Jonathan has taken his Master’s project from the lab to a start-up company in just two years and now manages seven employees. Under Jonathan’s lead, Zincovery has secured significant private investment, was awarded the prestigious C-Prize in 2019/20 and has customers lined up across multiple continents.
Is Johnathan Ring from Zincovery, University of Canterbury which is decarbonising zinc recycling. Zincovery CEO and founder Jonathan Ring.
The global market opportunity for the technology is estimated at over $10 billion per annum and growing.
MANUFACTURINGSMART Australasian statistics on productivity increases may be world’s highest. www.nzmanufacturer.co.nzAugust2022 MANUFACTURINGSMART Rise of machinesthe . Sales and training—Aust/NZ Region enquiries@baycad.biz0274847464www.baycad.biz Don’t delay, contact us now. 15 day free trial available AlibreVersionDesign24ProFromNZ$1595.0ExpFromNZ$3067.0Atom3DNZ$414.00PricesexGSTNew EasyImprovedfeaturesperformancetolearnanduseDesignedforbusinessesofallsizesneedingCADproducvity.Freeon-linetrainingBuyit—ownitDoesnotusecloudOponalannualmaintenance 9 10 Q & A Women in engineering.17
That was until Jonathan Ring, Founder and CEO of Zincovery, developed a disruptive technology to recycle zinc from furnace waste. One of its key benefits is the ability to produce zinc with 70% less carbon emissions than the existing recycling process.
To read more on this year’s finalists, go to pages 22 and 23.
A breakthrough innovator in this year’s KiwiNet Awards
The Zincovery technology can recycle zinc and produce less than 1 tonne of CO2 per tonne of zinc (typically recycled zinc requires five or more) using an innovative, low-temperature furnace process. The technology has the potential to save isolated steel mills over $500,000 in transportation costs and reduce the landfilling of over 3 million tonnes of dust per year.
Jonathan started the development of the ‘Zincovery’ technology during his Master’s project with Professor Aaron Marshall at the University of Canterbury. Jonathan is committed to fighting climate change and protecting the environment from pollution.
The award recognises an upcoming entrepreneurial researcher who is embracing opportunities to commercialise their research. Useful and ubiquitous, loved for its durability, galvanised steel has provided industry, homes, hospitals and critical infrastructure with an attractive, corrosion-resistant, hygienic material for 150 years. However, few have thought about the toxic environmental impact of this process or the cost of recovery. Fewer still have made inroads to a solution.
Current zinc recycling methods result in large carbon emissions and significant material wastage; Jonathan is determined to change that.
NZ Manufacturer August 2022 / www.nzmanufacturer.co.nz2 oin
Brett O’Riley 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.
ADVISORS Kirk Hope 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. Leeann Watson Is the Chief Executive of the Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce (the Chamber).and is a strong voice for Canterbury business.
3www.nzmanufacturer.co.nz / NZ Manufacturer August 2022 -1528106418161721222514 Contents LEAD Get your carbon diet on track. EDITORIAL When EMEX 2021 comes to town. BUSINESS NEWS Manufacturing in the age of sustainability. Is NZ’s Covid response world class? UKK’s CPTPP a win for exporters. MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY NZ Code can make manufacturing more Dewaltcompetitive.Design Assist breaking new ground. ANALYSIS Time for Anatomychange.ofadata-driven supply chain. EMEX 2021 Floor Plan and Exhibitors. ANALYSIS Achieving carbon neutrality: One company’s lessons learnt. SMART MANUFACTURING Australia launches lunar exploration mission. Cutting edge tool for underwater recovery. Matrix 320 reader empowers traceability for automation and logistics. QUALITY CONTROL NDC sensors control manufacturing at the fromt line. NEW PRODUCTS Structural bearings deliver extreme low-level friction Cost-effectiveperformance.andlubrication – free mounting of solar panels. AC Servo System provides highest-level safety. DEVELOPMENTS Mint Innovation raises $20m to build gold HRSbiorefineries.highlights steam injection for food Issterilisation.automotive ready for hydrogen? REAR VIEW Climate Change Commission calls for decisive action. -1528106418161721222514
Ian Walsh 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. Lewis Woodward 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.
DEPARTMENTS 98201661817182122-2324262728 DEPARTMENTS 24221681821 LEAD Johnathan Ring, Breakthrough Innovator in this year’s KiwiNet Awards. BUSINESS NEWS Growth in mask industry set to boost NZ export earnings. How to successfully deliver CRM project well. SMART MANUFACTURING Australasian manufacturers’ statistics on productivity increases may be world’s highest. Rise of the machines. World’s biggest deal for humanoid robots inked. COMMENT Plan Do, Plan Do, Plan Do…Check Adjust? Q & A HERA Whanake scholarship and women in engineering. SUPPLY CHAIN Digitally lead supply chain resilience. TradeWindow acquires Rfider. THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY Harness the power of words to make your business more sustainable. NZ MADE Warmington: The burning desire for improvement. KIWINET WORKSHOPFINALISTSAWARDS2022TOOLS Igus’ 7th axis extends working space by up to 400 Newpercent.grinders have exceptional speed stability. DEVELOPMENTS Altus to have premier aluminium extrusion facility in NZ. COMMENT Navigating the supply chain disruptions. THE LAST WORD Radical new vision for Australia in the region: Clean energy exporter and green manufacturer.
NZ Manufacturer August 2022 / www.nzmanufacturer.co.nz4 issues of NZ Manufacturer...so wise up and be prepared to take notes!
A new Advisor – Sean O’Sullivan of Empower Software has resolutely, over the years, been assisting business to up their productivity rates and has compiled statistics showing Australasian manufacturers to have some of the highest stats in the world using their Workshop Productivity and Scheduling Software App (Page 9).
NewHastings,Zealand 4122. MANAGING EDITOR Doug Green T: +64 6 870 9029 E: publisher@xtra.co.nz CONTRIBUTORS Holly Green, Barbara Nebel, HERA, EMA Ian Walsh, Rebecca Reed Sean O’Sullivan, Scott Fuller Catherine Lye, Ian Walsh Scott Philbrook, Jo Tozer ADVERTISING T: + 64 6 870 9029 E: publisher@xtra.co.nz DESIGN & PRODUCTION E::kim-jean:kim.alves@xtra.co.nz WEB MASTER Julian Goodbehere E: julian@isystems.co.nz PUBLISHING SERVICES On-Line Publisher Media Hawke’s Bay Ltd DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTIONS E: Freepublisher@xtra.co.nzofCharge. MEDIA HAWKES BAY LTD T: +64 6 870 9029 E: 121publisher@xtra.co.nzRussellStreetNorth, Hastings NZ ISSNManufacturer1179-4992 Vol.13 No. 7 AUGUST 2022 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.
InnovationThroughSuccess
On Page 16, Ian Walsh suggests you Plan Do, Plan Do, Plan Do...Check EMA’sAdjust.Catherine Lye continues the focus on the Smart Factory Showcase and Industry 4.0 (Page 10); HERA has a fine article on two women studying engineering through the Whanake Scholarship (Page 17) and thinkstep -anz suggests harnessing the power of words to make your business more sustainable – a very interesting approach (Page 20)!
Finally, your company’s news is always welcome. Find the time to send me some notes on what you are doing (publisher@ xtra.co.nz) and we’ll put an article together and include it in the magazine and on the website. Enjoy the read. 121 Russell Street North,
Doug Green
PUBLISHER Media Hawke’s Bay Ltd,
5www.nzmanufacturer.co.nz / NZ Manufacturer August 2022 businessET.org.nz With some 2,000 manufacturing and distribution businesses located here, the East Tāmaki business precinct is a critical part of New Zealand's economic fabric. Business East Tāmaki (formerly the Greater East Tāmaki Business Association) is here to make it easier to do business; working alongside business leaders and property owners in the region on security, advocacy, development and growth. Helping build sustainable business, and sustained success business better-connectedSupportingforwardaEastT āmakiand engaging Image courtesy of Highbrook Medical
up our manufacturing capability to help meet a significant and diverse set of unmet health needs from markets around the world,” she Wusays.says a key competitive differentiator is their level of vertical integration which has insulated them from the rapid changes in global supply chains.
Growth
“Every one of these masks features a combination of high performance coupled with fashionable designs and the New Zealand story has been a significant selling point,” she says.
DEUTSCH HD30 & HDP20 CONNECTOR SERIES Designed specifically for the truck, bus, and off-highway industry, heavy environmentallyduty,sealed, multipin circular connectors. contact sizes 4 through 20. Tel: 04 566 5345 Email: sales@connectors.co.nz Web: www.connectors.co.nz
MEO, launched five years ago producing pollution filtration wool masks for high-density urban populations in Asia, is now shipping face masks to 109 countries annually - up from seventy markets at the start of the year. With over thirty million reusable and disposable masks produced and sold, MEO has seen significant expansion since the start of the pandemic and is now investing in the development of environmentally friendly masks made from biodegradable natural Jenniferfibres.
“We also recently won a contract for Hilton China to supply branded masks in their corporate colours for each of their 4000+ staff at short notice.
“We are seeing increasing numbers of niche export opportunities for small, customised production runs of masks made for a corporate or large-scale event that can be turned around rapidly.
“In New Zealand colourful masks are popular, and in parts of South East Asia they also prefer brighter colours, but in Korea it is black and grey. In Japan, where they have been wearing masks for much longer, the more subtle light blue, pink or yellow masks sell well.
“An example of this is the South East Asian Games in Hanoi last month which had over 45,000 athletes from eleven different nations and saw nine shipping containers of our masks exported to the event.
“Our investment in building our flexible manufacturing capability across the two markets has kept us protected from this disruption.
