.

Asmuss has learnt to be patient in hiring not only experienced people, but those who are the right fit with our company culture.

We are finding, as we promote our profile and capability, the interest in joining Asmuss is increasing.

People like the fact we are a privately-owned flat structured business, not a corporate, and we have the scale to provide career pathways.

In the current climate Asmuss also needs to cultivate and develop talent from within. This has resulted in an increased focus and investment in training and development for existing staff to help make them successful.

The Trust will provide financial support to local communities where the Asmuss Group has a physical presence. Supporting areas such as financial literacy, budgeting services, cultural, leadership, youth development focused on employment pathways and young family support.

Looking forward – where is the construction market going?

Areas of development?

The outlook looks positive with vertical construction customers reporting solid books of work through till at least the end of October 2021.

We will continue in our commitment to supplying large-scale projects and the replacement market, while delivering technical excellence and providing exceptional customer service.

I believe business longevity is about having true partnerships with our valued suppliers and customers — to ultimately maintain consistency, quality, and succeed together.

We have over 230 staff, each of whom show commitment and pride working for Asmuss, and their professional development is someone we will continue to invest in.

Asmuss is committed to pursue inorganic growth opportunities that will strengthen our value proposition and the ease of doing business for customers.

Our digital initiatives were expedited because of the pandemic. From connecting the workforce, e-commerce, website enhancement, working towards setting up a virtual branch for the near future, and supply chain automation.

Asmuss plans to invest in digital innovation in our next phase of growth.

We are also committed to creating an environmentally and sustainable business and will invest further in that in the future.

Business sustainability is more than about achieving carbon neutral goals but also includes health and wellbeing of our people, which has become even more relevant these last twelve months.

How hard is it for you to find the right staff?

Companies are working harder to retain their good staff, that said, good talent are more cautious on their

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We are fortunate to be involved in supplying the industries (construction, infrastructure and the three waters) which will be some of New Zealand’s economic recovery drivers post-Covid.

We are seeing increased inquiries related to the infrastructure sector and like many, are looking forward to more shovel ready projects getting started.

We look forward to seeing what shape the water form takes over these coming months, as this is another segment that will open some good opportunities for Asmuss.

Asmuss is excited about what the future holds and is well position for the next phase of growth.

Are you working with firms who are working on projects in the Super City?

If so, in what way?

Yes, we are. Asmuss is supplying steel to the Central Rail Link, Civic Centre Carpark, and the Papakura to Pukekohe rail electrification.

Asmuss has also supplied pipes, valves and fittings to the Waikato 50 drought relief pipeline, Pukekohe Wastewater Treatment Plant and new Pukekohe Reservoir, and Central Interceptor wastewater project.

Multinationals are doing well in the Super City. Do you work closely with them?

Yes, we find multinational construction companies bring significant scale and capability, such as; Ghella, (building Central Inceptor), Vinci (owns Electrix, Heb, March Construction), Aveng (owns McConnell Dowell).

These companies are seeking supply partners who can offer top quality locally manufactured products and the best global brands like Asmuss.

ADVISORS Mike Shatford

is an expert in the field of technology development and commercialisation. His company Design Energy Limited has completed over 100 significant projects in this vein by consulting for and partnering with some of New Zealand’s leading producers.

Among Mike and his team’s strengths are industrial robotics and automated production where the company puts much of its focus.

Sandra Lukey

Sandra Lukey is the founder of Shine Group, a consultancy that helps science and technology companies accelerate growth. She is a keen observer of the tech sector and how new developments create opportunity for future business.

She has over 20 years’ experience working with companies to boost profile and build influential connections.

Iain Hosie

Iain Hosie, Revolution Fibres, Technical Director and Founder Iain is the co-Founder and Technical Director of Revolution Fibres. Iain has been deeply involved in nanofibre production and the development of many unique nanofibre products in the past ten years. Iain co-founded Revolution Fibres in 2009 and led the business since 2012, taking it from a small start-up to a recognszed leader in nanofibre production. Iain has recently moved to the Technical Director role – with a focus on keeping Revolution Fibres at the forefront of textiles innovation.

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FARO introduces BuildIT 2021 Software Suite FARO), a global leader for 3D measurement, imaging and realisation solutions, has released its most advanced BuildIT 2021 software suite, which represents the next evolution of this platform that simplifies workflows, improves performance and enhances ease of use.

• Inspection annotations – Can now be defined prior to perform any measurement and then computed and populated dynamically as new measurements are added; dynamic annotations are supported for points, lines and curves, and surfaces

BuildIT offers three individual products – BuildIT Metrology, BuildIT Projector and BuildIT Construction – each designed to address the most challenging quality inspection, manufacturing and assembly or construction issues, offering the most flexible and intuitive user interfaces in their respective applications.

• FARO Laser Tracker Improvements – Integrates the latest SDK (software development kit) to provide a more seamless Wi-Fi experience by handling disconnections and reconnections automatically

While the BuildIT 2021 suite is integrated with FARO hardware products to ensure a best-in-class FARO solution experience, it also delivers high-quality outcomes for non-FARO hardware products.

“The performance enhancements in BuildIT 2021 Software Suite are substantial,” said Vito Marone, FARO Senior Director of Software Product Marketing.

“For example, by using this significant upgrade of our BuildIT Construction software, users can complete reports in five minutes or less – a process which used to take 10 minutes or more.”

BuildIT Metrology 2021 features upgrades related to four key areas, including: user experience, probing, scanning and automation:

• Improved GD&T (geometric distancing & tolerancing) – Runout and total runout tolerances are now supported with any DRF file extension that frees DoF (degrees of freedom) required for a proper evaluation of tolerances • Faster alignment and analyses – By trading a few microns in accuracy, the alignments and analyses gets a boost in speed between 10X to 100X • Auto-complete and syntax highlighting – Are now available in the process editor to streamline writing automated processes; tooltips can also be displayed for providing documentation on the go.

