NZ Manufacturer December 2020

includes Innovators 2020

December 2020

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ANALYSIS Growing our World Class industries.

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ANALYSIS Put money in your pocket – don’t throw it away!

29‘Courageous’ investment

™

means innovation stays in NZ.

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What we said when the PM came to visit - Sarah Ramsay, Chief Executive Officer, United Machinists The Prime Minister was so disappointed she couldn’t make United’s Hawaiian launch party, she dropped in for a visit a couple of weeks later with her own party of some 30 media, entourage and diplomatic police.

We can confirm it isn’t an act - Jacinda Ardern in person is the real-deal, a people person that puts you at ease immediately and is genuinely interested.

Thoughtful, curious and obviously read up before her visit, she was eager to discuss the operations of our workshop and our views on the contract manufacturing industry: • How difficult is it to find skilled staff?

• What can be done to help push apprenticeships?

• What can schools be doing to draw attention to

careers in engineering?

• Why is it important for NZ to retain manufacturing?

• What can the government do to help push this?

We told her our vision was to bring sexy back into manufacturing – she had a good laugh at that.

We told her that now is the time for a renaissance of hi-tech manufacturing in New Zealand. The time to redefine what manufacturing looks like. That it’s not a dirty old mill or lathe, with ‘you’ll get it when its good and ready’ service.

It’s the ‘Machine Shop of the Future’ - a state of the art, temperature-controlled facility making highly intricate

continued on Page 22

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CONTENTS 1

DEPARTMENTS LEAD

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EDITORIAL

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BUSINESS NEWS

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ANALYSIS

Time for a break.

Manufacturing forum highlights key issues.

EMA Spring Briefings well supported.

MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY

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INNOVATORS 2020

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MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY

Guardian Everywhere Hub – reliable safety for remote workers.

Gripper update for vacuum tube lifter JumboErgo.

COMPANY PROFILE

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INDUSTRY 4.0

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SMART MANUFACTURING

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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.

Ian Walsh

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Robotics tutor creates real time map of PPE demand.

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27

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Growing our World Class Industries.

Put money in your pocket – don’t throw it away.

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ADVISORS

What we said when the PM came to visit.

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Steel and Tube accelerates digital uptake to ensure ‘game on’ post Covid-19.

Industry 4.0 adaption to NZ industry.

Getting the right information to the right place.

Vayyar Imaging wins safety innovation award.

3D printing and titanium – a life changing combination.

NEW PRODUCTS ABB Ability Safety Plus for personnel and equipment safety.

Advances in preventative maintenance help avoid crane repairs.

HandScanner saves four seconds per scan.

DEVELOPMENTS ATNZ Apprentice of the Year a story of resilience.

Hydraulink gives wings to hope in the America’s Cup. Life memberships honour long-term contribution.

Mechanical engineering apprentices strut their stuff – and get Auckland moving again.

Leeann Watson

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

16 Lewis Woodward

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

Brett O’Riley

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REAR VIEW ‘Courageous’ investment means innovation stays in NZ, not sold off overseas.

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.

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

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

Media Kit

2021

Includes Editorial Calendar

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publisher@xtra.co.nz

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

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

CONTRIBUTORS Holly Green, Barbara Nebel, Ian Walsh, Simon Ganley, Sarah Ramsay, Rebecca Reed Thomas Schnittger, Michael Donaldson

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

DESIGN & PRODUCTION Kim Alves, KA Design T: + 64 6 870 8133 E: 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: publisher@xtra.co.nz Free of Charge.

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

Vol.11 No. 11 DECEMBER 2020

In a year like no other, we can pat ourselves on the back and take a deep sigh of relief that it is almost over.

We don’t know much about 2021 yet, except that it may not be much different. Restrictions to travel may stay as they are and the movement of goods require a different approach to world markets.

We will strive to grow our businesses and invest in youth apprenticeships and training for industries that are in urgent need of trained staff. Such as housing because the country must address the housing shortage more urgently, especially if we continue to encourage new arrivals, causing an imbalance in society.

And the social issues weigh down the business issues – how to go forward with inequality, when incentives are not in place for a more even society.

In this last issue of the year, we look at Innovators 2020, those who have gone forward, focussing on some whose initiative has paid off, who have been resolute and kept their eye on the ball.

Simon Ganley, Barbara Nebel and Ian Walsh again have words worth reading. Upfront and to the point, they share their business experience and invite feedback and interaction.

Success Through Innovation

EDITORIAL

The NZ Manufacturer Media Kit 2021 is now available. For a copy, email publisher@xtra.co.nz In February, the manufacturing technology show EMEX 2021, is taking place. Resolute and focussed, XPO Exhibitions is again on track. Support the show; the contacts and equipment for better business may well be there.

holidays e h t y jo n E and slow y il m a f h it w while. a r o f n w do

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.

Doug Green

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BUSINESS NEWS Manufacturing forum highlights key issues

By Rebecca Reed Disruptive international supply lines, a lack of skilled and semi-skilled workers, more in-market support and robust long term planning are some of the key areas Government needs to tackle urgently, according to manufacturing and technology sector representatives.

The call comes after the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce hosted the country’s first Manufacturing and Technology Forum which focused on the Covid-19 recovery as part of the 2020 Wellington Business Expo in mid-October.

The forum, in partnership with WellingtonNZ, brought together manufacturing and technology sector representatives from across the Wellington region to share their views, and also hear from Hon. Grant Robertson who listened to what the sector needed to rebuild the economy.

The Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce is now in the process of finalising a report with recommendations and using this to advocate for this sector. The key issues raised from the forum will be shared with ministers as well as numerous relevant Government departments and community leaders.

Develop a long term plan for the sector Helen Down, Chief Executive of Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce says the New Zealand manufacturing and technology sector is central to the COVID-19 recovery and underpins our next generation economy.

Government in-market support crucial Manufacturers and technology companies are facing major challenges tapping into their export markets and it will only get harder as we head into 2021, according to Down.

“Our exporters are finding it increasingly difficult to sell their products because they can’t just get on a plane and meet with their market face to face.

International travel has become so restrictive and expensive with all the rules around quarantine so Government could be providing in-market support and resources to help manufacturers bridge that gap.

“This could happen through NZTE developing new services in those export markets and utilising staff to represent New Zealand more than they have in the past.”

Chief Executive of NZ Tube Mills, Terry Carter, says they have discovered that brand New Zealand is a huge selling point overseas.

“Globally, New Zealand is an attractive supplier and our status of being virtually Covid-free is a huge opportunity for us. Our steel is made from iron sand in NZ and our products are made here. All of our subcontractors are local so when we come to sell our horticulture product to overseas markets we can proudly say it is of New Zealand origin.”

However Carter is quick to point out the outlook for tapping into these overseas markets is looking grim because they can’t get to the markets physically.

“We have a guy in California who is restricted with travel due to lockdown in various states which has created huge difficulties. Because the nature of our business is very seasonal we were hoping to gain off season work in the Northern Hemisphere but that is not looking promising.

We are working with NZTE when we can but they have a helicopter view – we need to get in front of our potential customers and NZTE just doesn’t operate at that level. What we need is more funding and support from Government to use an international business that has more specific in-market knowledge and is able to knock on doors once they have our brief.”

Carter says the Government also needs to make it easier to access to those funds for in-market agents.

Tackle international supply line issues

“The role our manufacturers will need to play in rebuilding our economy in this new era is vital. This is why it is imperative the Government considers a long term plan not just short term packages as an immediate response. While Government policies have provided short term relief, Covid is going to impact us for many years with the true recovery expected to take us well into the 2020s. This is an opportunity to reset our economy.

“The government needs to recognise the length of time it is going to take to recover and give our manufacturers confidence to invest by developing a long term support programme,” said Down.

Manufacturers are also urging the government to rally the international shipping lines to get more capacity for goods in and out of the country.

Shane Lowe, National Sales Manager of freight forwarding company 360 Logistics says the supply chain is only going to get more disrupted in 2021.

“A lot of people are complaining about the lack of containers coming into New Zealand with supplies but it’s only going to get worse for our export market because if you don’t have the containers coming in, you can’t send out goods quick enough. Up until now the focus has been on the issues around imports, however, from what we are experiencing exports are going to be hit really hard in 2021 as capacity with ship and container space tightens up.”

He says during lockdown the shipping companies reduced capacity by 15% which equated to 8,000 less containers a week.

“These companies thought manufacturing would slow down so international goods would be moving less about the world but demand has only skyrocketed with people buying consumer goods in replace of travelling.

A lack of container stocks and space into New Zealand has been an issue for the past 3 months and it’s getting worse –we are starting to see this on the export front. Half a dozen major shipping lines are taking no more bookings into Australia until January 2021 or further notice.

Lowe says this has all come at a hefty price tag with shipping lines putting up their rates drastically with increases every week.

“To add insult to injury as financial quarters get closed off it will be clear that shipping lines have used removing capacity not because there is not the demand but to artificially push pricing up.”

Build and maintain a better skilled workforce Compounding the impact of stressed supply lines, access to a skilled workforce is also starting to bite.

“People are our greatest asset yet New Zealand has not future-proofed itself in how to build and maintain a skilled and semi-skilled workforce,” said General Manager of Stratmore Construction Solutions, Adrian Woodliffe.

“People are our greatest asset yet New Zealand has not future-proofed itself in how to build and maintain a skilled and semi-skilled workforce,” said General Manager of Stratmore Construction Solutions, Adrian Woodliffe.

“As a nation, our thinking has been short-term, and it has come home to roost with the pandemic as many gaps in the skill-set landscape for many sectors (construction is a prime example) are exposed.

Industry is struggling to get appropriate people and we can’t keep going like this,” he said.

Woodliffe says while the Government has stabilised the border it now needs to consider longer term management. He says there have been murmurings from the construction sector, for example, that they would seriously consider having their own quarantine facility to ensure that key, highly skilled staff are available.