Wu says while there are signs Covid-19 case numbers are falling in parts of the world, mask use is forecast to remain strong as a mechanism for protection against other respiratory diseases and toxic levels of air “Wepollution.havescaled
Wu says they run their three separate manufacturing facilities in New Zealand and China like levers in a machine which can be scaled up or down based on a range of geopolitical and logistical factors which impact the global PPE environment.
New Zealand’s largest face mask exporter is forecasting 40% growth for the coming year - despite Covid-19 case numbers falling in many countries.
Wu, MEO deputy general manager, says in the past 24 months their masks have been used by a wide range of international consumers ranging from government leaders and diplomats through to Vogue magazine editors, TV actors and celebrities. She says the New Zealand origin story and the development of a fashion-oriented brand incorporating natural wool fibres have been key competitive advantages which are helping to accelerate their entry into new export markets.
“In hot climates like Thailand or Vietnam they are also used by some as a method of reducing exposure of their skin to the sun,” she says. in mask industry set to boost export earnings
NZ Manufacturer August 2022 / www.nzmanufacturer.co.nz6 Business News
“Our ability to produce these orders in a short time frame using proprietary technology and supply chain control is helping us grow our B2C and B2B export channels,” she says.
Wu says there are noticeable cross-cultural differences in mask use in each market around the world - which they must accommodate to grow.
She says at peak production levels they have employed over one hundred staff across both countries. At peak production levels they have employed over one hundred staff across both countries.
7www.nzmanufacturer.co.nz / NZ Manufacturer August 2022 Discuss your business needs Scott Fuller 027 596 9053 scott@xception.co.nz We understand the key drivers and specialist requirements of manufacturing businesses. We engage the right people and facilitate the right process for your business from discovery to deployment. DISCOVERY & SCOPE > SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE BUSINESS CASE > VENDOR SELECTION > PROJECT MANAGEMENT BUSINESS REQUIREMENTS > TRAINING & DEPLOYMENT CRM fordesignedsolutionsandbuiltmanufacturers CLARITY SIMPLICITY CERTAINTYIntegrated technology solutions built to work to your business processes. Business focused, user driven, fit for purpose and future proofed. Business News How to successfully deliver your CRM project with Clarity, Simplicity and Certainty Article 1 :: Project Charter – Universal Buy-in This is the first in a series of 6 articles looking at how to successfully deliver your CRM project, the rest of the series will look at: 2. Architecture and Integration – The Big Picture 3. Partner Selection – A Vendor vs A Partner 4. Data; Data; Data – The Devil is in the Detail 5. Project Management – Quality, On Time, On Budget 6. Users, Usability and Usage – First, Last and Always The purpose of the Project Charter is to engage all interested and/or potentially affected parties, solicit feedback and gain a mandate to move to the next phase. It is a Pre-liminary Business Case, a succinct document preferably with an equally succinct presentation containing: • Purpose: Definition and those Responsible • Benefit: Objectives and KPIs, including indication of costs • Resources: Key Players and Roles (RASCI Model), including external parties if known • Architecture: Technology added, impacted or replaced • Scope: Deliverables and Key Milestones
A CRM solution will generate tangible benefits and these need to be identified early and then quantified for the business case to positively engage all future participants. The project will disrupt, and replace, existing business practices, so proactive adoption of the value of the outcomes will greatly influence success.
2. Measurable Business Benefits
2. Senior Leadership Team – Due to the nature of manufacturing, especially small to medium companies, senior staff members have often come up through the business (if not owners) and therefore will be very intrenched in the way the business behaves. This can be a positive and negative depending on if the behaviours are good or bad and how receptive those Senior Leadership Team members are to change
1.idiosyncrasies:SalesFocus – Manufacturing, and subsequently Busi ness-to-Business (B2B) sales, is very different to Retail, B2C, or even a B2B Services company. This can greatly affect the business process and therefore the solution. For example the relationships Sales Teams have with their clients are often well developed and personal and the introduction of systematic and automated processes can be seen as a hindrance and negatively perceived if they are not carefully planned and designed to sustain and enhance those relationships
In Summary
2 x Reasons how this is Unique to Manufacturing Sometimes it is subtle variances that make the difference in approach and each industry has its own
Accountable
3. Real Cost of Ownership
Clarity – The clear presentation of the Project Construct at an early stage can demonstrate the intended outcomes at a very high level and engender a positive disposition allowing Users, especially, to see and understand the need and benefit.
3 x Critical Success Factors These are CSF’s for the Charter, not the Project:
Certainty – An initial estimate of the scope, costs and business benefit to be gained allows for an early view of expectations, lodges the budget required in future periods, elicits buy-in and sets a visible direction for the project that will evolve over its duration.
The introduction of this Project ‘Vision’ gives many parts of the business an opportunity to participate in its inception and contribute to the direction. It should always be a 2-way engagement to create valuable buy-in and support.
The accumulation of hard costs (Vendor Licences, Partner Services, 3rd Party costs) can be readily calculated. The importance of quantifying internal costs can be underestimated – Project team members time, KUG time contribution, data cleansing time, Post-delivery maintenance processes. These should be acknowledged even if not included in the Business Case.
Simplicity – By creating a simple high-level view of the concepts to be delivered, they are more easily communicated and universally understood by all engaged staff across levels and functions
The expected outcome is that everyone in the business is at least informed of the project scope and impact and those Responsible for the Delivery and for the Benefits are ready to drive the Project to its successful conclusion.
1. Multi-level and multi-functional buy in At the initiation of any project it is easy, and safer, to confine the visibility to the immediate user group and line management. However a customer management solution to be successful will require the commitment of all parts of the organisation, from Board to Basement, from Customer Facing to Supply Management, so their early engagement will optimise success.
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.
ADVISORS
In 2001 – 2022 Founding Director Empower Workshop Productivity & Scheduling Software App. 236 manufacturing and engineering clients mainly throughout NZ and Australia, also UK and US.
Among Mike and his team’s strengths are industrial robotics and automated production where the company puts much of its focus.
Sean O’Sullivan Has a B Com (Hons) Otago University. In 2000 - 2001 introduced PCs on the workshop floor and job and staff tracking and a productivity software App to Fletcher Aluminium Group and 100 manufacturers NZ nationwide.
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.
Dr Barbara Nebel CEO thinkstep-anz Barbara’s passion is to enable organisations to succeed sustainably. She describes her job as a ‘translator’ – translating sustainability into language that businesses can act on. Barbara and her team deliver sustainability services from strategy, through product assessments and carbon reduction plans, to communications. Clients include many manufacturers on both sides of the Tasman.
NZ Manufacturer August 2022 / www.nzmanufacturer.co.nz8
The key Metric for all manufacturers and engineers using this technology is % Labour Time Reduction on all Jobs, which is % Labour Cost Reduction on all Jobs.
To put a 23.56% Labour Time Reduction on all Jobs across the entire business in perspective, we use a projected P & L Statement on spreadsheet to show a 20% labour cost saving on all jobs is projected to increase a manufacturer or engineer’s annual profit by approximately 60%.
Auckland based ‘Empower Workshop Productivity & Scheduling Software App’ has pioneered the technology of using touchscreens on the workshop floor, with a low-cost subscription - based productivity software app for all jobbing manufacturing and engineering industries, custom work, “one off” jobs, bespoke manufacturing, or small batch production.
50-inch TV screens in the office and on the workshop floor display results in ‘real time’ and continuously throughout the eight-hour day: individual staff, all jobs, all job status, all job times and all job variances.
In comparison, if you had 10 processes to manufacture a given product and you purchased a new CNC machine to reduce labour time by 50%, (there are 10 processes to manufacture a given product and your new CNC machine that you have purchased reduces labour time by 50% in that single process) that would be a 5% Labour Time Reduction on all Jobs, across the entire business. This research will continue for the next 10+ years with 24 additional manufacturing and engineering businesses adding their productivity increase data annually, so the data set will get significantly larger [annually], 96 businesses in 2023 and 120 businesses in Therefore,2024. in following years, the statistics will continue to increase in accuracy and confidence.
The method is simple, workshop staff use their touchscreens to access their job list then start and finish each of their jobs.
Australasian manufacturers’ statistics on productivity increases may be world’s highest
“In today’s highly cost competitive manufacturing environment you should not be manufacturing or engineering without accurate and real time information. Empower provides this with tablets on your workshop floor and a Workshop Productivity and Scheduling Software App. “
Research over 20 years across 82 New Zealand and Australian jobbing manufacturing and engineering businesses using Empower technology has produced the following statistics.
“For manufacturers and engineers to adopt ‘Industry 4.0’ you need tablets on your factory shop floor data collection and job scheduling. If you are operating with either manual time cards (i.e. ‘cheat sheets’) where your factory staff at the end of the day fill in their start time, finish time and time taken on each job, or not tracking your staff times on jobs at all, you are operating “blind” or practically “blind” as you are operating as manufacturers and engineers did over 100 years ago.
(Numbers below based on manufacturer with ten workshop staff) Cost $130 Software Subscription, weekly Risk Practically no risk (as Technology is proven across thirty-seven manufacturing industries and 236 manufacturing businesses over 20 years. Also well proven specifically in your industry)
Three Experts in Manufacturing advise on the technology of touch screens on the workshop floor and the Empower Workshop Productivity & Scheduling App: Doug Green, publisher, NZ Manufacturer magazine said: “I visited Phoenix Aluminium Windows and listened to the owner Jon Martin, with other engineers and manufacturers in attendance, to hear “11 years ago ( in 1998) we had 26 factory staff and were struggling with being productive - solely with the use of PC’s on the factory floor time tracking software we reduced staff down to 10.5 at the same time increasing output”.
“I have seen and used several factory floor data collection software tools over the years both here in Australia and the UK, none as good as Empower Software. I have recently recommended Empower Software to twelve of my manufacturing and engineering clients. “
Empower guarantees all new manufacturing and engineering clients the following two outcomes: You will be using Empower well and securing significant productivity gains within week one. You will achieve a 20% reduction in labour times on all jobs within 6 months. Empower Software honour this guarantee with unlimited time support at no cost until these gains have been achieved.