BuildIT Projector 2021 comes complete with an enhanced user interface and includes instant projection – a feature optimised for low production environments and one-off workflows. With no planning needed, it is the fastest way to go from importing the CAD model to projection. BuildIT Projector 2021 also features the ability to: • Pick Alignment Points on the Fly – The TracerSI lets you align directly to features on the part. For those workflows, all users have to do is pick an alignment point, coordinate from the CAD, aim the scanbox at it, scan, and accept if the contrast is good enough • Operator Gamepad Remote & Mobile Remote – One gamepad remote can control multiple

projectors, allowing the operator to spend more time assembling and less time walking back and forth from the computer station. Mobile remote has several new features and contains all the controls needed to run an alignment routine • Unparalleled Automation – These capabilities can now be leveraged as part of a projection plan, as layers have a Layer Process property, which specifies which process should be automatically launched when the operator reaches this layer BuildIT Construction 2021 boasts a guided user interface for concrete floor flatness analysis and an object-based analysis to simplify reporting to all stakeholders, allowing for a quick and easy comparison of what was built versus the original design.

Now, users can enhance their learning curve, uncover inconsistencies, and deliver complete reports on day one using the new guided workflow.

With object-based analysis, users can also verify a complete building level against the original file and uncover within minutes which elements onsite were placed beyond tolerances – all while sharing this vital information with project stakeholders in real time.

Other unique value-add benefits include: • Comprehensive Tank Analysis Package – Determines and identifies critical issues in the plant facility that support faster modification and renovation • Significant Reduction in Onsite Cycle Time – From laser scan projection data preparation to 3D visualization • Streamlines Raw Scan Import Process – Feature automatically detects targets and facilitates faster alignment with the software Numerous Workflow Efficiency Improvements – Includes file size reduction, faster rendering and clipping box functionality

Anti-Viral composites solution reduces CoronaVirus Global composites manufacturer, Exel Composites, has launched its anti-viral Protector solution, which has been proven to reduce the viral load of strains of human Coronavirus.

Results have demonstrated a 99.44 per cent reduction in viral load after one hour, and 99.99 per cent after 24 hours, compared to untreated composites.

The solution consists of an anti-viral additive that is mixed into the composites’ resin during the manufacturing process of both Exel’s fiberglass and carbon fiber profiles.

“Hand sanitisers and disinfectant products have now blended into our daily lives. However, manufacturing anti-viral surface materials can easily heighten anti-viral protection in a range of sectors.”

Ensuring consistent distribution throughout the resin, the additive permeates the composite to provide protection against viruses throughout the material’s lifecycle.

“Our Protector composites reduce the viral load and provide additional protection that can be used in areas where there are high levels of bacteria accumulation.

This includes handrails on public transport, and equipment handles in cleaning and maintenance applications.

Exel sent material samples to an independent third-party laboratory that specializes in bacteriology, virology and industrial microbiology. Here, the samples were tested according to ISO 21702:2019 — Measurement of antiviral activity on plastics and other non-porous surfaces. The findings show a significant reduction of the 229E strain of Coronavirus on Exel’s composite Protector samples.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of anti-viral solutions and precautions that must be taken with all viruses,” said Kim Sjödahl, SVP Technology and R&D at Exel Composites.

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“A significant benefit of our anti-viral solution is that the additive acts as a built-in layer of defense within the material,” continued Sjödahl. “The additive working in the resin ensures durability and reliability of the anti-viral protection, as its effectiveness does not decline over time — a common disadvantage of alternative surface treatments such as sprays, coatings and foils. Even if the composite is scratched, the anti-viral protection remains unaffected.”

Exel Composites has an established portfolio of

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composite solutions to meet a variety of industry requirements, ranging from turbine blades to window frames. The Protector solution can be incorporated into the manufacturing of any composite profile manufactured by Exel.

“Our solution does not affect the pigmentation, texture, mechanical or structural properties of the material”, added Sjödahl. “This means it can be applied to any composite product for any industry.

Exel Protector is a remarkable step forwards, demonstrating a significant reduction in the spread of contagious diseases.

Izon Science’s new nanoparticle measurement Christchurch-headquartered nanotech company launches nanotech measurement device with unparalleled precision and accuracy; new Exoid device set to accelerate Izon’s global growth Izon Science Ltd has announced the worldwide launch of its latest nanoparticle measurement device, the Exoid. The new-generation device opens up new frontiers for nano-scale science researchers working globally to improve healthcare.

The development and launch of the Exoid is core to Izon’s global growth plans. It follows a $10.5M capital raise in June last year from Bolton Equities, a New Zealand based private equity investor founded

by New Zealand businessman and entrepreneur Murray Bolton.

Izon Science is rapidly establishing itself as a key figure in New Zealand’s growing science space with 50 employees across New Zealand, USA, France, United Kingdom and sales in over 50 countries.

Customers include all of the world’s top 10 ranked medical research institutes, and 9 of the top 10 pharmaceutical companies.

Hans van der Voorn, CEO of Izon Science, says the Exoid will open up nano-biological research areas that haven’t been previously possible at this scale and accuracy.

The semi-automated device allows researchers to measure particle size, concentration,

and surface charge of complex samples - including extracellular vesicles (EVs), viruses, liposomes and other nanomedicine products.

The Exoid replaces Izon’s existing qNano instrument, which has gained recognition over the last ten years as the highest-resolution and most accurate method for measuring complex biologicals in the nano-size range.

and out of lockdown. The US in particular is bouncing back now though.

The qNano has been used by thousands of scientists in over 45 countries and is featured in around 1500 scientific publications.