“The current border controls, while understood, make it difficult for those skilled people who fled to their home countries (e.g. Australia, South Africa, Europe, SE Asia) as the pandemic impacted to return to the projects that they were engaged with. This dilemma is not going to go away anytime soon and will have a long tail unless Government works with the sectors most impacted to resolve the matter .”

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BUSINESS NEWS EMA Spring Briefings very well supported New Zealand border issues, skills and staff shortages and new rules around compulsory Christmas shut-downs dominated discussions during the EMA’s recently completed Spring Briefing round.

More than 1700 EMA members joined the briefings with record numbers in venues such as Tauranga, Whakatane and Hamilton.

“It was clear members were looking for some direction and certainty from the new Government and they were also keen to get face-to-face with fellow business people and our EMA team,” says the EMA’s Head of Advocacy and Strategy, Alan McDonald.

“Many of the questions and comments focused on the huge levels of frustration at trying to get people through the border and quarantine system. Skills shortages were a real issue for many of our members across multiple sectors before Covid-19 hit and the Covid-19 crisis has only brought those shortages into sharper relief.

“The government’s view that these roles will be filled by either returning or unemployed Kiwis is simply not

happening as businesses still struggle to fill roles from the basic to the big end of a business.

by our members and non-members to help manage the issue as the Christmas season rapidly approaches,” he says.

“Better border and quarantine facility management is an urgent priority for our members and businesses across the country if we are going to make the recovery and transition necessary to restore and enhance our economy for the well-being of all New Zealanders,” he says.

Improving productivity, infrastructure development and recent changes to the Privacy Act were other topics frequently raised by members, and concern was expressed at the potential raft of employment legislation

including more sick leave, new public holidays and minimum and living wage increases adding costs to business at a time when they can least afford it.

The EMA holds three rounds of Briefings a year to share economic, policy and legal information updates with members. The Summer Briefings begin in February.

Skills shortages were a real issue for members across multiple sectors before Covid-19 hit and the Covid-19 crisis has only brought those shortages into sharper relief.

The EMA’s Head of Legal and General Counsel, Matthew Dearing, said the new rulings on compulsory shut-downs over the traditional Christmas break were also causing significant concerns and confusion.

“The way this has been treated in the past is no longer relevant and the new rulings create a level of complexity that many businesses are struggling to understand. The policy pack we’ve developed continues to be picked up

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ANALYSIS Growing our World Class Industries -Ian Walsh, Managing Director, Intent Group

Over the last few years, I have been asked by aspiring NZ companies – ‘Who is world class?’

‘What are we best at in NZ?’ Or even more insightfully, ‘what could we best at?’

The current industries that have been resilient throughout COVID, where demand has remained strong and in some cases shown significant growth, provide some clues.

As a result, many shifts have a 50% turnout rate and are unable to operate properly. They’re costing the business money, are unproductive and have no viable alternatives.

It is clear there is huge demand for our food produce, especially kiwifruit, apples, wine and of course the perennial meat and dairy. Over the years I have had the privilege to work in all of these industries.

Of course, pre-COVID, tourists were a labour source, but also problematic. They were trained, however, just as soon as they had enough money, many left to continue their travels. The employers would require full time trainers, working round the clock to train replacements, creating further costs and burdens.

The world sees us as a clean, green, high-quality food producer and, whilst we have areas for improvement, the horticulture industry is a shining example of this.

In the last decade we have seen significant growth in wine, kiwifruit and apples to name a few, with wine on a 24-year growth trend! There is significant potential to provide the world with high quality, high margin food and reinforce our global image.

Given this, it behoves all parties (employers, government, unions and other stakeholders) to work together to provide a roadmap to a green, profitable, and more sustainable industry.

COVID has heightened our awareness of the current challenges the horticultural industry faces and, to be frank, has been grappling with for a long time.

Being a seasonal business, there are certain times of the year when there is a higher demand for labour.

This is typically around picking and packing (February through to June). Historically, many harvest operators have worked with the Ministry of Social Development (MSD), youth schemes, recruiters and so on, to fill the needs, with many a despairing operator/employer explaining that finding good people to fill roles was near impossible.

The issues were not so much about pay (as is the current discussion), but more about reliability (Friday night shift anyone? Saturdays? 6-day weeks?).

local workers.

Over the years, I have observed t h e various grape, kiwifruit, apple, potato, carrot, onion and other producers, and noted the huge variability in the methods, systems and approaches taken, as to how the products are produced, picked, packed and despatched across different operations.

Imagine if we identified the most effective methods, and best use of the right technology, and applied them universally.

Out of desperation, a few years ago, the industry looked at alternative labour sources to allow them to better meet their growing needs. Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) workers are reliable, hard-working and have since enabled industries to grow. \

In some cases, by applying best practice, I have seen improvements of over 80% productivity by the same people in the same orchard and vineyard. Imagine the impact of this productivity improvement on the industry. Not only would labour productivity improve, but so would the orchard yield!

Now there are well-established processes and systems in place to provide housing, training, transport and other needs, whilst workers are away from home.

With many RSE workers returning year after year, there is now continuity and a reduced training load.

We are missing the forest for the trees (or orchards).

All workers should be able to achieve the required productivity levels using defined best practice, to ensure the profitability of the industry, and to support the future anticipated growth. We have a real opportunity to create regional jobs and futures for many New Zealanders.

Today, with COVID and uncertainty regarding access to RSE workers, the local market will need to fill the employment gap. There is evidence that a large number of people are willing to do this. The issue though remains the same - the comparative productivity gap. If we need twice as many locals as RSE workers, then the profits will quickly disappear. Reliability aside, why are RSE workers more productive? Do they have better processes, methodologies, systems?

My observation is that the answer is ‘no’ to all of the above. RSE workers achieve greater productivity through sustained physical work, and experience gained over years, but they do not apply any different practices to the processes involved, versus

As I mentioned in my previous article “Can we be world class?”, we need a government ministry to help fashion this roadmap, with stakeholders, to protect, nurture and grow strategic industries.

We need to do this by helping them to develop and implement best practices, to ensure higher levels of productivity and to enable the industries to pay above the living wage. This would be a more collaborative and strategic approach than shutting the gate and raising the cost.

I am committed, keen, and have been supporting this journey for over a decade. Join me.

FARO launches laser tracker 6DOF Probe FARO Technologies a global leader for 3D Metrology has announced its next generation Vantage Laser Tracker 6 Degrees of Freedom (6DoF) Probe.

The 6Probe offers exceptional portability and is compatible with FARO VantageS6 and VantageE6 Laser Trackers, enabling users to build, inspect and measure products faster and with greater accuracy.

measurement consistency and reliability in a variety of working environments, delivering best-in-class performance through faster and easier probing than previous models.

The 6Probe is a cost-effective 6DoF solution that meets the dynamic measurement, speed, and accuracy requirements of the most challenging industrial applications.

6DoF and standard probing are enhanced by FARO ActiveSeek, a feature to automatically locate and follow the active target. FARO trackers support the patented Super 6DoF TrackArm solution, which allows the Vantage and one or more FARO ScanArms to work together to create an integrated contact and noncontact 3D measurement system for large-volume measurement.

With kinematic self-identifying styli, users can now change probing tips quickly and measure without any recalibration and also measure hidden areas outside of the tracker’s line of sight, with wider acceptance angles.

The result is an advanced tool upgrade designed to enhance productivity and efficiency. In fact, the typical user of the new 6Probe can now save at least 30 minutes of time on any given workday.

Vantage Laser Tracker 6DoF Probe extends maximum

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With a range of up to 60 meters (with a 4-meter reach), Super 6DoF eliminates line-of-sight challenges and expands measurement range while maintaining superior accuracy.

The Vantage platforms offer comprehensive, large-volume 3D measurement up to 80 meters,

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significantly streamlining processes and reducing inspection cycle times while ensuring complete confidence in the results. The Laser Trackers maximize 6DoF measurement capabilities via the optional 6Probe, enabling precise measurement of hidden areas and small features.

ANALYSIS Put money in your pocket – don’t throw it away!

Simon Ganley, managing director, Ganley Engineering

It is amazing the number of manufacturers who give away money.

It must be exciting to be a shareholder in such companies that do so well they can throw profits away. Let me explain. If the company processes food, powders, industrial and horticultural products in a drier, fryer, oven or some other processing equipment, the process needs to be controlled or what gets produced can be scrap, downgrade or otherwise given away.

We have attached an unadulterated X by Y plot of milk powder. It could just as easily be wood fibre, confectionery, pharmaceuticals, cereals or a multitude of other products. But lets run with milk Chart1 powder as an example.

Title: 3.5

The blue spots represent the testing laboratory reference results from the fluid bed drier. The red spots are simply a comparison with an offline analyser. The fluid bed drier produces 10 tonne an hour and each blue spot shows a reference test each 8 hours.

This means that each spot covers 80 tonnes. The current selling price of milk powder is $3182 a tonne.

So each spot represents $254,560.00 of product value. Now the specifications for milk powder shows a standard upper level of +/- 4.0% moisture. Because this fluid bed drier has no active controls on it, the operators are flying blind and going for safety by over-drying.

None of the powder makes it to within 1.0% of being right and the average amount of product being given away is 1.5%. Let’s take 1.5% of the value of an 8 hour run.

3

Gauge values

2.5

2 Initial gauge/ reference value s Recalibrated samples

That makes up to $3,818 of given away money. That is over $80,000 a week and means a return on investment in days rather than weeks.

1.5

1

0.5

But things get worse. What was the energy cost to unnecessarily

0 0

0.5

1

1.5 2 Reference values

2.5

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3.5

over-dry for the year?

Or the cost to run staff who could be better employed and leave the control of the drier to proven technology?