9www.nzmanufacturer.co.nz / NZ Manufacturer August 2022
Doug then concluded “I believe in today’s very challenging manufacturing environment you cannot afford to be without PCs on the factory floor and labour management and job scheduling software, which clearly can transform one’s factory productivity. You need it to move forward”.
To our knowledge these statistics are both the most comprehensive research available (82 businesses involved) and the highest productivity increases confirmed in the world (23.56%).
The eighty-two manufacturers and engineers using this technology achieved on average a 23.56% Labour Time Reduction on all Jobs, across all machining processes and all assembly and fabrication processes, which is across the entire business.
Marcus Ward, Senior Lean Consultant at TXM Lean Consultancy, Perth, WA Australia advises: “It is imperative in the year 2018 for all Australian manufacturers and engineers to use tablets on the factory shop floor and factory floor data collection “Manufacturerssoftware. and engineers operating without these tools operate at unnecessary higher labour times and labour costs on all jobs.
Business decision to invest in this technology is straight forward as follows:
Return $6,400 projected additional production and revenue weekly. That is with ten workshop staff projected eighty additional production hours per week at $80 an hour overhead cost for one labour hour. That is $313,600 projected additional production and revenue annually If you are involved in manufacturing the Empower web site is recommended. www.empowersoftware. co.nz
Jeff Tuffnell Director of Jupiter Lean Manufacturing Consultancy advises: “May 2020 I attended a training session on what I now see and conclude to be an exceptional and world class labour management system in the Empower Workshop Productivity & Scheduling Software App. “Empower Software perfectly suits SME and larger jobbing manufacturers and engineers. “Projected additional weekly production and revenue using Empower is very high. Return on Investment (ROI) weekly is also very high.
TechRentals® is
As Laurie Kubiak, CEO of Nautech Electronics assures us, people are always going to be necessary for the safe and successful operation of manufacturing machinery and technology. Adopting new technology is about making everyone’s lives easier, both for the company and its people.
Don’t wait – register here www.industry4.govt.nz/ UpcomingEvents and begin your journey.
Nautech Electronics have worked tirelessly for over 30 years to deliver their clients the high-quality electronic solutions they need. They use the latest technology and Kiwi ingenuity to establish themselves as a world-leader in electronics manufacturing and product engineering. For more information, please visit – www.nautech.com
consider the view that the adoption of new technologies could lead to the replacement of the human element required in manufacturing – or does Manyit?of us have seen The Terminator film series where the artificially intelligent machines become self-aware and hostile with an aim to take over the world in a post-apocalyptic future.
People are required for all parts of Nautech’s operations, particularly for forward-planning, scheduling, stock management, programming and much more. They cannot be replaced. Adopting Industry 4.0 and smart technologies actually has the potential to create more job opportunities, as people become vital in ensuring maximum machine efficiency, productivity, outputs and operation.
Cobots are often a relatively inexpensive alternative compared to replacing existing machinery, and given the current labour shortage, they can often be the missing link between two machines and provide opportunities to free up staff for other tasks. Experience it for yourself – register now!
Cobots (collaborative robots) are often used to take on certain repetitive tasks that humans could do, but they are able to maintain consistency and run for longer periods. They don’t need to work a standard shift or stop for breaks. Passing on these mundane tasks to cobots also has health and safety benefits, reducing the chance of repetitive strain injury.
As our Smart Factory Showcase continues building momentum in the Industry 4.0, manufacturing and technology space, it’s time to share some insights into what we’ll be covering during each session.
NZ Manufacturer August 2022 / www.nzmanufacturer.co.nz10
Wednesdaysessions: 17 August Friday 26 August Tuesday 30 August All sessions run from 9am – 12pm at the EMA Business Hub, 145 Kyber Pass Road, Auckland. We look forward to sharing our September 2022 dates with you very soon.
During Nautech’s quest to boost their technological capabilities, they sourced three UR3 cobots. This equipment enhanced the work they currently do by speeding up some of their manual assembly and manufacturing processes. For example, one of their cobots inputs 20,000 screws a month, each one perfectly tightened to the correct torque.
an IANZ endorsed Calibration Laboratory We offer both IANZ Endorsed and Traceable Calibrations of test and measurement equipment inluding: 0800 832 www.techrentals.co.nz473
The UR robots are very easy to programme and use. Nautech have several engineers with a range of experience and their staff did not need much additional training to effectively operate the cobots. However, they did employ a robotics engineering student through a Callaghan experience grant (who now works for them full time).
The Smart Factory Showcase is an interactive multimedia presentation like no other. Your facilitator will take you behind the scenes at Nautech Electronics, through a digital twin of their factory, and provide a unique opportunity for you to see how they have integrated Industry 4.0 in all areas of their operations, and how it’s applicable to every sector. From cobots and sensors, through to smart dashboards, you’ll see it all! This is your chance to see how Industry 4.0 will help your business. It’s a simple first step and is completely free to attend. You’ll walk away with the confidence and knowledge needed to take your next leap forward in adopting Industry 4.0 technologies in your business.
Each Smart Factory Showcase covers several key areas of operation at Nautech Electronics. These include sales and planning, systems, connectivity, research and development, production, testing, facilities, smart business models and implementation Industrystrategies.4.0
and the showcase are all about highlighting how a range of digital technologies enhance manufacturing performance, output, monitoring and control, keeping businesses globally Today,competitive.we’ll
The Nautech team carry out their work alongside the machines to optimise efficiency. So, in the end, this equipment did little to replace the role of a human being, it just made their role in Nautech’s operations more interesting. In other factories, the retrofitting of cobots to automated machinery can enable increased production runs of components, thereby reducing the investment required in the purchasing of brand-new equipment.
Rise of the Machines – is technology really replacing humans?
- Catherine Lye, Head of Advanced Manufacturing and Export Communities, EMA
Here are some upcoming Smart Factory Showcase
Each grow box will be connected to a SELF Labs-powered trivia-based simulation game called Cultivate Coin, which allows users to choose a role, learn about farming and the growing process, learn how to operate a grow box business, earn rewards, and most of all take part in the growing process virtually.
The Beomni Omni-Purpose AI powered humanoid robots supplied by Beyond will work autonomously inside of the boxes to tend to the growing crops. The boxes will run on solar energy, and by using atmospheric water generator technology will not require any outside sources for power or water, making them
Beyond will deploy in the grow boxes will be even more advanced, and will be part of Beyond’s 2.0 product line of Beomni robots. The first box will be crafted at Box For Grow in New Hampton, NY. Once assembled, it will begin operation for use within the United States.
SELF represents one of the largest agreements to purchase humanoid robots in the world. Cheeks says that “We are committed to purchasing at least 1,000 robots in the next five years, but if the effectiveness of our combined technology is as we project, that number could easily grow to ten thousand or more.”
By aligning the visions of Milan Cheeks of SELF and Dr. Harry Kloor of Beyond, this futuristic take on farming will be made possible through a uniquely powerful combination of Omni-Purpose AI, humanoid robotics, blockchain, and game Thetechnology.dealwith
SELF Labs is an incubator that focuses on transitioning companies and individuals from Web 2 to Web 3. SELF Labs is on a mission to remove the hardships in life and provide products and services to bring a more leisurely lifestyle to everyone on the Beyondplanet.Imagination, Inc. is a robotics and AI platform company that is focused on bringing humanoid robots to market rapidly to solve real-world problems.
Mostself-sufficient.robotsare targeted at narrow verticals or are merely elaborate R&D demos. Beomni is different. Its thinking general-purpose robotics platform learns from human pilots who train its AI Brain to tackle increasingly sophisticated tasks Beomni,autonomously.combined with Beyond’s Cloud Platform and evolving AI, can tackle limitless tasks without requiring special peripherals like industrial robots. Beomni is a fully mobile robot that is designed to work safely around humans. It is the world’s first fully functional general-purpose robotic system, and the first to be beta tested at a medical facility.
11www.nzmanufacturer.co.nz / NZ Manufacturer August 2022
Beomni has advanced significantly since it was revealed at CES in 2022. In April, the company demonstrated that Beomni can be operated from anyplace in the world. Additional prototyping and on-site evaluation projects are currently Theunderway.version
World’s biggest deal for humanoid robots Inked
Robotics innovator Beyond Imagination, Inc. has entered into an agreement with SELF Labs, Inc. to provide at least 1,000 humanoid robots for use in agricultural “grow boxes”’. This is believed to be the largest deal of its kind.
SELF and Beyond are announcing a partnership to develop automated off-the-grid grow boxes. Each box will be equipped with solar panels, windmills, atmospheric water generators, 5G, and an advanced version of Beyond Imagination’s Beomni robot with its Omni-Purpose AI Brain.
text title NZ Manufacturer August 2022 / www.nzmanufacturer.co.nz12 HEADING SHOWCASEFACTORYSMART FeaturingQuestions or feedback? Please contact - manufacturing@ema.co.nz
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DELIVERY PARTNERPROGRAMME PARTNERSPOWERED BY Register here
The Smart Factory Showcase how Industry 4.0 can transform a business and see first-hand what a high level of maturity in Industry 4.0 technologies looks like, based on a real ‘smart factory’ in New Zealand. chance to experience the future of advanced manufacturing by immersing yourself in the Smart Factory Showcase. aim is that you will leave the showcase feeling inspired by the solutions offered and armed with the knowledge needed to kick-start your own Industry 4.0 journey Feature a digital twin of Nautech Electronics’ Auckland facility which enables us to deliver real content and stories directly to you. The interactive session examines how Nautech integrated smart technology to enhance efficiency, connectivity, and processes. They also highlight how you can engage and improve employee experiences and enhance manufacturing agility. Transform your business sessions started www.industry4.govt.nz/UpcomingEvents
Documented as part of the SIRI Assessment, the case studies provide an opportunity to understand a specific example of how Industry 4.0 technology has been implemented in a manufacturing environment. They will provide you with key learnings to take away and inform your own journey.