“Over the medium-term increases in health science funding, particularly at the nano-bio interface, will benefit our business. The research needs transformative products like the Exoid to advance into the clinic.

“We’re excited that after years in development, the Exoid is now rolling out globally. The qNano has been in the market for over 10 years, and has the highest accuracy in the field but requires a lot of skill to use,” says van der Voorn.

“We expect the Exoid become the global standard for bio-nanoparticle analysis – given that it’s the only accurate method for measuring the three fundamental properties of complex nano-bio particles, being size, charge and concentration.

The burgeoning interest in extracellular vesicles, including exosomes, and their potential roles as powerful biomarkers and new therapeutics for major diseases such as dementia and cancer has driven much of the demand for Izon’s technology in recent years.

“Previously this level of precision came with a steep learning curve and user skill, but the Exoid is much easier to operate than the qNano.”

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nano-biological particles produced by cells which are now known to be fundamental components of biology. There is a global technology race to develop sophisticated products that this new field can use.

Izon is a world leader in both separation and measurement of EVs and is moving into processing of them as well.

Van der Voorn says, “It’s been a disrupted year for many of our research customers as they’ve been in

The Exoid’s usability and performance improvements come shortly after a comparison study was published in the Journal of Extracellular Vesicles, showing that the qNano was significantly better than popular light-based techniques at measuring particle concentration and size.

Most of the light-based methods were shown to have a low resolution or insufficient accuracy, or both.

Beta versions of Izon’s Exoid are currently being tested externally with customers, with production units set to start shipping shortly. For more information visit: www.izon.com

igus robolink IP44: a robot that defies wet igus has developed a low cost automation solution made of polymer and stainless steel for environments with splashing water

For the first time in an igus robot, the joining links are made of V2 or V4 stainless steel and the joints of the proven lubrication-free tribo-polymers.

Damp and wet environments can quickly degrade the mechanics of a robot. This prompted igus to launch a Low Cost Automation innovation on the market, which can easily and cost-effectively implement simple tasks and at the same time be allowed to come into contact with splash water.

The user does not need an expensive additional covering, because the absence of lubrication in the joints means that no grease can be washed out and escape into the environment.

The new robolink, available from Treotham, makes use of the advantages of two materials: stainless steel and high-performance polymers.

The new robolink meets protection class IP44 at least, and is therefore resistant to splash water. It can carry up to three kilograms, has a range of 790 millimetres with five axes and can make 7 picks a minute.

Thanks to the use of motors with encoders of

protection class IP65, the robot can also be easily used for outdoor inspection.

Further application scenarios are possible, for example, in the food and beverage industry, in the chemical and pharmaceutical sector, or even for tank and container cleaning operations.

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Outset, NZ’s largest deep tech hub gets new name New Zealand’s largest and fastest growing hub for deep tech startups is getting a new name, with LevelTwo becoming Outset Ventures.

CEO Imche Fourie says the new name reflects the evolution of Outset Ventures into the country’s largest company incubating and investing in early stage ventures founded on science and engineering breakthroughs addressing global challenges.

“We’ve grown beyond being a shared space on the second floor of a building to a place where entrepreneurs can grow their groundbreaking science and engineering innovations with us ‘from the outset’,” says Ms Fourie.

tech fund raised with Icehouse Ventures that will back 20-30 ventures over the next three years.

Outset Ventures welcomed the third startup into its new Launch Lab programme last month; Dennisson Technologies, which has also received investment from the deep tech fund.

The company is developing a soft, clothing-like exosuit as a low-cost, lightweight alternative to traditional medical devices used to help people unable to move their limbs without assistance.

“The new name speaks to our commitment to grow New Zealand’s flourishing deep tech entrepreneurial community, where founders can find support to fuel their global ambitions of curing diseases, slowing climate change, reversing pollution; and producing sustainable foods, fuels and space flights.”

“We are thrilled at the massive support from Outset Ventures,” says CEO of Dennisson Technologies Anvil Bañez, who founded the wearable technology company last year with the aim of helping people like his father, who suffered from the effects of Polio, walk again.

Previously the birthplace of Rocket Lab, LanzaTech and Mint Innovation, which once all resided on ‘level two’ within the Outset Ventures building, the company now houses commercial laboratory and workshop facilities, a six-month pre-incubation ‘Launch Lab’ programme, and a $10 million deep

“The funding, Launch Lab programme, and new connections we are making puts us one step closer to realising our dream to help millions more like my dad get up and moving more comfortably and independently.”

Dennisson Technologies is the fifth company to be backed by the deep tech fund, with previous investments made into Helico Bio, a company growing insulin from plants; medtech startup HeartLab, and airport fog dispersal systems company Pyper Vision. A sixth investment is expected to be finalised in the coming days.

Companies backed by Outset Ventures can also seek advice and mentorship from New Zealand’s most successful deep tech founders, including Rocket Lab’s Peter Beck and LanzaTech’s Dr Sean Simpson, who are passionate about growing New Zealand’s entrepreneurial community.

The number of deep tech ventures housed within Outset Ventures is set to rise significantly from the 180-plus people currently working across 21 companies based within the Auckland building, which has been recently renamed ‘Future House’.

The five-story building’s massive refurbishment will see the 3,500 square meters allocated to Outset Ventures, and another 5,500 square meters dedicated to science and engineering companies once renovations are complete later this year.

The new layout will include additional state-of-the-art laboratories and workshops, as well as shared meeting and event spaces, with the latter poised to be the venue for New Zealand’s first deep tech symposium scheduled for October.

The November 2020 issue of the “Startup Investment New Zealand magazine”, prepared by PwC and the Angel Association of New Zealand predicts significant growth for the local deep tech sector, which currently accounts for 25 per cent of all startup investment.