Now please appreciate that world-wide over the past 30 years we have had thousands of NDC Technologies sensors ( www.ndc.com) controlling all manner of products to the top of the specification.

Each of them was only purchased after very thorough due diligence and specifically tailored for an application. The payback is usually very fast and self-funded from extra production and cost savings.

So if you are an owner or shareholder of a company that uses a drier, fryer, oven or other processing equipment, maybe this is a good time to peel off your current test results.

If what you show is less than top specification, this could be a good opportunity to talk with Ganley Engineering ( www.ganleyengineering.co.nz) so we can talk about how we can clean up what you make with a self-funded and very proven solution.

And put money in your pocket instead of throwing it away. You don’t get much for free these days. But something that quickly pays for itself and gives you a profit that is as good as it gets.

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Take Control of Your Dairy Powder Quality Backed by 50 years of industry experience, our intelligent and connected in-process solutions fit right into the fluid bed dryer to optimize your product quality. ► Measure moisture, protein and fat/oil content ► Produce more consistent product within specification ► Automatically control the drying process

ganleyengineering.co.nz

50 Years of Infrared

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MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY Guardian Everywhere Hub: reliable safety for remote workers Guardian Angel Security has signed an exclusive distribution agreement for Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands with US-based Everywhere Communications for their global product suite for communication, location and monitoring solutions for remote worker.

Guardian Angel Security, industry-leading provider of lone and remote work solutions in Australasia, has launched the Guardian Everywhere Hub for robust and secure 24/7 communication, monitoring and local response co-ordination for remote workers; incorporating dual-mode cellular and satellite communications technology solutions from US-based Everywhere Communications.

Guardian Angel Security has signed an exclusive distribution agreement for Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Island with Everywhere Communications for the use of their global suite of product solutions for communication, location and monitoring of remote workers via satellite devices, smartphone apps, a web portal, location-based services, and APIs using patented deployed technology.

Everywhere Communications’ fully integrated multi-mode communications solutions utilise the Iridium satellite constellation, including the newly launched Iridium NEXT satellites, as well as Wi-Fi and cellular networks, to provide always-on connectivity

globally, including the over 80 per cent of the world beyond the reach of cellular service.

The Guardian Everywhere Hub, compatible with the Garmin inReach Mini, SE+ & Explorer+ devices, allows users to view a snapshot of their entire remote workforce. Colour-coded teams enable users to see the current location of each member or see a historical bread crumb trail.

Remote workers can communicate via a chat-style text messaging interface or, when equipped, voice text. Workers with equipped devices can also share geo-tagged pictures, video clips and audio clips.

Proactive health and welfare check features include requests of a user’s status – I’m OK, or I’m Not OK. Users can create a virtual geofenced perimeter to surround key worksites for the safe management of personnel in specific zones, and entry and exit alerts can be sent to preselected recipients.

Guardian Angel Security’s solutions circumvent the emergency number process to speed up emergency response, for mobile workers working alone or

remotely, including, sudden-onset injury or illness, road accidents, vehicle failure, or other emergencies.

The Hub links customers in New Zealand, Australia, Fiji, Samoa, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, Solomon Islands, and Cook Islands to its response software at its audited monitoring stations in New Zealand and Australia.

Recent Health and Safety law changes in Australia and New Zealand and other countries have impacted a wide range of organisations with remote and mobile workers including government agencies, regional councils and environmental organisations; finance, banking and insurance; health boards and mobile community health providers; and forestry, farming and agriculture.

Find a great home for your business EAST TAMAKI A great place to do business

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INNOVATORS 2020 Leighs Construction to rebuild our home in Antarctica Leighs Construction Limited has been selected as the preferred main contractor for the Scott Base Redevelopment project.

Leighs, a New Zealand owned and operated construction company from Christchurch, was one of five construction companies who travelled to

Scott Base in February this year. Following this site visit, each company submitted proposals for the redevelopment.

The Scott Base Redevelopment is a multi-million-dollar project that would see the existing base replaced with three interconnected buildings.

Food industry benefits from leading-edge portable drying technology When Robert Barnes was asked by a friend to build a dryer to dehydrate macadamia nuts 25 years ago, he never thought it would be the start of his own drying machine business.

Robert, an electrician and refrigeration engineer by trade, set up his own refrigeration and air-conditioning company in 1989, attracting Port of Tauranga as one of his clients.

Since 1995 he has also been using his skills to develop

highly innovative Rexmoi Dryers. He sold the refrigeration and air conditioning business five years ago to focus solely on Drying Solutions Ltd. olution Fibres follows the deep technology thesis that we’ve had success within the past, including the likes of PowerByProxi, Aroa Biosurgery and more recently Mint Innovation. It presents good diversification for Fund 4.

RAM3D printing ventilator parts for Covid-19 pandemic This project is a combined effort by doctor, Andrew Robinson, from Lakes District Health Board, Rotorua.

Kilwell Fibretube Engineering Rotorua, who have been involved in reverse engineering and prototyping, and RAM3D, who have successfully redesigned the valve and will be full-scale manufacturing the part.

Prior to Covid-19 lockdown in New Zealand, RAM3D were approached by Kilwell Fibretube Engineering to assist in metal 3D printing a bridge part for an anaesthesia machine that was being converted to an

intensive care ventilator.

The successful prototype has a more simple design suited to metal 3D printing and it requires very little post processing.

RAM3D have printed the bridges in Titanium 64 (medical grade alloy) as this is their choice of powder for medical projects.

They are quick to install and conversion only takes two minutes and that includes testing.

Improve Grow Sustain Continuous improvement delivered across a range of industries "The greatest benefit [of learning Lean techniques] was that we came away from the training with a clear picture of what we needed to do, when, how and most importantly, why.

The fact that we were able to implement changes immediately gave us some quick wins to assist with the buy in from all employees."

Finance Manager, Punchbowl Group

IMPROVE: QUALITY COST CULTURE PERFORMANCE

TO DELIVER THE PRODUCTS & SERVICES YOUR CUSTOMERS WANT, WHEN THEY WANT THEM - NO MATTER THE INDUSTRY OR LOCATION

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INNOVATORS 2020 Recycling breakthrough set to save environment from toxic acid waste An industrial prototype to recycle acid waste from Christchurch’s galvanised steel industries is just the beginning for researchers at the University of Canterbury who have a global vision for their eco innovation. Called Zincovery, their exciting project is a finalist for Callaghan Innovation’s prestigious C-Prize.

Zincovery is the brainchild of UC Associate Professor of Engineering Dr Aaron Marshall and Chemical and UC Process Engineering Master’s student Jonathan Ring, whose prototype process is poised to make

a big impact as a new low-cost industrial recycling technology.

Their solution for recycling spent acid and recovering pure zinc is a true leap forward towards a cleaner global future for industries reliant on galvanising, a process that involves applying a protective zinc coating to steel. They have their sights set on tackling the hundreds and thousands of tonnes of zinc and acid released into landfill and wastewater every year through the steel galvanising process.

Robotics Plus a THRIVE Top 50 AgTech company Robotics Plus, a world-leading robotics and automation company developing innovation to unlock new levels of productivity in agriculture, has been named in the THRIVE Top 50, an annual ranking of leading global AgTech companies exemplifying the best in agriculture innovation.

Robotics Plus, the only New Zealand company to make the 2020 Top 50 ranking, was just one of five

companies featured in the Robotics & Automation category.

Over the past two years Robotics Plus has achieved some major milestones, including: launching its first two commercial innovations - the Āporo apple packer and an automatic log scaler, entering the US and European markets, and completing a US$10M Series A investment with Yamaha Motor Co.

Robotics tutor creates real time map of PPE demand As part of his volunteer work for ShieldsUp, an organisation established at the start of lockdown which called on volunteers to 3D print personal protective equipment (PPE) to fill the shortage gap, WelTec tutor Frank Beinersdorf has developed a real time map of how many, and where, protective shields are needed across New Zealand.

Frank’s map is what Shieldsup uses to determine how many shields need to be made, and provides information to the many volunteers tasked with

delivering the equipment.

Using various icons, the map displays priority of orders, what orders are ready to go, or are on the way, and a heat map of what is still needed. There is also a visual chart to demonstrate demand over time and a chart tracking Covid cases in New Zealand.

The map and information can be found here: https:// beinerf.github.io/.

Student venture aims to bring automation to home builders

Members of the Nikau Robotics team (with Harrison Lawton left) and Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship staff, at Summer Lab end of programme celebrations.

A group of engineering and science students who met during a free University of Auckland venture development programme run last summer, are preparing to take their building automation ideas to the world.

to me while helping a contractor renovate my family home for several weeks, how strenuous and repetitive the work was. Almost the entire woodworking process was highly predictable and required a great deal of measuring and precision.

Nikau Robotics is utilising leading-edge automation technology to increase productivity for small and medium construction businesses. The team is developing a smart computer numerical control (CNC) wood router that can intake a stack of wooden panels and process them automatically to pre-cut, drill, and carve wooden panels.

“From my background in robotics, I was aware these are the ideal characteristics for automation.

After scouring the internet for a machine to meet these requirements, it became apparent there was no product that was able to effectively satisfy the market’s demands, so I began to design my own.”

The machine they have designed is highly portable to enable onsite use for fast, accurate cuts of wood without the need for external suppliers.

The concept is the brainchild of Mechatronics Engineering student Harrison Lawton. “It occurred

Harrison took his idea with him to the Business School’s Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

While taking part in its Summer Lab programme, he formed a motivated and talented team and a suite of new skills and knowledge. “The programme was beyond amazing and I recommend it to anyone”.

Emrod launches world-first long range wireless power transmission Kiwi start-up Emrod has developed the world’s first long-range, high-power, wireless power transmission as an alternative to existing copper line technology.

prototype received some government funding and was designed and built in Auckland in cooperation with Callaghan Innovation.