Case Studies Companies can apply for a fully funded Smart Industry Readiness Index (SIRI) Assessment process to help accelerate their own journey towards Industry 4.0, the result of which will be a benchmark against other companies in their sector and a high level prioritisation roadmap.
Upcoming events
eadiness Assessment Factory Tour Webinars
NETWORK SITE
Upcoming events
The webinar series is an opportunity to hear stories from all stages of the Industry 4.0 journey, focusing on the benefits of implementing these technologies, what challenges you may need to overcome along the journey and specific examples of Industry 4.0 technologies, all based on the experience of New Zealand companies.
Targeted at local manufacturers, these events are delivered across New Zealand and are a great way to network and connect with others in the region.
The tours provide an opportunity to see first-hand what businesses have implemented as a result of the SIRI Assessment. They will showcase developments, specific technologies and learnings on their Industry 4.0 journey.
Resources
The Network Site Visits is a programme to encourage sharing of Industry 4.0 knowledge across the sector. Whether you are well into your Industry 4.0 journey or just starting out, the programme provides a range of opportunities to expand your understanding of Industry 4.0 technologies and learn from others who have already embarked on their Industry 4.0 journey. Join us for events, undertake an assessment or expand your knowledge through resources and case studies.
Apply for the assessment
VISITS
text title 13www.nzmanufacturer.co.nz / NZ Manufacturer August 2022 HEADING
DELIVERY PARTNERPROGRAMME PARTNERSPOWERED BY
“We are also working out how it all fits together so that we can help our customers. We want to add value. It’s our responsibility to be informed and ready to help guide our customers into the world of Industry 4. We work hard to battle the hype and drill down into real and practical applications with measurable returns,” says Nikk King, director business development, NZ Controls. NZ controls believes that the best approach is to consider the i4.0 technologies as a set of tools and concepts to enhance what it is already doing. Thus, i4.0 is more an evolution than a
• Repeatable production •
Anothermoving. key application for the i4.0 toolkit is to allow more flexibility and potentially ‘revolutionise’ some aspects of production. For example, evolving from a very linear and inflexible workflow to a more adaptive cell or modular approach, perhaps using collaborative robots and automated guided vehicles to move components instead of traditional conveyors filling up the floor.
2 MARCH 2020 INDUSTRY 4.0
“You can’t manage what you don’t measure” Nikk says that while the results can be revolutionary, “We don’t need to ditch everything and start again or even make significant physical Perhapschanges”.the best way to take advantage of the i4.0 tools and techniques is to change or broaden the mindset to one of iterative and continuous improvement. While there’s nothing revolutionary there, says Nikk, NZ Control’s ability to apply emerging technologies leads to newly discovered opportunities for improvement. In some other cases, i4.0 tools may just provide the data needed to prove what you may already suspect, finally giving the justification to get those projects
revolution.
• Manage efficiency • Drive continuous
•
W hen tackling i4.0, food manufacturing and processing industries are all on a journey of discovery. Industry supplier NZ Controls includes itself in this bracket, describing the company as a service provider rather than a manufacturer.
text NZ Manufacturer August 2022 / www.nzmanufacturer.co.nz14 HEADING
Peter Drucker Measure to gain control Traceability Track costs and outcomes improvement
“From NZ Controls perspective we must provide measurable value. We seek to collaborate on developing a measurable business case, delivering i4.0 technology solutions and help our customers realise their return on investment. In doing so, we maintain our customers’ trust and in some small way help to evolve the local manufacturing sector into one which is incrementally more productive.”
INDUSTRY EVOLUTION?REVOLUTION4.0:OR FTR502 withproductivityDrivedata
15www.nzmanufacturer.co.nz / NZ Manufacturer August 2022 LEADERS SUPPLYAUTOMATIONINDUSTRIALIN Treotham Automation is the exclusive distributor for many world class international product lines. As a leader in automation control, Treotham have a broad capacity to provide systems and custom-built solutions using a diverse range of products and components. Contact our technical engineers for more information. Flexible MeasuringCablesSystemsFlexibleConduits Chain ex Cables Energy Chain Safety ProductsCable Accessories Gear boxesBearings Linear ConnectorsSensorsUnits Auckland & Hamiltonwww.treotham.co.nz info@treotham.co.nz09 278 6577| | | Vacuum Technology Conveyor ComponentsClamping Systems Pneumatics
In the last few years, I have seen both approaches which provides an interesting contrast.
There tends to be an assumption by many leaders that when an activity is done it will work perfectly, everyone will just get on with it and there will be no problems. Of course, the reality is very different.
Many of you will be aware of the PDCA (Plan Do Check Adjust) cycle made famous by Dr Edwards
The operators are not capable, they are still fixing installation problems and usually they fail, with high costs incurred over a period of time to “right” the
Deming and sometimes referred as CAPDo (Check Adjust Plan Do). This is a fundamental continuous improvement cycle and when deeply embedded in an organisation drives improvement behaviour and mindsets.
Comment Plan Do, Plan Do………. Check Adjust?
When I was working in Japan, the managers used to tell me how much they hated new equipment. I asked them why? They would say that the first day was the worst day and every day after that it got better, but it required a lot of time and planning and effort to get the new equipment to perform as the old equipment and they had to manage this very Theycarefully.preferred their old equipment which they knew everything about and was performing at a very high level. The efficiency of this plant was around 98%.
In one a new site was built with new equipment costing hundreds of millions of dollars. A week continued on Page 19
NZ Manufacturer August 2022 / www.nzmanufacturer.co.nz16
Unfortunately, most organisations I go to in New Zealand have not mastered this process. I recently went to a manufacturing organisation who had decided to install a new labelling machine to add a label to the pack. I went to look at the process and on arriving there found a pile of labels on the floor. The machine was working perfectly, except for timing. The labels were shooting past the packs and landing on the floor. The operators had not been trained and did not want to stop the line (the packs were acceptable without the labels), so after they couldn’t fix it, they turned it off. I saw the manager and congratulated him on the new purchase and asked when he had last visited the line. “Oh, over a week ago” He said, “I’ve been really busy so haven’t had a chance to look at it myself, but it is pretty straightforward” he said.
Plan Do,
Theship.alternative of course is to establish a rigorous PDCA cycle, identify all the success factors and rigorously implement them and check that they are effective in delivering the desired outcomes.
I explained what was happening and he was shocked and left for the floor immediately. The problem was soon fixed and the line operating normally. I reflected on PDCA. A really good plan do, but no check, and adjust.
Contrast this thinking with many capital projects I have seen in New Zealand and around the world. We assume that the first day will be the best day and we start depreciating the asset after that (so it is only degrading). Very rarely do I see companies invest in much training before they start production. Usually, the capital project is running late and production starts under pressure to perform to meet demand very quickly.
It creates a culture of relentlessly managing improvement in an organised manner, ensuring the desired outcomes are achieved and when they are not drives a problem-solving mindset.
Lydia: I didn’t even know what engineering was until my last year of high school. I always did well in the sciences at school, however no one introduced the idea of engineering to me until I attended a Rotary science camp, which sparked my interest. From there, I proactively spoke to one of my head teachers who helped and directed me on the right pathway. I later found out my grandfather had been an engineer, so there is a beauty in that for me.
LYDIA FRATER AND LILY SANSON, HERA WHANAKE
Lily: Absolutely. If you can see that commitment to biculturalism is embedded in the foundations of an organisation, that would be a big tick for me. It’s not about consultation but collaboration with mana whenua – that’s how I’d like to work in the Toindustry.find out more about the HERA Whanake scholarship and its recipients, visit www.hera. org.nz or listen the latest Stirring The Pot podcast episode with Lily and Lydia - https://www.hera.org.
What drew you to engineering and the Whanake scholarship?
Lydia: I agree with Lily. I took a whakapapa performing arts course in high school, which isn’t counted towards NCEA credits for example.
Lydia: Having anything built in New Zealand is going to involve Maori. From the different chemical processing and environmental questions to the simple act of dealing with people on the land – there are a lot of bridges between the two. This is why I think it’d be helpful to introduce the bicultural lens earlier on.
Lily: I recently read somewhere that to make a change in the number of Maori in engineering, we really need to engage with students as early as Year Developing6. science skills then is incredibly important. This can include companies funding scholarships but also events that lead to higher outcomes behind the scenes, and still at school.
Lydia: There was a lot of stigma around applying for scholarships as a Maori in my high-school. However, once I knew what I wanted to do and understood that it’s about Maori supporting Maori, I started applying for scholarships. My brother was the one who suggested I apply for the Whanake Scholarship, which I originally didn’t think I’d receive as it is quite significant. I am very happy to have received this opportunity.
What challenges do you see for Maori in the pathway?
HERAnz/podcast/isanon-profit research organisation dedicated to serving the needs of metal-based industries in New Zealand. It is the industry stimulus for research, innovation and development, delivering a trusted national centre for design, manufacturing technology and quality assurance. Want to become a member? Visit www.hera.org.nz.
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Lily: I personally think the education systems in New
HERA, in collaboration with the Maori Education Trust, created the Whanake scholarship in 2018, to foster genuine interactions with young Maori and actively extend the industry’s capacity by creating a more diverse and attractive industry for Kiwi.
Zealand, notably NCEA, aren’t designed for Maori to succeed. I’ve seen friends in high school struggle and be shut out of STEM subjects, which I feel is rooted in colonisation as you have to essentially choose between connecting to your culture or getting into Iacademia.thinkthat has a huge impact on why there aren’t more w hine Ma ori in engineering and STEM subjects generally.
Lily: Absolutely, there are so many connections. And, the further along the degree I get, the more I’m finding biculturalism incorporated in papers.