Outset Ventures is the largest and fastest growing hub for deep tech startups in New Zealand.

The company offers commercial laboratory and workshop facilities, incubation programmes and investment for early stage ventures founded on science and engineering breakthroughs.

Currently home to 21 deep tech ventures, entrepreneurs backed

by Outset Ventures can access its facilities and its expanding entrepreneurial community while preparing their companies for global markets.

Imche Fourie

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INDUSTRY 4.0 To adopt Industry 4.0, we must look to the Lighthouses Lighthouses have been the key to maritime navigation for centuries, emitting light to guide sailors across treacherous seas.

Recognised by the World Economic Forum (WEF), Lighthouse facilities can also act as a guiding light for the manufacturing industry, as it navigates the technologies of Industry 4.0.

But what makes a Lighthouse factory, and what can other manufacturers learn from them?

A beacon of hope

A study by WEF in 2018 found that over 70 per cent of businesses are investing in technologies such as big data analytics, artificial intelligence and 3D printing, but are not able to take these projects beyond the pilot phase.

The network has been selected from a survey of over 1,000 manufacturing sites, based on their success in adopting Industry 4.0 technologies. They represent a range of industries, such as automotive, additive manufacturing and consumer goods.

But it seems that tides have changed. 2020 has been a difficult year for many manufacturers to navigate, but its impact on digitalisation is clear.

Described by WEF as “the world’s most advanced factories, which are leading the way in the adoption of Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies”, the recognition demonstrates a clear motive.

In May 2020, a Fortune survey found that 77 per cent chief executive officers believe the crisis will force their companies to speed up their digital transformations. But how can they get it right?

Overcoming hurdles Certainly before 2020, the manufacturing industry was sometimes slow to adopt digital technologies.

Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) solutions have been implemented at a sluggish pace, and are yet to scale across industry.

It’s been typical for manufacturers across many sectors to rely on legacy systems to collect and analyse data, preventing them from realising the main benefits of digitalisation: data-driven insights to run equipment more efficiently, to react automatically and to boost operational speed.

There are many reasons why digital progression has been stalled. Stagnation may come from a lack of skills in the workplace, with new technologies requiring a different set of competences.

The investment in reskilling, training and hiring new specialists can leave many manufacturers questioning whether digital transformation is really worth it. But it is.

Having 70 per cent of manufacturers struggling to get new projects off the ground teaches us is that — while many want to implement digital technologies — it’s difficult to find ways to prove their continuous benefits. It’s those manufacturers that are in need of a guiding light.

To date, the WEF has identified 69 facilities across the globe as “Lighthouse Facilities”.

For WEF, showcasing the 69 facilities as Lighthouses means they can show the way for the 70 per cent of companies stuck in “pilot purgatory”.

Just like maritime lighthouses shine light on danger at sea, Lighthouse facilities are here to dispel the myths that make digitalisation seem hazardous.

Contrary to concerns about skills gaps, the Lighthouse factories are not deploying IIoT technology to replace operators.

A McKinsey report suggests that less than five per cent of occupations consist of activities that are completely automatable, while over 60 per cent of occupations have at least one third of automatable tasks.

Consequently, employees in production enjoy a working routine that’s less repetitive, and more interesting, diversified, and productive.

An evaluation of the facilities has uncovered several other findings that demonstrate the value of implementing Industry 4.0.

The facilities are more agile and showcase greater customer centricity across end-to-end manufacturing, and are quicker to recognise shifts in customer preferences.

Increased automation and upskilling and reskilling efforts also means these facilities operate at speed, giving them a greater advantage over competitors.

This speed and efficiency is also leveraged to make processes more eco-efficient, reducing waste and using fewer finite resources.

Gimo: factory of the future In 2019, Sandvik Coromant’s production facility in Gimo, Sweden was awarded Lighthouse facility status.

At the factory, Sandvik Coromant manufactures machine tools and metal cutting inserts, which customers use to produce anything from small

machining parts to aircraft engines.

Activities are divided into two plants, one for the inserts and one for the tool systems. Both of these are the biggest production plants in the world in their respective fields with a total surface area of 110,000 square metres. Running through the factory is a digital thread that unites production activities with data driven insights.

One area of production praised by WEF is Gimo’s ‘touchless changeovers’, which allow tool design patterns to be changed automatically, even during unmanned shifts.

Historically, design patterns in production cells had to be changed manually, with operators from the day shifts preparing machines to run through the night. This took time and resources, and limited flexibility during unmanned shifts.

Seeking an alternative, Gimo invested in smart automation with ultra-flexible robots, machines, tools and fixtures, which together perform complex, touchless changeovers without the need for any human oversight.

This is just one example where digitalisation boosts productivity and takes the strain of performing monotonous tasks away from human workers.

Digital technologies are also used to deliver improvements in other areas at Gimo, such as maintenance. Increasingly, sensors are being fitted to plant equipment, collecting data for a growing list of parameters such as pressure, temperature, vibration and acoustics.

This data, combined with sophisticated analytics, can reveal patterns and problems before downtime occurs.

Businesses looking to invest in digital technologies should look to the Lighthouses for guidance. Their agility and resilience set them apart before the pandemic, and are part of a strong foundation to withstand the changes it has brought forth.

With more businesses recognising the need to go digital, but perhaps not knowing how to sustain the benefits, having 69 guiding lights is key to industry’s future.

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NZ MANUFACTURER

FEATURES

Robotics Robotic solution to nuclear waste

May 2021 Issue

An innovative robotic solution to mapping and segmenting different levels of nuclear waste without the need to put humans into a hazardous radioactive environment has been proven by a pioneering company.

REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Createc is behind some of the world’s most advanced technologies in robotics and computer imaging and is well-known for finding solutions to some of the world’s most complex industrial challenges.