The Emrod technology works by utilising electromagnetic waves to safely and efficiently transmit energy wirelessly over vast distances. The

It has received a Royal Society Award nomination, and New Zealand’s second largest electricity distribution company, Powerco, will be the first to

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test Emrod technology.

The company was founded by serial tech entrepreneur Greg Kushnir, who was determined to find a technology that can reduce power distribution costs, avoid outages and support renewable energy.

INNOVATORS 2020 Investment in manufacturing a win-win for all Says Helen Down,Chief Executive, Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce.

“The most important thing the Government can do in these turbulent times is to keep a strong manufacturing base in New Zealand. This will not only help solve the unemployment situation but it supports local supply chains and has a strong flow on effect to all society.

“The Hutt Valley itself has a huge manufacturing base. There’s not a lot we can’t do in this valley and across New Zealand.

“We have all the skills and resources as well as business owners motivated and keen to act with speed and manufacture things quickly.”

Movac invests in Revolution Fibres to scale global growth Auckland-based Revolution Fibres has raised $6m in a Series A funding round led by Movac, New Zealand’s most experienced technology investment firm.

Founded in 2009 by Iain Hosie, Simon Feasey and Michael Perrett, Revolution Fibres has developed a unique technology to produce electro-spun nanofibres for use in a wide range of applications, such as filtration, skincare, sound absorption and composite reinforcement. Revolution Fibres has 15 employees and achieved early sales traction in several markets.

Movac Partner David Beard comments “We have been targeting an IP-based business for Fund 4 for some time, and we were compelled to invest in Revolution Fibres because it had made a significant transition from R&D into scale volume manufacturing. With its

applications spanning a diverse set of industries, it can adjust quickly and take advantage of a rapidly changing environment. We are delighted to have led this round which has included a diverse set of investors from NZ, US and Asia.”

Revolution Fibres Chairman Andrew Turnbull comments “Iain and the team at Revolution Fibres have built a fantastic platform technology which is now ready, with the right team and funding, to be scaled.

The funding will be used to accelerate commercial opportunities in key offshore markets, and to invest further in production capability. Mr Beard will join the Revolution Fibres board.

Phil McCaw, Movac Managing Partner commented, “We’re excited to have the opportunity to work with

the Revolution Fibres team. Revolution Fibres follows the deep technology thesis that we’ve had success within the past, including the likes of PowerByProxi, Aroa Biosurgery and more recently Mint Innovation.

It presents good diversification for Fund 4.

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MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY Rotate cables and hoses for energy, data and media at high speeds safely igus has developed the twisterband HD so that cables and hoses can be guided safely and reliably even during rotary movements.

The lightweight energy chain, available from Treotham, is very stable, easy to fill and can even cope with rotating speeds of up to 180 degrees a second. It rotates around its own axis.

Due to the long service life of the series, igus has now added two further sizes to the twisterband HD product range, these new sizes being intended for especially small installation spaces.

High rotation speeds and a small installation space mean that energy cables, data cables and hoses are subjected to a great deal of stress. Compact and reliable solutions are especially called for in the case of small installation spaces such as in machine tools, and igus has therefore added two new sizes to its twisterband HD series.

The energy supply series is already being used successfully in woodworking machines as well as in workpiece positioners in the automotive industry.

With the twisterband, rotary movements up to 7,000 degrees are possible on the horizontal plane and 3,000 degrees on the vertical plane in an extremely small space, even at speeds of up to 180 degrees per second.

Slip rings can therefore be replaced in the case of a limited rotation angle. Different media lines as well as bus cables or even fluids can be guided with one system easily, cost-effectively and without any

interruption.

The inner compact heights of the new sizes are 11 and 18 millimetres: optimal for very small installation spaces such as in rotary tables or on robots.

High strength due to special technical design characteristics The twisterband HD is very slim, light and fits closely around its own axis of rotation. The energy chain consists of individual chain links that can be connected to each other by means of a pin-and-hook principle.

This results in a defined bend radius and simultaneously ensures greater stability. The energy supply solution is made of maintenance-free tribo-polymers into which a fibreglass-reinforced material has been worked. As a result, the twisterband HD has a longer service life.

Rotate energy, data and media safely and without interruption in extremely small spaces with the new compact sizes of the twisterband HD from Treotham.

The robust energy chain has demonstrated its long service life in igus’ own 3,800 square metre test laboratory. In conjunction with chainflex cables, which are designed for motion, the twisterband HD achieved a very long service life in the tests.

Due to its modular structure, the energy supply system can be lengthened or shortened as desired.

The cables can be inserted in the guidance system easily and can be replaced or extended at any time, this being a further advantage over slip rings.

The twisterband HD series is currently available from Treotham in a total of four sizes with an outer diameter of 140 to 500 millimetres.

Gripper update for vacuum tube lifter JumboErgo Treotham is introducing a new generation of Schmalz area grippers for its vacuum tube lifters in the JumboErgo series.

The FMP is hugely versatile and reliably grips heavy workpieces weighing up to 140 kilograms even when only part of the suction area is covered. It replaces the FM gripper.

The beam connects the area grippers with the control handle and allows for the continuous adjustment of the grippers within this range.

is made from aluminium, and the easy-to-replace sealing foam with integrated filter protects the suction cup from dirt.

The FMP has a modular design. The base section

In comparison to the FM variant, the effective area is increased by up to 32 square centimetres thanks to its new dimensions and optimised hole pattern. In contrast, the application itself remains the same: Both its behaviour and area of use correspond to the FM system. That means the FMP is ideal for safely handling sheets with cut-outs, pallets or other workpieces with inconsistent surfaces.

Thanks to its modular design, the FMP also provides a basis for extending the area gripper portfolio for the vacuum tube lifter Jumbo in the future.

The area gripper FM has been available for the JumboErgo for some time. It has now been fully replaced by the FMP generation.

This area gripper may already be familiar to some: It has long since proven itself as an end-of-arm tool in vacuum automation.

The new area gripper also makes it easy to switch between full-surface and partly covered gripping, for instance, for loading machines ergonomically and then removing the cut-outs.

The vacuum provides reliable gripping, even if the suction area is not fully covered.

Treotham is now bringing this successful concept to manual handling.

The new area gripper FMP is available in two lengths: 442 and 640 millimetres. It can be connected to the beam both lengthwise and crosswise.

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LEADERS IN INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION SUPPLY 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.

Visit us at stand 2048

Flexible Cables

Chainflex Cables

Energy Chain

Connectors

Flexible Conduits

Cable Accessories

Safety Products

Sensors

Measuring Systems

Bearings

Gear boxes

Linear Units

Vacuum Technology

Clamping Systems

Conveyor Components

Pneumatics

www.treotham.co.nz |

09 278 6577

| Auckland & Hamilton | info@treotham.co.nz

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NZ MANUFACTURER

FEATURES

COMPANY PROFILE Steel & Tube accelerates digital uptake to ensure ‘game on’ post-Covid-19

February 2021 Issue

EMEX 2021

Steel, manufacturing, and construction are not sectors that usually make us think of whizz-bang technologies and cool ‘apps’, but Covid-19 has meant crunch time - regardless of the sector - with customer and employee expectations of a seamless pivot to working and transacting online.

CLIMATE CHANGE SMART MANUFACTURING

With over 60 years of history, Steel & Tube has not been immune - due to Covid-induced timelines, the company had to move extremely quickly to fully implement its new e-commerce platform to keep sales up when its 25 retail outlets temporarily shut in lockdowns.

WORKSHOP TOOLS

Steel & Tube was already on a digital transformation journey, with the hire of Mike Hendry, a digital change expert from Auckland Airport, in May 2019. But the lockdowns accelerated the process at breakneck speed.

ROBOTICS & AUTOMATION

Through last year, it had become clear to Steel & Tube that to meet intense competition, respond to volatile prices, increase sales, and reduce cost digital technologies had to be brought to the front and centre of its strategy.

Advertising Booking Deadline – 9 February 2021 Advertising Copy Deadline – 9 February 2021

Meeting and surpassing customer expectations were at the heart of this, and with a new sense of urgency, the organisation focused on bringing these technologies to market.

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

The digital style of work and product development required a bit of a cultural shift for the company, but the changes were quickly recognised as exciting opportunities for both clients and employees, with new, convenient and efficient ways of doing things made available through using the cloud, chatbots, web stores and electronic transacting.

Editorial material to be sent to : Doug Green, P O Box 1109, Hastings 4156, Hawke’s Bay Email: publisher@xtra.co.nz

All was tracking well - then Covid hit and Level 4 lockdown changed things.

Tel: 06 870 9029

It didn’t stop progress, in fact, it sped it up.

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

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Around New Zealand

Trade Fair World Diary of Events World Market Report Q/A

As well as having to enable 800 employees to work remotely, Mike and his team had to rapidly ensure Steel & Tube products were available to purchase online. During this lockdown, 13,000 products were made available for purchase.

By the time the second lockdown happened, 47,000 were offered.

“What we did as a team, and continue to do, in very compressed timeframes is to use the right technologies to enable the transformation of a traditional distribution business into a customer-led, solutions-focused partner company to our customers across New Zealand,” says Mike.

Australian Report

“Employees have really supported the strategy and rallied around the specific digital initiatives because we all realised we had a window of opportunity to really lift our competitive game.”

New to the Market Lean Manufacturing

Export News

Equipment for Sale

Machine Tools

Recruitment

But Steel & Tube did not traverse this journey alone.

Business Opportunities

Environmental Technology

Commentary

Manufacturing Processes

Before Mike set about transforming the digital side of Steel & Tube, he brought in Qual IT, New Zealand information technology and quality assurance company, to help.

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Reg Prasad, General Manager, Advisory & Northern Business, Qual IT with Mike Hendry, Chief Digital Officer, Steel & Tube.