As university and the engineering degree itself is at quite a large scale, it can be hard to find those connections again while you’re still trying to figure out how everything works in your first year, like I am currently.
Lydia: When I was in high school, I had a strong group of Maori friends and connections. Leaving them all behind was a challenge, especially as I was so involved with my culture at school.
Lydia: In addition, when it comes to attracting workers, showing inclusiveness and acceptance to matauranga Maori is a big factor in my view. However, it really extends to being inclusive to all worldviews and cultural believes. For someone at the beginning of their journey like me, it’s really encouraging and inspiring to see other wahine working in engineering firms across the country and advocating for Maori in the field.
Q&A
The Pūhoro STEM Academy actively encouraged and supported my studies which definitely helped my journey into the engineering industry. On scholarships, my whanau instilled early on how important they are, so in addition, I feel very grateful to have received the HERA Whanake Scholarship as well as the Keystone AECOM Property Scholarship. Both have enabled me to do some exciting internships over the summer breaks.
To date, there have been three full recipients of the scholarship – Sarah Lawson, Lily Sanson and Lydia Frater, who was recently announced as the 2022 scholarship recipient.
Why do you think there aren’t more wa-hine in engineering?
Lily: I knew from a young age engineering was interesting to me, but never knew the term. Then my sister mentioned it at dinner, which led to me learning more about it.
A further three students have received one-year scholarships to support their first year of studies.
Things like that are incredibly discouraging to Maori as it doesn’t allow students to bring their culture and academics to the fore simultaneously.
I recently had a conversation with a professor about applying a mana whenua lens on a climate change paper. He was very encouraging about this and I think there are efforts being made to interconnect worldviews more.
The scholarship is targeted at Maori students in their first year of a four-year Bachelor of Engineering degree and extends over the four years required for degree completion.
HERA spoke with Lily and Lydia about their scholarship experience so far, and their thoughts on the engineering industry within New Zealand.
Lily: I also think finding a balance between doing well academically and maintaining your culture can be very difficult. I do think there needs to be Maori top-down, fully involved – not just tokenistic –representation at all levels. I believe collaborating between the non-Maori and Maori perspectives can have a huge positive impact. What can businesses do to shift perspectives and engage with students earlier?
Lydia Frater (left) and Lily Sanson.
What if any common connections do you see between the Maori worldview and engineering?
By Scott Philbrook, MD ANZ, RS Components
Many manufacturers are seeking to invest in order to position themselves to manage increased demand: supply chain resilience is an integral piece of the puzzle they will have to get right. In the next 3-4 years, fluctuating internal costs, increased competition, and demand variability will all be factors that manufacturers will need to Manufacturersmanage. in 2022 will need to maintain flexibility in their supply chains, with the ability to shift dynamically to cater for volatile shifts in Andemand.obvious example of this scenario is the spike in domestic toilet paper demand, with manufacturers having to rapidly cater for a hike in domestic demand, whilst shifting production away from commercial. This is an example where suppliers were not agile enough to cater for demand, and in an unpredictable global geopolitical environment, manufacturers will need flexibility and resilience in their supply chain to cater for rapidly changing market circumstances.
Digitally lead supply chain resilience
Manufacturers looking to 2023 and beyond are investing in data capture and dashboarding, and evolutional capabilities such as artificial intelligence (AI) based forecasting and predictive maintenance, and data driven dynamic optimisation that drives organisational priorities.
Those manufacturers that are agile and have invested in technology to drive data insights and therefore efficiencies will be the companies to thrive in the highly unpredictable business environment facing them.
With pandemic subsiding and being seen as a situation we will have to live with for many years, the economy is now shifting back towards growth.
Creating a resilient supply chain will
NZ Manufacturer August 2022 / www.nzmanufacturer.co.nz18
Supply Chain
The analytics behind data forecasting gives manufacturers insights that will improve sales, shipment, pricing, and time to market. They can use these analytics to improve transportation costs and create scenario planning to future proof their supply Manufacturerschain. that will thrive in uncertain economic times will be those with a digital first approach to their business, those that invest now in their digital capabilities, often without being able to quantify returns initially will reap the rewards.
manufacturersensurewillbeabletonavigateuncertainbusinessheadwinds.
Manufacturers that have invested in digital capabilities are likely to be well placed in 2022 and beyond. RS Components have evolved their sales channels heavily towards digital technology.
Businesses that have a strategic plan for ongoing innovation in IT/OT and that are integrated across platforms of IIoT/AIoT, cloud, and AI will have the ability to roadmap what are challenging business Creatingcircumstances.aresilient supply chain will ensure manufacturers will be able to navigate uncertain business headwinds.
TradeWindow acquires Rfider before the installation was complete, they hired the required staff and three weeks later commenced Toproduction.suggestthe performance was poor would be an understatement. The waste was enormous, people left, no-one appeared to know what they were Idoing.won’t go into the health and safety concerns and it took over 6 months to achieve the level of output the previous factory had achieved. Many customers Thisleft. is akin to buying a Ferrari and tossing the keys to a learner driver and wishing them luck. At another site, they hired the crew before commissioning and trained them for three months. They helped commission the plant, they developed their operating structures and processes and built the required knowledge in the team, and within a month they outperformed an identical plant that had been operating 5 years! Why would you not invest in your people and a journey to world class when the cost to not do so is so high? I also remember the team in Japan explained to me that when you develop your systems, and processes, you must continue to check them. Given they were performing at such a high level, I asked them why this was needed? They explained that when they stopped checking, even their performance went down, because people stop doing the processes and the check ensured the systems kept working or any problems were identified and “adjusted”
TradeWindow was founded in December 2018 and is an NZX-listed software company that provides digital solutions for exporters, importers, freight forwarders, and customs brokers to drive productivity, increase connectivity, and enhance visibility.
The purpose of the raise was to provide TradeWindow with the funding to continue to execute on quality growth opportunities moving forward.
TradeWindow CEO AJ Smith welcomed John Pennington and his team from Rfider into the fold at TradeWindow. “We are delighted to go unconditional on the purchase of Rfider and excited by the synergies. Rfider’s functionality significantly enhances our existing provenance solution, with its impressive user experience and broader target market.” Mr Smith says.
ManufacturingOpinion
Settlement for the acquisition of Rfider took place at the end of July. Also, TradeWindow has completed an oversubscribed $9 million capital raise and opened a share purchase plan for up to an additional $1 million for existing shareholders.
The acquisition will help TradeWindow extend its reach deeper into primary industry supply chains by providing traceability all the way back to the points of cultivation and production.
text
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TradeWindow has acquired the business and assets of Rfider Limited, an Auckland-based software Rfidercompany.has developed a mobile interface that can be rapidly deployed in complex supply chains to capture many points of data. TradeWindow acquired the business and assets from Rfider Limited which primarily comprises the Rfider software platform, associated intellectual property and customer Therelationships.acquisition will help TradeWindow extend its reach deeper into primary industry supply chains by providing traceability all the way back to the points of cultivation and production.
Supply
Chain
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“The skilled team, as well as customers from Australasia, Europe, USA and South America which will come across as part of this acquisition, will significantly accelerate TradeWindow’s penetration of the traceability market,” Mr Smith says.
The answer is systems left alone descend to the lowest level over time (Deming highlighted this in systems thinking). You must keep putting some energy in to sustain them. The concept is entropy. So, if you implement anything worthwhile if you want to sustain it, you must check it, else it will fall over, over time. If you don’t want to do the check you may as well not do the action as plan do, plan do is just activity and unfortunately many NZ companies are suffering from lots of Plan do, plan do but no check adjust. If you want to change this, drop me a line.
TradeWindow’s software solutions integrate to form a cohesive digital trade platform that enables customers to more efficiently run their back-end operations, share information and securely collaborate with a global supply chain made up of customers, ports, terminals, shipping lines, banks, insurance companies, and government authorities.
Employees want to work for a business that ‘does the right thing’. Tell them what you’re doing. Better still, involve them in your plans. Ask them to share practical, on-the-tools advice to make your business more sustainable. Then equip them with a short message to share with the people they deal with every day. What do you want them to say to customers, suppliers and transport providers to explain your sustainability work?
Harness the power of words to make your business more sustainable
Engage your suppliers Communicating with suppliers will reduce your supply chain risks. It will also help your suppliers understand how you can work together to make their businesses more sustainable too.
A written ‘supplier code of conduct’ can be helpful. Set out what you expect of your suppliers. For example, tell them you expect them to measure and reduce their carbon emissions. Set out the ‘evidence’ you want to see. If ‘code of conduct’ seems a little formal, a ‘this is what we expect of our suppliers’ checklist works well too. When you tender for a new supply contract, use a written questionnaire to test whether competing suppliers meet your sustainability criteria. What are they doing to reduce their waste? To avoid child labour? To choose ethical suppliers to their own business?
Engage your industry association
If you do not have to report externally, taking a few hours to think about how climate change may affect your business will pay dividends. Document the risks and opportunities, confirm how you’ll manage them and review them regularly.
NZ Manufacturer August 2022 / www.nzmanufacturer.co.nz20
Harnessing the power of words will help you define your sustainability strategy and share it with the people who matter to your business.
The Circular Economy
In Aotearoa New Zealand large organisations and listed companies must disclosure their climate-related risks by the 2023/24 reporting year. If you are in this group, prepare for this change by reading the Task Force for Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) guidance and the requirements of New Zealand’s External Reporting Board (XRB).
2. Communicate your products’ environmental performance Tell your customers how you’re making your products more sustainable. Consider producing an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) for a product. In our last article, we featured manufacturer Red Stag Wood Solutions’ EPD for sawn and planed timber products. An EPD tells the environmental story of a product over its life cycle in a clear, simple format that a wide audience can understand. It will help you translate complex environmental information about your product’s environmental footprint into simpler information that your wholesale and retail customers can trust to make Everydecisions.EPD is based on data from a detailed environmental study called a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). It’s a science-based, independently verified, publicly available communication tool. EPDs work in the same way as nutrition labels on food products: trusted information, communicated clearly.