Createc’s Automated Nuclear Detection Cell (AND-C) innovation responds to the challenge of removing nuclear workers from hazardous environments by providing a system that can remotely scan items for radioactive contamination and then automatically remove the contamination.

THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY

Createc’s technology involves an AND-C sensor pack being deployed on a robotic arm.

The sensor scans the contaminated item and the 3D radiation contamination map is transferred directly to the robotic system to guide the arm to the precise location and remove the contamination.

The AND-C system allows remote radioactive decontamination without requiring operators to work inside a hazardous nuclear environment.

DISRUPTIVE TECHNOLOGIES

In many nuclear decommissioning facilities, a decontamination cell is used to process transport containers on site so that they can be sentenced to low level waste.

This is labour intensive work which needs to be carried out using complex PPE and sometimes air-fed suits and involves multiple operational teams as well as support staff and radiation protection staff.

Combining Createc’s proven technology for radiation mapping with nuclear robotic arms means the precise location of the contamination can be identified and removed without having to put nuclear workers into this hazardous environment.

SUPPLY CHAIN

It means operations can be carried out more safely, sooner and also at less financial cost.

MACHINE TOOLS

Identifying different levels of nuclear waste in this way will result in significant financial savings as it will mean low level waste will not be sent to intermediate level waste facilities unnecessarily.

Advertising Booking Deadline – 9 May 2021

Createc’s tried and tested N-Visage technology, commercially deployed across the world and extensively at the Fukushima Daiichi site in Japan, is used to estimate the source distribution of the contamination of the object’s surface.

Advertising Copy Deadline – 9 May 2021 Editorial Copy Deadline – 9 May 2021 Advertising – For bookings and further information contact: Doug Green, P O Box 1109, Hastings 4156, Hawke’s Bay Email: publisher@xtra.co.nz

A 3D model combined with radiometric data is then used to plan how waste will be dismantled, improving the effectiveness and cost of decontamination.

Editorial material to be sent to :

The technology answers three main challenges for the nuclear decommissioning industry, namely can it:

Doug Green, P O Box 1109, Hastings 4156, Hawke’s Bay Email: publisher@xtra.co.nz Tel: 06 870 9029

At NZ MANUFACTURER our aim is to keep our readers up to date with the latest industry news and manufacturing advances in a tasty morsel, ensuring they do not get left behind in the highly competitive and rapidly evolving manufacturing world.

As I See It

Manufacturing Profiles

Business News

Letters to the Editor

Appointments

Politics of Manufacturing

Around New Zealand

Diary of Events World Market Report Q/A

• remove people from the danger of the assessment of that waste.

• use digital tools to improve the workflow of the nuclear industry as a whole.

Opinion

Trade Fair World

• potentially reduce the amount of nuclear waste going into higher categories by removing assessment pessimisms.

Australian Report New to the Market Lean Manufacturing

Export News

Equipment for Sale

Machine Tools

Recruitment

Business Opportunities

Environmental Technology

Commentary

Manufacturing Processes

The modular approach of the technology and its use of Createc Robotics’ innovative Iris platform means the whole system is flexible and agile and can be easily modified depending on the task.

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New appointments to KiwiNet board KiwiNet has appointed deep-tech champion Vignesh Kumar to its board of directors as an additional independent board member.

KiwiNet has also appointed Zoe Murphy as a board observer, a newly implemented role designed to foster capability and diversity within New Zealand’s research commercialisation governance and leadership.

The Kiwi Innovation Network (KiwiNet) is a group of 18 universities, Crown Research Institutes, an Independent Research Organisation and a Crown Entity working together to transform scientific discoveries into new products and services.

Together, KiwiNet members represent a total combined research expenditure of over $800 million and 80% of the publicly funded researchers in New Zealand.

anchored innovations centred on improving the engineering and manufacturability of Apple’s consumer products.

Prior experiences included business development at BHL Group in Papua New Guinea and product design in neonatal respiratory support at Fisher & Paykel Healthcare.

Engineering and technology professional Vignesh Kumar has over 12 years of experience in global technology design, manufacturing, and operations strategy across North America, East Asia, and the Asia Pacific.

Vignesh earned an MBA from The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, as a Wharton and Kaiser Fellow and a Fulbright Science and Innovation Scholar, and a Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) degree in Biomedical Engineering and a Master of Engineering Studies (Hons) in Medical Device Design and Technologies from the University of Auckland.

Before returning to New Zealand in mid-2018, he worked for Apple Inc. at its US headquarters as one of its Lead Enclosure Hardware Managers, actively sourcing and scaling science and engineering

Vignesh is deeply involved in the local early-stage ecosystem. He also sits on the Return on Science investment committees and is an active venture investor in hardware-enabled software, deep tech,

Vignesh Kumar

Zoe Murphy

and health technology companies, via his role as a Partner at venture capital firm Global from Day 1 (GD1).

KiwiNet has also appointed its inaugural Board Observer, Zoe Murphy, Strategic Relationships Manager at the Health Research Council of New Zealand.

Zoe earned a Bachelor of Technology in Biomedical Sciences (Hons) from the University of Auckland and has 20 years of experience in research and innovation across public and commercial environments, including biomedical research laboratories, research management organisations, and research and innovation strategy and policy.

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New Products New chainflex series saves 35% cable costs in Top Drives From Treotham is the igus developed e-loop, especially for hanging installations in extremely challenging applications, such as deep drilling rigs.

The robust energy chain system safely guides cables vertically and is already replacing more and more service loops worldwide.

With the new CFSPECIAL.5 series, there is now also the matching igus cable range for the e-loop. A combination of seven chainflex cables makes cost savings of 35% possible.

To guide cables safely in hanging applications and harsh environments, igus has developed the e-loop as an alternative to the frequently used service loop.