“With the high levels of change in our industry - acquisitions, restructures, market pressures, etcetera - we needed to focus on our agility and the performance of our platforms,” explains Mike.

“I needed help understanding how the Steel & Tube environment performed, so we could engineer a more contemporary architecture. We needed an honest, independent health check,” says Mike.

“That is when I brought on board Qual IT. “Our job is to tell the truth about the current state,” says Reg Prasad, General Manager, Advisory & Northern Business at Qual IT, “and then partner with our customers to ensure that, going forward, the right IT investments along with the right processes and governance are formed to enable the strategy from the top down. And importantly, that the investments can operate with longevity and minimal costs along the way.

“Pre-Covid, Mike was talking about a pretty significant digital change at Steel & Tube, which would put huge demands on the existing systems.

We had to make sure the systems were up to it.

“We also advised Mike on where he could make efficiency gains, by speeding up how quickly their systems could adapt, work, reduce cost and drive the outcomes the strategy required.

“And when Covid and lockdowns happened, the rubber hit the road.

“As part of the on-going digital transformation, an e-commerce platform was implemented and had to rev up ASAP to ensure Steel & Tube could effectively serve those customers still able to operate in lockdown. The goal was to use these platforms to ensure sales and service could continue with nationwide shutdown of its trading locations.

“Systems failure was simply not an option. Moving from onboarding almost 50,000 products, ensuring a great customer experience, simple transacting, and delivery through the supply chain during lockdowns was a massive task.

“And I am happy to say, Steel & Tube, hit the mark, and reinforced their position as a digital leader in the steel industry,” says Reg. “I feel confident that following a massive year of IT change - Steel & Tube are now positioned for the future and can take their clients and employees with them!”

“Employees have really supported the strategy and rallied around the specific digital initiatives.”

X5 FASTMIG Extraordinary arc welding productivity

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Call Matt Heron on (64) 2 20200626 Visit Us at EMEX 2021

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INDUSTRY 4.0 Industry 4.0 Adaption to NZ Industry Dr Mike Edmondson, Founder, Edge Robotics and Automation Ltd One thing I commonly find is the lack of widespread direction and grasping of “Industry 4.0” benefits in the context of NZ industry. The rapidly changing world is hard enough for technical experts, let alone for manufacturers to filter and identify how to use this potential.

The drive for improvement from manufacturers and wider industries is certainly present and has been growing with the push from COVID. Here are three topics for our industry, with the hype removed and practical opportunities we could apply:

Robotic Automation It is particularly surprising how big a disconnect there is between your typical production manager or GM and the actual costs and capability of robotic systems.

Enquirers are often surprised at the modern cost of purchasing industrial robots let alone the opportunities offered with current state-of the-art.

The total economics become even more prevalent when an integrator has the innovation skills to take a robot centric approach.

This allows you to capture all the additional indirect benefits such as flexibility and reducing both the capital and operating costs.

NZ has a great history of successful innovation and leading the world, however, part of the very fabric of that innovation mindset tends to hurt in scaling.

Often, we do not value our time or get side-tracked away from our core business trying to reinvent the wheel.

Industrial Robots are an easy way to scale and are highly advanced, flexible mass-produced units that come off a production line with 60 odd years of refinement.

Leading brands have reliability statistics of 7+years between failure and depending upon the chosen manufacture local factory support.

Then you factor in the indirect benefits such as being able to repurpose and reduce complexity of an overall system. The flexibility of robotics allows the reduction of moving parts in an overall system.

This significantly saves engineering hours, expensive custom one-off builds often with rework, and greatly increasing system reliability by reducing those untested custom parts.

A good example is a system that had two similar functioning 2D scanning systems. A robot actuated system and the other fixed automation integrating your typical PLC/Servo and an off the shelf gantry.

Initially the robot approach looked expensive having this big visible cost. By the time both were complete the robot system had a total cost 40% less, was more accurate, faster and flexible.

Then, like clockwork, a change was required; a few minutes on the robots and all done, vs redesign parts, rework and ordering new parts.

Not all applications will be so extreme, but in this case the robot system almost did not make it past initial brainstorming due to not carefully considering the total time to production.

Another common theme of Industry 4.0 is the mass customisation via the interconnection of systems; this can be considered differently to help NZ manufacturers make use of industrial robotics in our smaller scale operations.

The growing prevalence of database connections to automation equipment allows the opportunities for dynamic reconfiguration of systems on the fly; in essence reprogram the robot per batch.

A skilled integrator will be able to create program templates that can then be automatically adjusted and mix ’n’ matched from production ordering systems.

Whereas a cobot may need full manual “reprogramming” per small job; the more intelligent robot can handle a wider range of operations without any human intervention at all.

Some of our disconnect for the cost and capability of robotics is certainly historic, and the other growing element is the effect of cobot hype.

The cobot narrative pushed has compared their benefits against what industrial robotics where over 20 years ago and this is spilling over to reinforce historic connotations.

Years ago, when I completed my industry-based PhD program, industrial robots were frustratingly limited, nowadays, if I can dream it, the robot can probably do it.

N u m e r o u s misconceptions are prevalent; the big point to correct is requiring robots to be caged has not be true for a very long time, and another example is robots can often be factory equipped with hand guidance.

Readers could search for Kuka’s Safe operation or ABB’s Safemove2 to get an idea on state-of-the-art.

Human interaction with robots is not a black and white caged, or collaborate application as narratives suggest, but a range that spans from fixed guarding, coexistence, cooperation, and finally true collaboration.

The overwhelming majority of “collaborative applications” come under the coexistence or cooperation technical definitions.

Skillset consideration aside, there is an entire article worth cutting through the hype in terms of operation and programming.

In the case of coexistence and cooperation, modern industrial robots will generally be the better solution in term of performance, reliability, cost, and a good bet they will have double the lifespan of a cobot.

Depending upon the situation, industrial robots, or if your budget extends to cobot prices, hybrids such as FANUC’s CR series can still complete true collaboration tasks and maintain robot advantages.

Likewise, full cobots are not intrinsically safe as per hype suggests, and you still need to know what you are doing.

Attending numerous tradeshows even several automation companies have had unguarded cobots moving around with incorrect safety and demonstrating common mistakes of not considering the full workspace or risks posed by grippers and their impact area (i.e., head height).

None of this means cobots are a bad solution, they are a big technical leap and a great enabler to new application.

We have several cobot systems out for proposal on suitable applications. The important factor is not buying into hype or marketing campaigns but to objectively look at your application.

A skilled robotics integrator will be able to develop an understanding of your operations and help come up with the optimal solution. There can also be a very wide range of costs involved; for larger 1M+ projects then your Tier 1 & 2 automation providers are your only reasonable continued on Page 24 option.

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Contact Kevin Kevany Mobile 021 577 211 Email kevwrite@xtra.co.nz

ADVISORS Mike Shatford

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

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

Sandra Lukey

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

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

Matt Minio

Managing Director, Objective3D Matt has extensive hands on experience as a user and supplier of 3D Printing technology. He comes from a mechanical design and engineering background with 25 years’ experience in multiple high end 3D cad applications across a range of industries, including aerospace and automotive. He has been heavily involved in the 3D printing evolution - from initial early prototyping to todays advanced 3d printing technologies producing production parts straight off the printer. As Managing Director of Objective 3D, he provides Stratasys, Desktop Metal and Concept Laser 3D printing solutions to a host of industries across Australia and New Zealand.

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Getting the right information to the right place The AVR Lab, a leading supplier of augmented and virtual reality (AVR) technology and services announces their partnership with Gemvision, bringing the Gemvision’s Communication Platform as a Service (CPAAS) to the Australian and New Zealand markets.

The Gemvision (CPAAS) platform gives engineers, healthcare workers, electricians, technicians, that are hands-on workers, their hands and of course their mind to get the job done.

Well-trained employees are getting harder to find, while service and maintenance standards are getting higher. Effective communication, fast remote resolution times and first-time-fix-rates are extremely important for keep the client happy and the costs in check.

This is not limited to industry. Whether it be healthcare, maritime, protective services or manufacturing, we find similar use cases where the Gemvision solution fits seamlessly to support business excellence.

With Gemvision you can: • Give and receive remote work instructions and connect to remote colleagues to ’share your view’ through smart glasses or mobile devices. • Remotely control the camera of smart glasses and mobile devices during support video calls • Live annotate, capture pictures, record video streams, share your screen and more to get the right information to the right place.

• Do routine maintenance checks and inspections with workflows to rapidly access checklists, audit forms, troubleshooting guides and easy submission when fulfilled.

• Capture and share expert knowledge with field workers

for our remote Communication Platform as a Service solution.

• Offer standardised workflows for employee training

“The AVR Lab is an experienced specialist in Augmented Reality Technology and Services and we value the AVR Lab as a high-quality addition to our partner network. Together with the AVR Lab’s AR knowledge, the Gemvision.io platform makes for a powerful combination for ambitious B2B companies who want to lift their services, support and training capabilities to the next level.”

• Offer on demand access for field workers for procedures, manuals, checklists, workflows etc. • Integrate with management software that manage your jobs, tasks, work orders etc.

• Use voice commands to be truly hands-free while working with smart glasses in the field.

• Integrate with a multitude of CRM, IoT, ERP, Analytics and Service platforms, providers and technology.

“When we identify new partners for the ANZ territory they not only have to be able to deliver a valuable solution to our market, but they also have clearly demonstrated they value and will support our market.

The AVR Lab was founded in April 2020 as a subsidiary of Accuteque Global Pty Ltd, a Management Consulting firm, founded by Caroline Patton in 2002, that has been providing services to the Australian and New Zealand markets for over 18 years.

The AVR Lab was established as a separate business, focused on bringing the best AVR technology and solutions to the Australian and New Zealand market.