Whatstrategy.really matters to make sure your business ‘goes the distance’? How can you make it more sustainable? Who do you need to involve? What are the risks and opportunities? What targets will you set and how will you know if you meet them? If you haven’t already, get writing. Our tips: focus on what matters. (Strategy is about what you leave out as well as what you put in.) Keep your document short. Use ‘dinner-table language’: simple words, short sentences, personal language like ‘we and you’.
Many of you may be fielding requests from customers keen to know more about your sustainability programme. A short, simple sustainability report will help you answer these requests. Your report needs to answer the questions set out above.
This month’s sustainability tip: pick up your pen (physical or digital). Why? Because clear, engaging communication and reporting will make your manufacturing business more sustainable.
1. Get your sustainability strategy down ‘on paper’ We love this quote from Pulitzer Prize winner David McCullough: ‘Writing is thinking. To write well is to think clearly. That’s why it’s so hard.’ We think he’s right. Getting your sustainability programme down ‘on paper’ will force you to consider how sustainability fits into your business
Most industry associations have at least a watching brief on sustainability. Get involved with yours and share ideas with other members to make your industry more sustainable. (You can tackle many issues at an industry level without divulging competitive information.) You’ll all benefit and you’ll make faster progress together.
3. Communicate with the people who matter Engage your stakeholders to make your sustainability programme happen. Educate them. Unleash their ideas. Gain their support for your work. Engage your customers
Engage your investors Whether you’re an NZX-listed manufacturer or ‘mum and dad’ business, someone has invested in you. Your investors need to understand the financial risks and opportunities that climate change brings to your Here’sbusiness.an example of a climate change risk: a storm disrupts your business, damaging your factory and causing a break in production. Faced with disruption, an important customer moves to a competitor. Your revenue falls.
Now, a climate change opportunity. You redesign your product to reduce its carbon footprint and communicate the results in an EPD. Your sales Reportingincrease. these risks and opportunities will help you identify, understand and manage them. It will also help you reassure investors (including maybe yourself?) that you understand what climate change means for your business and are stepping up to manage it.
-Barbara Nebel, thinkstep-anz
Conclusion At a challenging time for manufacturers in Aotearoa New Zealand, it can be hard to find time to communicate and report on your sustainability efforts. We hope we’ve convinced you that it’s time well spent. Grab your pen and realise some tangible value for your www.thinkstep-anz.combusiness!
You may want to include a case study featuring your team and the work they’re doing to make your business more sustainable. The more interesting and personal your report, the more likely your customers are to read it. It may also influence them to buy from you. Engage your team
Warmington: The burning desire for improvement
Warmington has needed to be flexible in order to deal with the differing guidance from the NZ government when it comes to sorting out COVID-19 in the workplace.
NZ Made
Looking for a marketing edge? 70% of licence holders say signing on has positively affected sales.
The last two years have been a challenge for Warmington, just like the majority of NZ businesses.
Warmington wants to lead the industry in designing and manufacturing home heating solutions.
All fireplaces are made in Auckland, and its products are not only loved locally, but are also cherished in Australia and the United States.
With distinctive in-house consulting and product testing capability that means it can design custom products, Warmington can bring customers exactly what they are looking for, alongside the guarantee that it’s made to New Zealand’s high safety standards.
The business expects more growth, demand, and improvements in time to come.
What next?
Despite the fact inflation will be an issue in 2022,
Warmington is passionate about innovation, and with a team of engineers, architects, builders, and designers, as well as lots of expertise and knowledge in the industry, it has become well-known for making an extensive range of excellent, high-quality wood and gas products.
Warmington sees such challenges as a chance to keep improving, to be the designer, manufacturer, and home heating solutions provider that customers Warmingtonexpect. is fully staffed to manage the growth, and it is making investments in equipment to improve its processes and to keep training its team to meet Warmingtondemand.loves to improve its business and it isn’t afraid to take challenges head on.
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Warmington customers can have custom-made fireplaces, crafted just for them, via LEAN manufacturing principles, in smaller manufacturing lead times than other companies, giving Warmington an advantage over competitors. Its fantastic service comes complete with technical consulting and project management helping customers with all installations.
What the future holds
It also faces the challenge of changes to the competitive Solid Fuel heating market, but it is focused on keeping the team together and growing it in response to more demand.
Warmington also sells other products, including chimneys and flues.
New Zealand-owned and operated Warmington is a one stop shop for fireplace needs. The company designs and manufactures a vast range of fireplaces - like wood and gas fires, outdoor fires, and wood burners that are made for New Zealand conditions, with environmentally-friendly options.
• Ben Scales, University of Canterbury: Designing a better world through smarter materials
finalists: The NZ research heroes and their innovations that are changing our lives
The Kiwi Innovation Network (KiwiNet) is a consortium of 19 universities, Crown Research Institutes, an Independent Research Organisation and a Crown Entity established to boost commercial outcomes from publicly funded research by helping to transform scientific discoveries into new products and KiwiNetservices.
• Dr Alex Risos - RisosEnterprises/ Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland: Revolutionising water safety for the world
Researcher Entrepreneur Award (left to right, page 23)
Eighteen remarkable finalists are in the spotlight for the 10th annual KiwiNet Research Commercialisation Awards, which celebrate the scientific discoveries being successfully commercialised within New Zealand’s universities, Crown Research Institutes and other research organisations, and their impact on Aotearoa and beyond.
This year the KiwiNet Awards recognise a record number of finalists whose passion and energy see them transforming their research into innovative new technologies and businesses. These include ingestible gut robots, drinking water analysis tech, world-first commercial purification platform, smarter materials, Covid-killing air filtration media, gastric function test, decarbonising zinc recycling, DNA-based diagnostics, plant-based ice cream, low-carbon ammonia production, ultrafast optical spectrometers and airway humidification technology. New Zealand’s research commercialisation professionals are also recognised.
• Distinguished Professor Maggie-Lee Huckabee, University of Canterbury: Innovative technologies for rehabilitation of swallowing impairment
• Mrinali Kumar, Massey University: Is it ice cream? Yeah, Kinda
• Dr Richard Winkworth - Ampersand Technologies/ Massey University: Protecting primary industries and the environment with next-generation DNA diagnostics
• Muhammad Rehan, Massey University: Ingestible robot for gut sampling
KiwiNet CEO Dr James Hutchinson says the 10th annual KiwiNet Awards represents a milestone for the KiwiNet wh nau of universities and research institutes who, over the past decade, have worked on thousands of projects to take research discoveries to market.
“This year, we will celebrate the finalists as well as our collective success over the past decade in supporting innovations to market and making a difference. The diverse and entrepreneurial individuals and teams across this growing ecosystem working to create impact from science are nothing short of inspiring. And their work matters to us all, as these new technologies and services have the potential to transform lives and provide longstanding environmental, social, and economic impact – creating enormous benefit for Aotearoa now and in the future.”
The 2022 KiwiNet Research Commercialisation Award finalists are:
Jonathan Ring - Zincovery/ University of Canterbury: Zincovery - Decarbonising zinc recycling
Awards winners for 2022 will be announced at an evening reception on 6 October in Auckland.
2022 KiwiNet Awards 2022 KiwiNet Awards
Breakthrough Innovator Award (left to right)
• Professor Justin Hodgkiss, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington: A leader in deep-tech research commercialisation
Momentum Student Entrepreneur (left to right)
•
NZ Manufacturer August 2022 / www.nzmanufacturer.co.nz22
23www.nzmanufacturer.co.nz / NZ Manufacturer August 2022 • Associate Professor Franck Natali, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington: Revolutionising ammonia production while developing student entrepreneurs sectors Commercialisation Professional Award (left to right) • Evelyn Body, UniServices: Unique combination of expertise delivering exceptional outcomes • Michael Fielding, AUT Ventures: A versatile, empathetic, and inspirational teammate and leader • Stephanie Grant, Wellington UniVentures: Working to safeguard the research of innovators throughout NZ Breakthrough Project Award (Left to right) • FilterLayr Eco, NanoLayr: FilterLayr™ Eco - The bio-derived, Covid-killing air filtration media • Gastric Alimetry, UniServices: Gastric Alimetry - The new test of gastric function • RespirAq, AUT Ventures: Waterless, active, heated respiratory humidification Commercial Impact Award (left to right) • Ligar: Wintec Te Pūkenga and WaikatoLink - Ligar, world-first commercial purification platform • Magritek: Massey Ventures and Wellington UniVentures - Beautiful science to business • Zespri RubyRed: Plant & Food Research and Zespri - RubyRed, expanding our offering of the world’s best kiwifruit
Moreover, the Suhner UWG 11R and UWK 11R can be combined with a variety of abrasive, cutting or hook and loop discs as well as a range of non-woven and fine finish products, so that users can attain a wide variety of finishes. Made in Germany and built to last, both the UWG 11R and UWK 11R grinders are quality tools suitable for working on a range of applications including structural fabrication, balustrades, vehicle components, medical products, aircraft parts, and many other light or heavy manufacturing applications.
So far, models from Universal Robots, Epson and the igus robolink series from Treotham have benefited from this increased mobility.
The first users of the so-called 7th axis, a linear axis with an electric toothed belt drive that igus launched in 2020, were thrilled according to Alexander Mühlens: “Suddenly, thanks to the additional axis, their articulated arm robots are as mobile as humans. This enables them to take on multiple tasks in automation environments making them significantly more productive,” says the Head of Automation Technology at igus.
With a matching Plug & Play kit of hardware and software we make customisation possible.”
Moving articulated robots without lubrication and maintenance: The 7th robot axis for articulated arm robots is now compatible with all manufacturers.