This is because in a service loop the cables have no guide and no defined bend radius, they cannot move and break. When servicing or repairing, the complete system must be replaced.

As an extremely resilient three-dimensional energy supply system, the e-loop combines the advantages of a polymer energy chain with a high-strength pull rope.

The rope absorbs the tensile forces inside the chain and transmits them to the mounting brackets. The modular e-chain has a defined bend radius and withstands vibrations and shocks thanks to PU protectors - ideal for use in drilling rigs or bucket wheel excavators.

To match the e-loop, igus now presents the CFSPECIAL.5 cable series.

Chain, cable, guarantee, assembly: everything from one source The cable package for the e-loop is available from Treotham and consists of seven different types of cable: three single-core cables of different cross sections, a protective conductor, two data cables and a hybrid cable.

The selection is based on the current Top Drive systems on the market and is continuously adapted.

e-loop series available in different versions The e-loop series is available in different sizes and variants, such as the version with crossbars every 2nd link. The new design is used statically, e.g. in oil drilling rigs for energy supply from the mast to the power container.

The e-loop is also available with rollers and handle modules so that it can be easily moved from A to B over the floor at quay facilities. Treotham offers a “drop safe” version with additional screw locking as well as a stainless steel bracket option.

All chainflex cables are available without minimum order quantity. Due to the availability as a catalogue part, the usual lengthy and expensive individual production is no longer necessary.

With the igus complete package consisting of chain, cable, harnessing and installation, the customer finally benefits from the delivery of all components from a single source and the guarantee that all components are ideally matched. Due to the tests in the 3,800 square metre test laboratory, igus is able to certify this. At the same time, the harnessed readychain system reduces procurement time by almost 90% and assembly time by 68%.

Tested, safe and fast delivery: the cable package consisting of seven chainflex cables is adapted for use in the e-loop from igus.

Enhanced heat transfer in a smaller package HRS Heat Exchangers has introduced the new C Series of industrial multitube heat exchangers with a smaller tube diameter to improve heat transfer in certain situations and create a more compact unit.

The HRS C Series is suitable for applications with low to medium viscosities, as well as heating CIP fluids and general industrial applications.

Based on the proven and well-established K Series of Industrial Multitube heat exchangers, the new C Series also features HRS’s corrugated tube technology which increases heat transfer and thermal efficiency while also minimising the effects of fouling.

The new standard option is expected to be popular for use with industrial hot water and steam applications.

The smaller tube diameter means that more tubes can be fitted into each unit, meaning that in the same model heat transfer is more efficient.

This results in a more compact unit as the overall length of the heat exchanger can be reduced for a given capacity, meaning that C Series units with smaller tubes can be produced for areas where the available space for installation is restricted and a larger K Series may be unsuitable.

The C Series is manufactured from stainless steel.

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Developments Job management platform for Tradies secures investment Job management software company Tradify has secured a significant investment into a New Zealand technology firm, announcing a $10 million investment led by technology investor Movac.

It is the first major capital raise by Tradify, which offers a job management app that simplifies quoting, scheduling and invoicing for trades businesses. The $10 million investment is led by Movac with support from existing shareholders K1W1 and Icehouse Ventures.

established presence in Australia and the UK, Tradify has expanded rapidly as tradies increasingly look for more efficient ways to manage their businesses.

CEO Michael Steckler said the company had now reached a point where it is ready to scale at pace with a proven business model.

The Movac-led investment will allow it to create more high-value jobs in New Zealand, where its product and engineering teams are based, and to provide another example and inspiration for other tech companies by demonstrating that Kiwi tech can compete globally, Steckler said.

“We plan to significantly increase the size of our product and engineering team, and will be making increased investments into sales and marketing to further accelerate Tradify’s growth globally and in New Zealand” he said.

“Movac is a big supporter of NZ tech and has been for many years. They also have experience working with great Kiwi companies who have successfully expanded globally, like Timely, Vend, Unleashed Software, and others,” he said.

With overseas expansion already underway and an

Naylor Love shares its intellectual property in “wood first” initiative Naylor Love, New Zealand’s largest privately owned construction company, is offering other industry players free access to a carbon calculator it developed to help its clients visualise the potential carbon impacts of construction material choices.

The calculator was developed in 2019 as a result of a Naylor Love-commissioned research project looking at a typical six-storey commercial building constructed in two ways – one using engineered timber and the other using conventional concrete and steel.

The calculator showed engineered timber model reduced carbon emissions by up to 90 percent.

“There is immense pressure on companies to be more sustainable, and that means new thinking leading to new practices, materials and innovative technology in construction,” says Scott Watson, Naylor Love’s Business Development Director.

“Clients want to be more sustainable and they want our help to achieve that. They also need the facts and figures that provide the rationale for their decisions.

“We developed our tool in response to that demand, to help people change the way their buildings are designed and built. We wanted to provide data that quickly demonstrates carbon benefits of engineered

wood over alternative materials, alongside a cost-benefit analysis.”

and less energy-intensive to process compared to other construction materials,” Scott says.

“Until now we’ve regarded it as Naylor Love intellectual property, but we recently decided it’s more important to share it for the public good,” Scott says. “The more use the calculator gets, the more likely people are to select sustainable solutions.”

Naylor Love’s approach echoes the Government’s stance on sustainability. Last year Cabinet agreed that as part of its sustainable construction practices, it would require mandated departments and agencies to choose materials and construction processes that create the lowest upfront carbon emissions – in what is often referred to as the Government’s “wood first” approach.

Naylor Love has constructed many engineered timber buildings including the Otago Polytechnic Student Village – one of the largest laminated wood buildings (by volume) in New Zealand.