The Gemvision Solution offers Australia and New Zealand organisations a highly featured affordable SaaS solution, said Danny Gambaro, Director of The AVR Lab. Gemvision also expects a lot from the collaboration with The AVR Lab. Mark Smit, founder and CEO of Gemvision: “We are experiencing an enormous increasing demand from the B2B market

Vayyar Imaging wins safety innovation award

Industry-leading 4D imaging radar provider recognised for trailblazing multifunctional approach to in-cabin and ADAS safety standards. high resolution and an ultra-wide field of view.

Supporting up to 48 transceivers, Vayyar’s solution generates 4D point cloud images for rich detection, tracking and classification data, while protecting user privacy.

Vayyar Imaging, global leader in 4D imaging radar, has won the SME Special Prize for Safety at the 2020 CLEPA Innovation Awards.

Vayyar triumphed with its game-changing 4D imaging radar-on-chip technology, which is revolutionising the way the automotive industry addresses safety.

With road traffic accidents the single biggest cause of death and injury globally, automakers are intent on protecting both vehicle occupants and the rapidly growing number of Vulnerable Road Users (VRU).

Safety, however, usually comes at a high price.

Evolving regulatory requirements are pushing up the complexity of automotive electronics and development costs. With as many as 200 sensors per car, electronics are expected to account for 50% of overall vehicle cost by 2030, encouraging industry leaders to reconsider the traditional “one sensor per function” paradigm.

Vayyar is in the vanguard of this change with its unique approach — a multifunctional scale-ready

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platform — which is driving a fundamental shift in how OEMs and Tier 1s engineer in-cabin and ADAS safety to provide high-end safety for all vehicles, including economy models which have previously been limited in life-saving features.

In-cabin and ADAS solutions have traditionally been seen as collections of safety features supported by numerous sensors powered by a range of technologies. Inside the car, Vayyar’s multifunctional 4D imaging radar platform allows automakers to embrace the concept of the cabin as a unified ecosystem in which just one high-performance RFIC supports multiple applications, such as Child Presence Detection (CPD) and enhanced Seat Belt Reminders (SBR).

This cost-efficient “combo” functionality saves the cost of multiple sensors and programs. Outside the car, just 2-4 sensors support nearly a dozen ADAS and advanced parking assistance applications.

The key to multifunctional sensing is best-in-class imaging radar-on-chip technology providing both

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This enables the creation of highly advanced applications, without automakers having to overcome the hurdles of radar development. Precise and reliable, the sensors work regardless of line of sight, bad lighting or harsh weather conditions, for robust monitoring at all times across uSRR, SRR and MRR. Vayyar’s platform also enables automakers to build additional applications for new models, or after vehicle deployment, to meet emerging safety demands over the same HW platform.

The company’s transformative technology, together with its pioneering, all-encompassing business model, create a comprehensive and validated offering that is the bedrock of its partnerships with a number of global auto brands and Tier 1 suppliers, helping them to reduce risk, costs and TTM. CLEPA, the European Association of Automotive Suppliers, represents over 3,000 companies supplying state-of-the-art technology solutions, as well as more than 20 national trade associations and European sector associations.

3D printing and titanium — a life-changing combination ~ Additive manufacturing and titanium powder will disrupt medical implant production ~ 3D printing is delivering customisation options that make it possible to create almost any shape using additive manufacturing (AM) technology.

In fact, the possibilities of 3D printing are so game-changing, it is even possible to create carbon copies of our own skulls.

Sandvik’s additive manufacturing and metal powder specialists are exploring the potential of AM in the medical field, and are preparing for the future of medical implants.

Life-threatening accidents, vertebral damage, chronic osteopathic conditions and side-effects from medical treatment can all cause irreparable damage to patients. The consequences can be painful, debilitating and even fatal, so we must develop solutions to help the human body overcome challenges, enhance the healing process and improve patient prognosis.

Medical implant technology has developed vastly over the years, and one of manufacturing’s most disruptive technologies is set to transform the way we treat patients.

Medical implant developers require a manufacturing technology that delivers speed, individualisation and the ability to produce complex designs.

3D printing, paired with bio-compatible materials like titanium, is demonstrating its evident potential as the medical industry’s manufacturing technology of choice for life-changing solutions.

In the past, surgeons used metal mesh to replace areas of the body such as skull bones, which tended to be weak and lacked precision. 3D printing eliminates these flaws because it uses medical imaging to create a customised implant, shaped exactly according to the individual’s anatomical data.

This means that the patient can be fitted with an exact match to replace the lost or damaged area of the skull.

In Sandviken, Sweden, lies one of the world’s most cutting-edge titanium powder plants. At the plant, Sandvik’s experts are unlocking the potential of 3D printed titanium devices for the medical industry.

Titanium, 3D printing and the medical sector are the perfect match. Titanium has excellent properties and is one of few metals accepted by the human body, while 3D printing can rapidly deliver bespoke results for an industry where acting quickly could be the

Harald Kissel, one of Sandvik Additive’s R&D managers.

difference between life and death.

In addition to titanium’s material benefits, AM can help overcome some of the challenges when producing medical implants and prosthetics.

Typically, the process of being fit for a prosthesis involves several visits to create a device that fits a patient and their needs.

As a result, the time between a patient’s life-changing surgery and them receiving their device can be painstakingly slow.

awarded the ISO 13485:2016 medical certification for its Osprey titanium powders, positioning its highly automated production process at the forefront of medical device development. As AM disrupts many areas of manufacturing, it’s clear that its potential in the medical sector will be life changing.

Sandvik is also part of one of the most ground-breaking research projects within the medical segment to date, contributing with its extensive material expertise.

If a patient undergoes a serious accident, one that destroys areas such as the skull or spine beyond repair, they simply do not have time to spare to ensure their reconstructive devices fit correctly.

Instead, they’re given solutions that work, but aren’t tailored to their bodies.

The Swiss M4M Center in Switzerland is a public-private partnership initiated by the Swiss government, aiming to evolve medical 3D printing to a level where patient-specific, innovative implants can be developed and manufactured quickly and cost-effectively.

Long waiting times and a lack of customisation can really impact how a patient feels after they’ve undergone a life-changing event or procedure.

Even in 2020, there are still prosthetic patients using devices that do not move, or are simply just hooks.

The Swiss M4M Center is intended to build up and certify a complete end-to-end production line for medical applications, like implants. Being able to facilitate this initiative through the unique material knowledge that is found within Sandvik is an empowering experience.

Using computer tomography, it is now possible to optimise designs that simply cannot be produced using other manufacturing methods.

What’s more, we can make our designs lighter, with less material waste and in shorter lead times.

Patients could receive a perfectly matching device, in less time and using a high-performing, lightweight material.

In summer 2020, Sandvik’s specialist powder plant was

Joining forces with an array of experts to reinvent the future of medical devices as well as the lives of thousands of people — is an experience out of the ordinary.

Custom cranial implants and bespoke medical prosthesis are not for the distant future — the technology needed to develop and manufacture them already exists.

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LEAD STORY continued from Page 1

What we said when the PM came to visit parts for industries such as medical, cinematography, marine and aerospace. Utilising the very latest in CNC, robotic and software technology available.

But that investments into machine capacity will come to nought, if we don’t have the highly skilled people to run them.

Of the seven qualified CNC machinists we have hired in the past 18 months, six have been from overseas.

“Go hard & Go Early” – a motto often used by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern can be applied here. We really need to look at developing interest in the trade at school. Let’s get kids excited about how stuff gets made.

Our apprenticeship and university training simply isn’t fit for purpose for the trade’s careers of the future.

Apprentices lack experience with new technology, and University graduates aren’t designing to optimise for manufacturability – especially for NZ capabilities.

As technology becomes more integrated and the ‘digital factory twin’ evolves, workshop roles are becoming a hybrid – with our CNC machinists upskilling to mechatronics, automation design, LEAN management concepts, programming and software for scheduling and production planning.

Enough already with the obsession that to have a ‘real career’ you need to go to university. We’ve got guys in their mid to late 20s in management roles earning over $35 an hour….. instead of paying off student loans, they’re buying their first homes already.

But building this workforce of the future is going to take at least a decade if we are starting from grass roots at school. And even with this future workforce, relying on labour alone is not going to lift production and improve our global competitiveness.

It is critical for businesses like United to invest in automation to lift productivity. Not to replace jobs, but to increase machine utilisation to 24/7 and optimise production from the labour and asset base that we have.

Let the robots do the midnight shift and the low value work that isn’t sufficient in volume or margin to hire for.

This will allow for staff to focus on higher value work like prototyping, R&D and process improvement.

Automation for us has never been a move to replace staff but rather to allow staff to flourish to their fullest potential while increasing productivity, team skills and ultimately profits that can be shared through better wages.

And if we lift our productivity, then we can absolutely compete internationally.

New Zealand is well positioned for niche hi-tech manufacturing on a global scale. With approximately 80% of United’s work destined for export markets, at a unit price ranging from $15k to $1m, we do not

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need to be high volume to create a high value and extremely productive industry.

We simply need to ensure we’re building a supply chain to suit the high mix, low volume, high value precision work that our industry requires.

Add to this the opportunity we’re presented with New Zealand’s global reputation post COVID, the “Made in New Zealand” brand value is only going to grow.

Take for example in med-tech industry, in the last few months we have secured several new production projects for prosthetics and pathology companies whom are actively on-shoring their production back to New Zealand.

On the flip side we’ve heard that low volume NZ products have very little negotiating power with a global supply chain – they may get a better price, but they’re going to have little wiggle room on batch sizes and lead times. And if something doesn’t go to plan, well that’s often catastrophic.

But for NZ to compete on a global scale we need to back up our technical expertise with business savvy to provide a reliable and comprehensive supply chain.

We often hear that the difference in offshore manufacturers like China and Malaysia isn’t only in pricing, but also because they simply provide a better all-around consistent service to their clients and customers.