“We therefore decided to extend the compatibility of the system to all manufacturers worldwide – such as Omron, Franka Emika, Doosan and Yuanda Robotics.
Now Omron, Franka Emika, Doosan, Yuanda Robotics and many other lightweight robotics suppliers are joining the list.
Ready-to-connect complete solution for all lightweight articulated arm robots
In the future, all lightweight articulated arm robots with a weight range of 10 to 50 kilograms or, depending on the dynamics, a payload of 2 to 20 kilograms can use the 7th axis.
Articulated arm robots can travel over six metres, quadrupling their working space: the 7th axis is now compatible with all lightweight articulated arm robots worldwide thanks to a simple Plug & Play kit.
Suhner Australia new grinders with exceptional speed stability
Treotham supplies the system as a ready-to-connect complete solution from a single source. It consists of a drylin ZLW toothed belt axis with a length of up to six metres and two parallel rails made of aluminium. These can be mounted on the floor, walls or ceilings and a toothed belt drive with stepper motor for a positioning accuracy of 0.3 millimetres.
Also included is: an energy chain for guiding energy and data cables; a switch cabinet integration kit with cables; motor control system and the respective software solution, as well as a carriage with the adapter plate that is adapted to the geometry of thousands of articulated arm robots. All components are perfectly matched, so that users can quickly put the system into operation and benefit from the new mobility without expensive design and tuning work.
Save operating costs: 7th axis is lubrication-free and maintenance-free
Users save time and money not only in planning and purchasing the 7th axis, but also in operation. All made possible because the system works maintenance-free. The reason: the carriages move on the aluminium rails with the help of drylin linear technology. The high-performance plastic of the bearings enables low-friction and maintenance-free dry operation. The absence of lubricants also makes the system hygienic. The stainless steel version with FDA-compliant components makes the linear guide ideally suited for sectors such as the food industry.
Suhner Australia, a leader in metal finishing solutions, has released its next-generation of variable speed, 125mm Angle grinders – the Suhner UWG 11R and the UWK 11R. Both models provide unrivalled speed stability regardless of whether they are operating at 2,800rpm or 10,500rpm, to help deliver a variety of quality finishes. Specifically designed to keep vibration at bay, both grinders provide the correct speed and stability under torque, allowing the user to operate them for an extended period of time. This ensures a consistent, quality finish on stainless steel, aluminium, brass, other alloys and ferrous metals.
NZ Manufacturer August 2022 / www.nzmanufacturer.co.nz24 Workshop Tools
igus’ 7th axis extends working space by up to 400 percent
valves Pneumatic cylinders Pushfit
True work-horses, both grinders are a testament to the company’s ability to deliver real and viable solutions for industry. Suhner also stocks high-levels of tools and consumable items for quick and easy shipment. The Suhner UWG 11R and UWK 11R grinders carry a professional warranty and Suhner also provides on-site training and demonstrations on request.
Workshop Tools
From Treotham, i.Sense CF.D sensors use high-frequency technology to detect defects in bus and data cables, preventing expensive system downtimes.
High-frequency technology detects the smallest changes in state without contact The new generation of igus monitoring sensors from Treotham uses high-frequency technology that works without additional sacrificial cores and without contacting existing cores. “This technology allows the sensors to reliably measure even the smallest transmission deteriorations in cables and connectors,” says Richard Habering, head of the igus smart plastics business unit. This allows effective predictive maintenance in moving industrial applications in which cables and connectors are subjected to continuous mechanical stress. The new generation of CF.D sensors is compatible with most bus and data cables in the igus chainflex cable range.
www.jwrpneumatics.co.nz | sales@jwrpneumatics.co.nz |
Smart monitoring of igus bus and data cables goes into the next round: the latest generation of i.Sense CF.D monitoring sensors from Treotham checks the electrical condition of chainflex cables in e-chain systems – without contact and without intervention in the existing harnessing. This allows real-time monitoring without any extra cores and, in combination with the new i.Cee: plus II evaluation module, allows even more efficient predictive maintenance for protection against expensive system failures.
The latest CF.D generation facilitates the entry into predictive maintenance of chainflex bus and data cables in igus e-chain systems. The smart system consists of two sensor units clipped onto the cable before and after the chainflex cable to be monitored. They are small enough to fit into the distribution box on the moving end side and into the control cabinet on the fixed end side. During operation, the sensors continuously check the cables’ transmission properties.
fittings
igus CF.D delivers reliable condition monitoring for bus cables without additional measuring cores.
Contactless monitoring of igus cables in e-chains
plated
The Suhner UWG 11R and UWK 11R variable speed grinders are ergonomic, slimline and lightweight. The UWG11 has 1100W of power, yet weighs only 2.1kg. It is ideal for fine sanding applications with fibre, hook, and loop or flap discs and then, any cutting requirements. The UWG 11R is probably the most user-friendly 125mm grinder on the market today. The UWK 11R has 1700W of power and weighs only 2.5kg. It is a ‘muscle-machine’ that enables use of high torque and can be combined with various grinding and finishing discs including Suhner’s Magic grinding discs. It also provides more than the recommended power for optimal use of 3M® Cubitron fibre discs.
Other key features of the new UWG 11R and UWK 11R variable speed 125mm angle grinders include a soft-start for jolt free work, tool-free and easy disc changing, an anti-vibration handle, and a host of safety features including under voltage and thermal protection. Optional extras include replaceable filters to help prevent swarf and aluminium dust entering the electronics of the tool.
We supply:
“Condition monitoring enables machinery and equipment users to detect and replace cables approaching their wear limit at an early stage, significantly enhancing plant safety.” It is a small investment with a big effect. i.Cee: plus II: detect impending faults with smartphones and tablets When data and bus cables approach their wear limit, another innovation comes into play: i.Cee: plus II –a module that connects to the CF.D sensors. A CF.D sensor makes a USB connection to the predictive i.Cee maintenance module. Incipient deterioration of the transmission properties signals necessary maintenance work and adjusts the component service life calculation accordingly. It outputs the measurement results for each individual sensor to a dashboard that users can access through the local network or on the move on the internet with a PC, smartphone, or tablet. This means that those responsible can keep up to date at all times and from anywhere in the world and can react quickly to alarm messages received via SMS or e-mail. The dashboard also provides an overview of the system’s history, including the total number of energy chain strokes, temperature in production, and time remaining until the next scheduled maintenance.
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igus has been developing a family of products since 2016 under this heading, with various sensors and monitoring modules adding intelligence to motion plastics products such as energy chains, cables, linear guides, and slewing ring bearings. These smart plastics are already predicting the service life for numerous customer applications in such sectors as the automotive industry. Mobile: 027 304 3214 Pneumatic and nickel brass Air are a: Airwork distributor Master Pneumatic reseller Festo reseller
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Highly reliable and easy to use, both the new Suhner UWG 11R and UWK 11R are very competitively priced. Better still, the quality performance of the UWG 11R and UWK 11R saves users both time and money by eliminating the need for rework.
Reliable stock levels with great customer service
The new generation of CF.D monitoring modules and i.Cee: plus II represent further igus expansion of the i.Sense environment for predictive maintenance.
Mike Kennedy, Altus National Operations Manager.
Henkel’s adhesive experts help customers explore ways to expedite the time to market and optimise their own production processes for the development of engineered wood solutions.
Developments
Altus National Operations Manager Mark Kennedy says, “the expansion is in direct response to the increasing demand for Altus products, which are sold to both Window and Door Joinery Franchisees and Industrial customers, as well as being part of a strategic plan to revolutionise the way we do Oncethings.”complete, staff numbers are tipped to increase by 25% to over 230, with developments set to double the extrusion output at the Altus site by July 2023. Mark says “the business has invested in the most advanced technology to maximise the extrusion output. With a total investment of over $25M, it includes a solar power installation to supply approximately 20% of the new factory’s power Asrequirements.”abuildingindustry example, the increased capacity is the equivalent to producing aluminium windows and doors for approximately 25,000 houses.”
Approved for use in all major engineered wood construction markets, Loctite Purbond adhesives make it possible to manufacture glued wood components that are free from harmful industrial solvents and formaldehyde. In addition, they can be specifically engineered and controlled to enable the use of engineered wood in ever-new ways.
Purbond adhesives for engineered wood construction With a growing environmental awareness surrounding construction and material use, engineered wood has become an increasingly popular design choice for load-bearing mass timber and high-tech structural engineering applications.
“We have a range of employment opportunities available, from machine operators to technical and process specialists. We’re really looking forward to growing our team,” Mark says. “We strongly believe in growing and developing our people as well as providing support for staff to advance within the
“The products that we can turn a log of primary aluminium into never ceases to amaze me,” says “TheMark. capabilities we will have developed by the end of 2022 will put Altus at the forefront of the aluminium extrusion and finishing industry in New Zealand. The investment in the Te Rapa site started in 2015 with a new 8” Turla Extrusion Line, followed closely in 2018 with a SAT Vertical Powdercoat line, and finally this year with this second Extrusion Line. We believe that success is better shared and so we see this as a real win for both our customers and the Altus team,” he says.
Altus to have premier state-of-the-art aluminium extrusion facility in NZ
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The Pukete site in Hamilton has been producing aluminium products since the very early 1980’s when it traded as South Pacific Aluminium. It has been through various changes of ownership since then including being known as Fletcher Aluminium, COMALCO and National Aluminium Limited (NALCO). In 2016, the joint venture between NALCO and Fletcher Aluminium formed Altus. Henkel, a global leader in the adhesives market, is slated to produce Loctite polyurethane (PUR) adhesives in Australia from the first half of 2023. The adhesives will be manufactured in Kilsyth, Victoria, to serve the engineered wood industry across Australia and New Zealand. Purbond adhesives are used globally and have long been the benchmark for innovation and reliability in the engineered wood industry.