Naylor Love has four major engineered timber projects commencing this year: • The A1 building for AUT • Otago Polytechnic Trade Training Centre • AgResearch scientific research centre • Ashburton library and civic centre “Wood is essential in transitioning New Zealand to a carbon-neutral economy. It’s sustainable, renewable

However, it’s not all smooth sailing, according to Scott. New Zealand needs to develop capacity in its supply chain.

As experts in their field, Naylor Love is regularly called on to speak to individuals and groups keen to learn more about how they can incorporate engineered wood. Scott gives freely of his time, sharing the knowledge his company has built up and encouraging others to try engineered wood for themselves.

How to unlock New Zealand’s productivity potential?

The Productivity Commission’s final report focuses on steps Government should take to maximise the economic contribution of New Zealand’s top firms, to unlock New Zealand’s productivity potential and shift the dial on our productivity performance.

wellbeing by lifting their own productivity towards the global frontier, by scaling up and putting national resources to better use, and, indirectly, by diffusing innovation and best practice through the domestic economy.

The report makes 71 findings and 30 recommendations, which are listed at the back of the report.

New Zealand’s small domestic market and distant location makes it difficult and risky for firms to get the scale required to be world class in their industry.

The productivity of New Zealand’s frontier firms lags on average up to 45% behind that of high-performing small, advanced economies (SAEs).

These countries provide a good benchmark for New Zealand, with their small domestic markets.

Māori firms outperform other New Zealand firms on some dimensions associated with higher productivity and have unique features that support innovation.

They offer valuable lessons for other New Zealand businesses.

Frontier firms can increase national productivity and

Exporting specialised, distinctive products at scale

is the best way to build world-leading firms. Scale, through large “anchor firms” and/or through collaboration among smaller firms, is needed to earn returns on investment in innovation and exporting.

Innovation is key. The Commission recommends learning from international experience and overhauling New Zealand’s innovation ecosystems to enable firms to innovate and export at scale.

Government investment should be focused on areas of existing or emerging economic strength and competitive advantage. A small country can excel in only a limited number of areas that can get to critical mass and support sustained world-class competitive performance.

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Developments A zero carbon gas future for New Zealand Firstgas Group has a plan for decarbonisation of its gas pipeline network in New Zealand. Hydrogen will be blended into the North Island natural gas network from 2030, with conversion to a 100 per cent hydrogen grid by 2050. This will be supported by biogas and bioLPG to offer emissions reductions for all gas users.

The transition timeline is informed by the Firstgas Hydrogen Network Trial report which projects future hydrogen supply and demand in New Zealand and assesses technical practicalities and regulatory factors.

temperature process heat and heavy transport to support a viable hydrogen industry in New Zealand.

It is expected that hydrogen will substantially replace fossil fuels for ‘hard to abate’ emissions – those where electrification is not possible.

The report was 50% funded by the Government through the Provincial Development Unit.

This means gas users can meet the objectives of the Zero Carbon Act without resorting to electrification or carbon offsets, and without the need to replace their current gas equipment.

Firstgas has confirmed that the Firstgas networks can deliver sufficient hydrogen to decarbonise the natural gas network by 2050. Hydrogen blends of up to 20 per cent reduce the carbon emissions of natural gas users without requiring any change to existing appliances.

The blends can be phased in regionally from 2030.

The conversion of networks to 100 per cent hydrogen gas will begin from 2035, allowing time to plan for appliance replacements that can operate on pure hydrogen. Complete conversion of the gas network to 100 per cent hydrogen is scheduled for 2050.

The report found sufficient demand in high

The report findings propose that green hydrogen produced from surplus renewable electricity will replace fossil fuels where possible. The hydrogen will be produced by regionally dispersed electrolysers and distributed by the existing local pipe networks.

Stored green hydrogen will be converted back to electricity when required to meet demand during peak times or dry spells.

Hydrogen Project Leader, Angela Ogier, expanded on hydrogen’s unique value.

replaces use of fossil fuels that electricity is not well suited to replace, such as in heavy transport and process heat in manufacturing industries.

“We all know that coal and gas are burnt to produce electricity during dry-years and winter demand peaks. Hydrogen can replace those uses and reduce total emissions from the energy sector by 25 per cent.

Ogier added that the report found broad use of green hydrogen, alongside and in support of renewable electricity, to be the best way to balance competing energy sector objectives.

“Integrating hydrogen with our energy mix gives New Zealand the best available balance of energy security, energy equity, and environmental sustainability.

“I am incredibly proud of the innovation we have harvested and the strong future this gives everyone who uses gas or is involved in the industry.” Angela Ogier said.

“Hydrogen is zero emission at the point of use. It

Hoop expands offering with co-packing venture Kiwi brand activation specialists, Hoop, has acquired the New Zealand based assets of Australasia’s largest co-packer, LJM, and embarked on its very own dedicated in-house co-packing solution.

Whilst Hoop initially formed a joint venture with LJM in March 2020, the business soon realised it had the expertise and management capabilities to drive its own operation.

lockdowns last year, a large portion of our workload was put on hold. Like so many other Kiwi businesses, we were constantly reviewing how we could diversify our offer.

Consequently, Hoop purchased the jointly owned local assets to launch ‘Hoop co-packing’ which is now live and operational.

“An in-house co-packing solution was a natural path for us to move into, especially as we saw that many New Zealand brand owners were increasingly looking for innovative ways to promote their products on shelf with a high-quality co-packing solution.

Hoop co-packing provides solutions for a range of in-house challenges that many brands face by re-working and reconfiguring their retail packaging to suit the New Zealand market.

Chris Hood, Director at Hoop Ltd says that despite operating in difficult conditions due to COVID-19, the timing felt right to purchase LJM’s assets as there was an untapped market opportunity to expand Hoop’s suite of services and drive their own co-packing operation.