They collaborate with other manufacturers to provide an end-to-end solution. Plus, they’re ISO9001 accredited, provide immediate responsiveness to enquiries, and while it may take longer and have minimum run sizes – they’re pretty good at sticking to a schedule.

Given the fragmented SME nature of our industry, these are often skills and philosophies that aren’t within our companies.

At United we’re on this path of continual improvement, putting our capital investment aside, most of the work has actually been behind the scenes on systems, processes and organisational design. It’s been into software that gives us the capability to feed live data to our customers, and team and culture development to systematically remove bottlenecks.

New Zealand is well positioned for niche hi-tech manufacturing on a global scale.

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Not to mention a huge amount of time developing SOPs as we move towards ISO9001 compliance.

We’re not there yet, but we’re pretty proud of how far we’ve come.

As for what Government can do. There is a step change that needs to take place for our contract manufacturing industry to raise the bar.

In the last decade we’ve had significant incentives to invest in R&D through Callaghan Innovation, and to de-risk developing export markets through NZTE and the NZ Export Office.

The strategy is to lift productivity (measured by average income per employee) through focusing on the development and export of IP. We believe this could gut the workforce, and whilst you’ll have a few on higher more ‘productive’ salaries, you’re also sacrificing the manufacturing backbone that underpins our communities – especially our regions.

Isn’t it time to support the C, CAPABILITY – in the form of Skills and Capital. We need incentives recognise the importance of contract manufacturing in NZ’s hi-tech eco-system. That: - Make it easier to hire apprentices - Provide education and support to manufacturers undergoing digital transformations - Incentivise capital investment into productivity - Incentivise government procurement locally So just a few things, we don’t have the answers. But we did thank Jacinda for helping us buy our new Mazak Integrex through the Provincial Growth Fund Grant.

PGF was a pretty blunt instrument, however it was a step in the right direction for funding growth in the regions.

And is it so different to Callaghan providing companies a 40% grant of up to $15m in R&D funding? What does Labours PGF 2.0 look like?

Breaking Barriers How Boom Supersonic is Using 3D Printing to Challenge What’s Possible in Commercial Flight Uncertainty is arguably what most business leaders fear most. But when you launch a new company aimed at building the first supersonic passenger jet since the Concorde, you need to embrace it, be agile and think big.

That’s the story behind Boom Supersonic, an aerospace company located near Denver. Boom is a growing company with a big idea – to make supersonic air travel mainstream. Earlier attempts at commercial supersonic flight were unable to achieve sustainability, economically or environmentally.

Technology advancements and the growing prevalence of global travel create a market opportunity for Overture, the company’s flagship airliner. Overture will be the world’s fastest airliner and will cut long-distance flight time almost in half, making it possible for more people to go more places more often. To bring it to life, Boom has embraced 3D printing in nearly every facet of the aircraft’s development.

With 3D printing, we’ve been able to obtain parts very quickly and determine that they’re either going to work or that we need to make changes.”

Mike Jagemann Director of XB-1 production, Boom Supersonic What Boom is trying to accomplish isn’t for the faint-hearted. The last time paying passengers flew supersonic it was a government-driven Cold War-era prestige project involving a consortium of large, established aerospace companies joining together and spending more than ten years and an enormous amount of development resources and risk to make it happen.

This time around, Boom, as a private company, is working within a business context, in order to ensure that the end product, Overture, can be profitable for its customers and the company itself. Fortunately, aircraft technology has advanced a lot in 50 years. Today’s aerodynamic design capability, material properties and engine performance have mostly overcome the issues that grounded the last supersonic aircraft.

Combined with the manufacturing benefits of 3D printing, Boom is well positioned to meet its goal.

Now, the company is ready to take its first major step toward its ultimate goal with the first flight of its one-third scale demonstrator aircraft, the XB-1, next year, following an unveiling event this October.

From the start, the Boom team knew 3D printing was going to play a crucial role in the development of XB-1, and ultimately for Overture.

Mike Jagemann, Director of XB-1 production, had previous experience with 3D printing and brought in two Stratasys 3D printers – an F370 and Fortus 450mc— right away to help with prototyping. Boom later added a Stratasys F900 3D printer to expand beyond prototyping to include the additive manufacturing of tooling and production parts, and the company has since 3D printed hundreds of parts and prototypes.

One of 3D printing’s biggest benefits is time savings, and the company estimates it has saved hundreds of hours thanks to the technology. Boom uses 3D-printed parts to check for proper fit and alignment, saving valuable engineering time. “With 3D printing, we’ve been able to obtain parts very quickly and determine that they’re either going to work or that we need to make changes,” says Jagemann.

“Rather than spend eight hours in CAD trying to check space constraints, the engineer can continue working on other things. When the part is printed, they can check the fit.” Manufacturing these parts using traditional methods would be more expensive and too slow.

Being able to print parts like hydraulic line clamps that will fly on the XB-1 is another critical time saver. The advantage is the ability to optimize the engineering workflow, leaving these components to the very end of the design process because they can quickly be printed in-house. “That shortens the supply chain on certain components that are a good fit for 3D printing,” adds Jagemann.

Breaking Barriers The biggest savings so far, both in cost and time, has been the ability to make custom drill blocks to accurately locate the many fastener holes that pepper the XB-1’s airframe. Initially, Boom developed

tooling that relies on metrology to position one hole at time.

As the assembly progressed, however, it became clear that this approach was taking too much time.

Instead, the team pivoted and 3D printed more drill blocks, each incorporating multiple holes.

That allowed them to use metrology to accurately position twenty or more holes instead of just one at a time.

“Being able to locate a drill block with a large volume of holes has been a huge manufacturing time saver for us,” says Jagemann.

One surprise with 3D printing Jagemann wasn’t expecting involved how it helps make Boom’s engineers more efficient, which in turn helps the team move faster.

“3D printing parts helps make the physical connection between what the engineer sees in CAD and how the part actually turns out,” Jagemann says. “If you don’t have a 3D printer to close that loop, you’ll use machined components instead, and that’s more expensive.”

Breaking the Biggest Barrier Every business faces uncertainties from competition, economic instability and other factors out of its control. Boom is no different. But Boom concentrates on what it can control, and relies on technology like 3D printing to blunt risk. 3D printing lets Boom break down manufacturing, supply chain and workflow barriers through innovation, cost constraint and speed of execution. And based on the evidence so far, it’s a good bet the technology will continue to play a key role in helping Boom break the sound barrier too. www.objective3d.com.au www.stratasys.com

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INDUSTRY 4.0 title

continued from Page 6

Manufacturing forum highlights key issues

Woodliffe points out industry landscapes have changed irrevocably and many current policies and structures have been exposed by Covid-19 as outdated and need rethinking to fit the “new normal”.

An example being the Employment Relations Act which he says is 20 years old, outdated and not fit for purpose in these changing times.

“The fallout from having to work with an Act that is now seriously outmoded, is that it cripples everyone.

Anecdotally we are aware that the Employment Relations Authority has a resultant backlog of at least 12-18 months of cases that need to be considered as a result of actions taken by companies because of Covid-19. Is that not a clear indicator the Act is not working?”

continued from Page 18

Finally, a call for our depreciation rules to be reviewed was a constant theme discussed during the forum, according to Helen Down.

“If we want to stimulate private investment alongside Government investment, and take advantage of our virtually Covid-free status this is one simple thing Government could consider immediately,” she said.

Michael Markham, Director of Kendons Chartered Accountants Ltd said the instant asset write-off threshold increased from $500 - $5,000 (on 17 March 2020 as a result of covid) in New Zealand for this year, and will end on 17 March 2021. After 17 March 2021 this will decrease to a new level of $1,000.

counterparts who increased the threshold from $30,000 to $150,000. This will return to $30,000 on 31 December 2020.

‘It would mean that if a manufacturing business bought a $100,000 piece of equipment, they would be able to expense that for tax purposes in the year that they buy it. Obviously that gives them a real incentive to do it – whereas at the moment they have to capitalise it and muck around with depreciation over a number of years.

“There is a massive compliance cost to capitalising assets, so an increased threshold would also be advantageous to businesses in terms of administration and the timing of tax payments (getting a quicker tax deduction),” said Markham.

He said this in comparison to our Australian

Industry 4.0 Adaption to NZ Industry

Lesser scale, thou not necessarily simpler projects, can often be handled by smaller integrators providing much better value and more hands-on support.

Edge Robotics and Automation is also happy to help those undertaking projects predominately inhouse providing opportunities for significant cost reduction.

Machine Learning Machine learning is one technology that often goes hand in hand with this wider discussion of Industry 4.0.

Many “in-production” machine learning applications are more around the financial and operational space

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Depreciation

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of companies such as production modelling and preventative maintenance.

This pattern will increase into the future, but realistically, still quite a few steps away from transformational changes to a big portion of our industry.

NZ and Australia have another opportunity since our industries are heavily towards the primary and secondary industries, and often even our later manufacturing has natural components.

Key to applying automation in these industries is the capability of systems to move away from fixed numerical decision-making, and towards those that work with subjective or chaotic environments.

In essence, the automation system needs a “feel” of a process or to reason as per an operator; and this is what machine learning can offer.

Despite the recent hype, machine learning has been lurking in these industries for over a decade, it just has not been publicised and players have kept it under wraps for competitive reasons.

Media often builds up the picture of some magical invention with Will Smith fighting a glowing white ball.

In reality, machine-learning is “just” a field of mathematics based around the self-tuning of equations.

Each application is typically a customised pattern with different base equations and tuning methods.

The pattern technically referred to as a model, will be based around KPIs such as accuracy, stability, disturbance rejection, plus the practicalities on the amount of data collection and tuning (cka training) time.

Various means of producing machine learning models

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exist from simple software wizards to full expert level development. Most in-production industrial machine learning systems work on cloud or server setups, however, recent products like new TwinCat features from Beckhoff allow expert level models to operate on standard automation controllers.