“We’reorganisation”.alsoproud of the long service that many of our staff have dedicated to Altus. With 199 staff having worked over 10 years or more, and of these 57 have been employed by Altus for over 25 years, we have a reputation for care of our people and providing a great work environment.”
There will be a further 30 positions to be filled by the end of the year.
Alongside this, Altus supplies aluminium to many other different industries, made specifically to order to suit many different wide and varied innovations coming from our Industrial customers.
Terry Miller.
Henkel local production of Loctite PUR adhesives for Australasia
Aluminium extrusion specialist Altus is on track to have the most state-of-the-art facilities for extrusion and powder coating in New Zealand.
With the production of Purbond in Australia, adhesives production can be customised for specific performance requirements such as fire resistance and for use with modified timbers.
With a larger footprint due to this recent business investment, team growth is required, with Altus adding 50 new full-time roles in the last 12 months.
They’re rapidly expanding their Hamilton site with a new 6,500 m2 plant to accommodate the installation of another extrusion press line by the end of 2022.
Henkel’s adhesive experts at its Innovation and Application Labs in Sydney and Auckland, help customers explore ways to expedite the time to market and optimise their own production processes for the development of engineered wood solutions.
You may not be able to prevent every customer disappointment, but you can minimise damage to customer relationships by being transparent and open. A business management system can be a powerful transparency driver, giving employees access to accurate, up-to-date information around orders and delivery times. This access means teams can proactively communicate with customers and other team members openly, rather than avoiding the issue while they hunt down information.
Earlier this year, our MYOB 2022 Mid-market Snapshot (a poll of 500 mid-sized businesses from across New Zealand) revealed that 41% of manufacturers saw the disruption of supply goods from overseas (41%) as being one of their biggest challenges. However, rather than waiting out the storm, it’s crucial that businesses continue to look for ways to mitigate disruptions (or the impact of them) where possible, and as the experience of the couple of years has also taught us, the right technological solutions can play a critical role in building resilience and safeguarding performance and success.
Goods appeared in shops, items ordered online were shipped promptly, and stock shortages were rare. People didn’t have to consider how products reached them – they just did.
3. Transparency is everything
Navigating supply chain disruptions
Automating manual processes with the right digital solution designed for unique industry needs, will eliminate human error often seen in critical data entry or order placements, while giving you peace of mind.
4. Automate for accuracy – and time savings
5. Working from the same data playbook
The last two years have been challenging – to put it very mildly – for businesses all over the world. While supply chain delays are out of your control, automating processes and setting up systems for reporting and forecasting - which in turn will help you make measured predictions and plan for issues before they occur - will see you a step ahead of the curve and potentially even gain a competitive Inadvantage.aclimate of increasing complexity and unprecedented challenges, the right connected digital solutions can be powerful way to boost resilience, mitigate disruption impacts, and help businesses achieve their growth ambitions.
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Here, I’ll explain a few examples of just why this is.
‘Supply chain disruption’ has become one of the defining phrases falling out of the Covid-19 pandemic, but before the ripple effects of the past two and a half years, it wasn’t an issue that consumers doing their weekly shop needed to contemplate.
Now, the supply chain has been thrust into the public consciousness through stock shortages, price increases, delayed orders or unavailable products, and a sudden, uncomfortable awareness of how fragile our global systems are. As a relatively small, remote market, New Zealand has been particularly vulnerable to disruptions, missing out on some materials and products altogether.
1. Real-time insights provide stronger decision-making
Knowing what’s coming – or not coming is half the battle in business. If you can anticipate shortages or changes in demand, you can react quickly and minimise the impact on your customers. To help make an informed prediction its best to look at: Supplier delivery time – this can be a strong indicator of future issues - Customer demand forecasting - demand can change quickly, so you need intelligent tools that can help you track it closely and follow trends throughout the year, as well as being cognisant as a team of the external environment and what factors could impact on regular trends - Production numbers – scheduled production numbers give insights into future resource availability and can help with predicting upcoming shortages - Maintenance forecasting – anticipating planned outages and maintenance events and working around them.
Comment
Not only will it help anticipate upswings in demand, but you’ll also be able to communicate accurate and real-time information with customers, so they’re informed of potential delays before they happen.
Some manufacturing businesses still rely heavily on manual processes in ordering, inventory management, invoicing and more. These manual processes not only slow down productivity however - they also come with higher risks.
Jo Tozer, Head of Go-to-Market - Enterprise, MYOB
Supply chains are complex – but the systems inside your business shouldn’t be. If you’re using multiple software systems to manage customers, suppliers and other elements, it’s difficult to get a clear picture of how your business is functioning from joining all the dots. And without a simple, clear overview, you can’t make predictions, see trends or deal with disruptions effectively. Your business platforms should help pull together data and functionality from all areas of the business for you, so you have accurate information at your fingertips. If it doesn’t, then it’s time to reassess if you’re getting the intel you need – accurately and on time – from your current systems.
2. Predict early, react quickly
If you’re running a manufacturing business, you need to focus on how the business can plan for disruptions, minimise delays and communicate with customers. With the right cloud business management system, you can have this real-time information at your fingertips.
central Queensland. This single project is expected to double the global production capacity of green hydrogen. It will make Queensland home to a new green hydrogen fuel and components export Ifindustry.ournew government can pull this off and turn vision to reality, we could embrace a new green growth economy and begin our own green industrial Betterrevolution.yet, Australia could finally make full use of its abundant land and renewable resources to fast-track the clean economic development of our Indo-Pacific neighbours. Green energy comes with security and geopolitical benefits
China isn’t standing still either. Until recently, China focused its regional aid and investment on traditional infrastructure projects such as airports, roads and stadiums. Now Beijing is ramping up its climate responses to the region, with climate change issues at the top of the agenda at the China-Pacific Islands forum held in 2019. In light of China’s growing green activism in the Pacific, the Australian government has a lot of ground to make up. It should start with a major rethink of Australia’s traditional approach to financing energy projects, which has seen us support fossil fuel power in the Weregion.can no longer keep propping up fossil fuels, with the costs of this support not only environmental, but geostrategic as well. Partnering with China on Pacific projects, as Pacific minister Pat Conroy has flagged, could also help.
This radical new vision was laid out in Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s speech to the Sydney Energy Forum. He proposed a new era for Australian energy industries and exports as well as using our wealth of renewables to drive deeper involvement in our Itregion.makes good commercial and climate sense for the federal government to target the Indo-Pacific for this green industrial revolution, since the region is already the world’s leader in clean energy Asinvestments.of2021,our region accounts for over 80% of the world’s private investment in clean energy. India, China, Japan, Korea, Indonesia and Pacific nations are natural partners for Australia in this new green push as well as leaders creating the market for clean energy and green products.
Our research project on the clean energy shift in north-east Asia has captured the progress made by major regional economies China and Korea in powering ahead with their own green transitions since the 2000s. These ongoing transitions offer major opportunities, such as exporting Australian-made green hydrogen to fuel cars in these countries.
Gone are the days when the federal government would cheer on Australia’s fossil fuel exports to the exclusion of all else, while seemingly doing everything in its power to hold back the switch to renewables.
The project has gained strong support from both territory and federal governments, and is now attracting support from the Indonesian and Singaporean governments. Indonesia’s government has given in principle approval for the cable’s undersea route through its national waters and has approved the undersea survey permit. There will be spillover benefits, such as $A1.5 billion earmarked for a marine repair base in Indonesia.
Now we have a new government, the clean energy transition is accelerating. Labor is framing the transition not just as decarbonisation but as a green economic boom through manufacture of electrolysers, green steel, green cement and green fertiliser. If successful, this will amount to a green industrial revolution.
Radical new vision for Australia in the region: Clean energy exporter and green manufacturer
Andrew Forrest’s new spin-off company, Fortescue Future Industries, has begun constructing a $1 billion project building green hydrogen manufacturing components, cabling and renewable generation in
Sun Cable and other renewable megaprojects, such as Western Australia’s proposed Asian Renewable Energy Hub, show the move away from reliance on fossil fuel exports is actually happening. The Albanese government has signalled its intention to promote clean energy exports as well as green industrial development across the Indo-Pacific.
What does this actually look like?
Authors: John Mathews, Professor Emeritus, Macquarie Business School, Macquarie University. Elizabeth Thurbon, Scientia Associate Professor in International Relations / International Political Economy, UNSW Sydney. Hao Tan,Associate Professor, Newcastle Business School, University of Newcastle.Sung-Young Kim, Senior Lecturer in International Relations, Discipline of Politics & International Relations, Macquarie School of Social Sciences, Macquarie University.
For decades, Pacific nations have seen climate change as the single greatest threat to their people. As a result, Australian investment in exportable renewables will become a key diplomatic tool as geopolitical competition between China and the US intensifies in our region.
For a sign of what’s to come, look to the massive Sun Cable project, launched four years ago with early funding by Australian billionaires Mike Cannon-Brookes of Atlassian and Andrew Forrest of Fortescue Minerals Group.
The Last Word
The project’s ambitious goal is to become the first intercontinental exporter of renewables, by generating massive amounts of energy from solar farms in the Northern Territory and transmitting it to energy-hungry Singapore through a 4,200 km-long high voltage undersea cable. Government backing will help it progress faster.
Since Labor took office, we’ve heard a lot about our future as a renewables superpower. Often overlooked is the fact this would mean not just generating renewable electricity and green hydrogen at vast scale but also investing in new industries and processes to grasp as many opportunities as we can. This would mean investing in upstream industries such as solar array fabrication and electrolyser manufacture, as well as downstream industries such as green steel, green cement and green fertiliser.
These new green products would be produced using locally generated supplies of green hydrogen and cheap clean renewable power, as economist Ross Garnaut has outlined. Green energy is no longer a niche concern. Australia’s largest companies are leading the way.
Our clean and green transition is bigger than just renewables
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