“Because of the various Auckland and nationwide

“Whilst the decision to purchase LJM’s share of the assets was mutual, it means we can make quick decisions in relation to tooling and quoting of specific co-packing tasks. It also complements the work we already do to provide brand owners with POS logistics and merchandising services as well,” says Hood.

A large number of Hoop’s existing clients were already doing co-packing, so being able to provide a competitive solution as part of its service offering

has been a positive outcome for the business.

This new development means Kiwi brands looking for co-packing solutions will be able to have their own co-packing requirements fulfilled locally instead of going offshore.

Energizer Homepower battery partner announced Entel

Holdings

has

The partnership will give home and small business

retailers and installers, responsible for approximately 20 per cent of all installations in the country, across

Lightforce

owners in New Zealand access to premium and

as the exclusive partner

reliable energy storage solutions that are more

of

cost-effective and will maximise return on investment

appointed the

Energizer

Homepower

battery

solution in New Zealand.

26

NZ Manufacturer April 2021 /

for new and existing rooftop solar systems.

Lightforce is one of New Zealand’s largest solar

www.nzmanufacturer.co.nz

both residential and commercial markets.

Rear View Innovations accelerating the transition to a circular economy The Circulars Accelerator Cohort 2021 is supporting innovators to scale their ideas for a more circular economy.

The circular economy, which aims at reducing

the circular construction industry by creating

place sticker for fresh fruits which extends shelf

and eliminating waste and continuing to use safe

building materials and manufacturing methods

life and reduces waste.

resources, can help us create a more sustainable

from sustainable and natural materials.

world.

• Wasteless helps supermarkets and online grocery

• Circularise has developed a blockchain technology

stores recapture the value of their perishable

The Circulars Accelerator, led by Accenture, is

solution to help stakeholders across supply chains

products and reduce food waste via AI-powered

collaborating with UpLink, the World Economic

trace raw materials from source to product,

dynamic pricing.

Forum’s digital crowdsourcing platform to showcase

ensuring no sensitive data risk exposure.

their 17 innovators.

• Deep Branch is a carbon-recycling platform that

Cohort ’21 have joined the growing community of UpLink innovators who are benefiting from

The world faces unprecedented challenges caused

transforms carbon dioxide into high-protein

collaborating through the platform.

by our current approach to production and

animal feed ingredients.

Beyond the Cohort’ 21, The Circulars is driving

consumption.

• Eon offers a Connected Products Platform,

collaboration on circular economy across the

The resulting waste from plastic, textiles, food,

Protocol and Network solution which powers

ecosystem through the new Circulars Community

electronics, and other industries has an enormous

circular commerce across fashion and retail by

Action Group on UpLink.

negative impact on the environment as well as on

connecting products across their entire lifecycle to reduce waste.

Circular entrepreneurs are encouraged to join the

our overall health.

Action Group and get involved in this dynamic

In 2019, over 92 billion tonnes of materials were

• Excess Materials Exchange (EME) is a digital

extracted and processed, contributing to almost half

matching platform which finds high-value options

of global CO2 emissions.

to reuse or recycle different types of materials or

This underlines why the shift towards a circular

waste for companies.

community.

This network enables innovators, experts and others to share solutions, ideas, and fresh perspectives to design for circularity, reduce waste, and transform

economy, promoting the elimination of waste and

• Hello Tractor runs a tractor contracting platform in

production and consumption processes, to truly

the continual safe use of natural resources, is critical

emerging markets by connecting farmers to fleet

enable the creation of a regenerative global system

to forging a more sustainable future.

owners through an IoT-enabled software.

over the coming decade, The Decade to Deliver.

In an important move to catalyse ecosystem action

• Kiverdi uses NASA-inspired tech to convert CO2

Join the Circulars Community on UpLink today to

on the circular economy, The Circulars Accelerator

into people and planet-friendly nutrients and

access opportunities within the circular ecosystem

launched its very first cohort of circular innovators,

bio-based materials.

and be a part of this critical conversation, at this

Cohort ’21 in February.

The Circulars Accelerator (an evolution of the highly successful Circulars Awards) is a bespoke,

• Maeko has developed composting solutions onsite for homes and businesses, reducing food waste from landfills.

action-oriented program that supports trailblazing

• Mint Innovation has provided low-cost

circular innovators across the globe to overcome

and sustainable processes to recover

their barriers to scale.

valuable precious metals from waste

It is led by Accenture, in partnership with Anglo American, Ecolab and Schneider Electric.

Over the next few months, Accenture, along with partners and supporters, will provide the Cohort with support to scale their impact through advisory sessions, innovation coaching and through brokering

streams such as electronics or cars.

• Natural Fiber Welding (NFW) shapes and molds plant materials including waste into natural compounds, used across different industries.

• Recykal

facilitates

transactions

for

introductions to leading experts and investors to

all stakeholders across India’s waste

further accelerate growth.

management and recycling value chain

The 17 innovators constituting The Circulars Accelerator’s debut Cohort ’21 are driving sustainable innovation across geographies and industries: • Algramo offers an omni-channel cross-brand platform technology which enables brands and retailers to sell consumer goods products for the most affordable prices.

• BanQu is a platform which closely follows raw materials and finished goods from source to shelf to the hands of the consumer, providing supply chain traceability and financial security to workers across the value chain.

crucial time.

to promote more efficient recycling of plastic waste.

• S4S Technologies converts farm food waste to value added products using their patented

solar-powered

dehydration

technology, so that farmers and rural women can preserve their produce for up to a year without chemicals.

• SokoFresh has created a scalable and replicable cold storage as a service solution to eliminating post-harvest food loss in smallholder farmer value chains.

• StixFresh has developed an easy peel and

• BIOHM is a biotechnology company revolutionizing

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/

NZ Manufacturer April 2021

27

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