As a nation we have the technical capability to gradually roll out the advantages, ideally from lowest hanging fruit and up.

The difficulty is connecting the computer science trade with the wider range of industry groups and there are simply not many people who can cross that boundary.

Vision systems Automation companies should these days have minimal trouble doing a basic integration of smart cameras and this works great in a carefully controlled manufacturing environment.

Get closure to natural products and the mass market vision systems fall over. Machine learning has been a great aid to vision systems by allowing more subjective measurements.

3D systems are another vast range of technologies that get attention, and if you know the tricks, these can also simplify and reduce the overall cost of more conventional problems.

As with many leading technologies it is important to looking beyond the marketing and get a better understanding of the limitations and challenges that are not immediately obvious.

Beyond this we barely scratch the surface of what is possible with machine vision due to our own limited perception of the world.

The road to truly mastering vision applications occurs once you go beyond the notion of human sight. In many cases difficult problems, or those that we think are random, become clear when we know where and how to look.

Non-Visible UV or Infra-Red is not just one grey type but has variations like colour and this has many uses with sorting and quality control in natural products.

Using UV light for example can lead to fluorescence of contaminants and bacteria, all normally invisible to our eyes and colour cameras.

Using polarisation properties like your sunglasses, provides the chance to look at internal structural defects in transparent materials, packaging seal quality or microscopic surface details.

Measuring these principles are no longer the domain of solely scientific equipment but available in off the shelf industrial components at reasonable prices.

NEW PRODUCTS ABB Ability Safety Plus for personnel and equipment safety ABB is launching ABB Ability Safety Plus for hoists, a suite of mine hoist safety products that brings the highest level of personnel and equipment safety available to the mining industry.

ABB SIL 3 Safety Plus Brake System (SPBS), which is the mining industry’s first fully independently certified Safety Integrity Level 3 (SIL 3) mine hoist brake system.

The products include Safety Plus Hoist Monitor (SPHM), Safety Plus Hoist Protector (SPHP) and Safety Plus Brake System (SPBS) including Safety Brake Hydraulics (SBH).

SPBS will increase the safety of personnel riding mine hoists as well as the safety of the equipment, hoist and shaft infrastructure. The new SPHP provides enhanced protection for the mine hoist and mine shaft infrastructure equipment.

Designed in accordance with the international ‘safety of machinery’ standard (IEC62061), the products have been independently certified by research institute RISE (Research Institute of Sweden) which works with companies, academia and the public sector in industrialization, quality assurance and certification.

ABB Ability Safety Plus for hoists includes the new

ABB SIL 3 SPBS handles the application of the safety brakes during emergency stops and the prevention of brake lift. ABB SIL 3 SPHP monitors the speed and position of the hoists. It also monitors the instrumentation used by personnel accessing or using the hoist from different levels, for example, at gates and maintenance platforms, emergency stop

buttons and remote lockout points.

The ABB SIL 3 SPHP interfaces with the safety brake system to bring or keep the hoist to a safe state.

It also interfaces with the drive and hoist control system.

Advances in preventative maintenance help avoid crane repairs

By Thomas Schnittger, Engineering Manager, Konecranes Australia and New Zealand

Gone are the days where a fault would present itself, and then you’d call in a technician to fix it.

The crane would be isolated and taken offline until the issue was identified and then repaired, creating costly downtime for busy facilities involved in manufacturing, materials handling, food and beverage, power generation, mining and a huge range of other industries that just cannot afford unnecessary downtime.

Konecranes has always had a corporate culture of putting safety first and advocated for an intelligent preventative maintenance programme over a “fix it once something breaks” approach.

Preventative maintenance isn’t just an investment in crane performance, it’s an investment in safety too. All companies want every employee and visitor to return home safely at the end of the day, and preventative maintenance is an ideal way to keep crane machinery operating at optimal levels of safety.

Major Assessments Major Assessments are a vital part of an ongoing preventative maintenance programme and a requirement of AS2550.1 2011 Section 9, which is equivalent to the NZ Approved Code of Practice, where Konecranes has also been performing major assessments for years. They aim to identify maintenance needs and can identify items that require repair before they fail.

As per their classification, crane machinery is generally designed for ten years of operation, and crane structures for 25 years. For companies looking to extend or change their crane’s usage, calculate remaining design life and maintain top levels of safety and Standards compliance, Konecranes can perform a Major Assessment.

A Major Assessment is particularly useful if production needs are changing, and the crane’s usage is likely to change as a result. It can provide a detailed overview and show whether the crane can match the updated operational needs.

The assessment looks at structures, mechanical components and electrical systems, and highlights possible maintenance, modernisation or upgrade needs. Steps involved in the process include: 1. A team of Konecranes specialists observes the production and operating environment of the crane 2. The overall condition of the crane structures and components is evaluated in detail with a focus on safety, productivity, reliability, usability and remaining design life 3. Operators and maintenance personnel are interviewed, and all pertinent documentation is reviewed 4. The team provides a detailed report and further consultation with advice on maintenance, modernisations and future investments

Preventative maintenance is key to optimising crane safety and performance, says Konecranes Engineering Manager, Thomas Schnittger, pictured.

Crane optimisation technologies

A Konecranes engineer performing a Major Assessment

now has a raft of advanced technology available to remotely monitor cranes and identify the early warning signs before they turn into performance issues.

Technologies like Konecranes’ TRUCONNECT Remote Monitoring and Reporting can look more deeply into a crane in real-time to identify areas that need to be serviced, or find efficiency gains that were previously unseen from the outside.

As the world’s largest crane service organisation, with more than 600,000 pieces of lifting equipment under service contract worldwide, Konecranes has extensive experience ensuring cranes are operating at peak efficiency and productivity.

Konecranes Consultation Services include Gear Case Inspections, RopeQ™ Magnetic Wire Rope Inspections, CraneQ™ Geometric Surveys, RailQ™ Runway Surveys and Operator Training.

Covid updates Crane safety and compliance to Standards are two things that cannot be overlooked, even as Covid-19 changes the way businesses work across the globe. Konecranes will still be performing Major Assessments and other important preventative maintenance work, to keep cranes operating efficiently, safely and comply with Standards.

Our teams have been trained in heightened hygiene practices, and will comply with all site procedures such as temperature checks, sanitising and wearing appropriate protective clothing.

In addition to Major Assessments, Konecranes

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NEW PRODUCTS HandScanner saves four seconds per scan Datalogic’s new HandScanner is non-intrusive, hands-free wearable and enhances efficiency and accuracy.

The scanner’s low weight allows it to reduce the load lifted by a worker during every working shift by up to 1.5t.

Capable of scanning from 10cm to 150cm, HandScanner is suitable for a broad range of tasks in transport, logistics, warehousing, manufacturing, retail, and healthcare industries.

Weighing just 40g and measuring 50 x 45 x 16mm, this is the lightest and most compact hands-free scanner available to improve workplace efficiency. It saves four seconds per scan, with 33% less errors.

captures 1D/2D bar codes and is available in two models: a standard range – designed for close range scanning between 10 to 80cm for manufacturing, retail and healthcare applications; and a mid-range model with a scanning range of 30 to 15cm, which covers applications in transportation and logistics such as warehousing, plant floors, docks, and stock yards.

The HandScanner complements Datalogic’s comprehensive range of advanced industrial scanning equipment designed to deliver efficiency, accuracy, reliability and ergonomic benefits to demanding industries.

Applications The HandScanner is a highly flexible and versatile solution for scanning applications. It can be paired with Datalogic’s mobile computers to provide workers with a full data collection solution suitable for any application.

With LED indicators, acoustic and haptic feedbacks, the HandScanner can work in a broad range of environments. The hand trigger can be used with or without gloves and is available in different sizes, right or left hand, with an optimum fit due to the variable Velcro fastener.

Applications include:

“Compared to ring scanners, the HandScanner is thinner and positioned on the back of the hand, therefore it is less intrusive and less exposed to hits than a ring scanner that stays on the fingers of a worker,” says Mr Stefano Pistis, Product Manager, Datalogic.

“This durable, practical and ergonomic design results in up to a 20 per cent reduction in scanner damage,” adds Mr Pistis.

A fully charged HandScanner battery can last almost two working shifts, running up to 15 hours and 10,000 scans. With a 2-slot charging station the battery can be fully recharged in 2 hours.

Equipped with a megapixel sensor, the HandScanner

for

the

HandScanner

• Transport and logistics: picking, packing, palletting, receiving, sorting, shipping, track and trace, delivery, proof of delivery and pickup HandScanner’s non-intrusive and comfortable design result in up to a 20% reduction in scanner damage compared with ring scanners.

The HandScanner is designed to work with static, semi-static, and dynamic workstations.

With Bluetooth low energy connectivity, it can communicate with mobile and industrial computers, smartphone and tablets.

It can also be easily paired with Datalogic’s hand-held and vehicle mounted computers to provide workers with a full data collection solution suitable for any application.

• Manufacturing: parts and assembly traceability, sequencing stations, inventory management, replenishment, sorting, finished goods verification • Retail front-end: click and collect, in-store inventory, price checking • Retail back management

office:

receiving,

inventory

• Warehouse: picking, shipping and receiving • Healthcare: pharmaceutical and laboratory warehouse picking and inventory, sample/blood bag tracking

Hydraulink customisation extends versatility of workhorse CAT machinery Customised hammer piping installed by Hydraulink allows this CAT 320f to be used with a wider range of attachments such as chisels, hammers, grabs or drills.

Expert Hydraulink technicians have installed hammer piping and other new features in a complex customisation of CAT machinery designed to further extend its functionality and versatility.

a large network of Hydraulink dealers, distributors and service technicians that make up more than 400 service points across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.

The customisation was completed for a customer that wanted the option to add different attachments to their reliable and efficient CAT 320f excavator, which weighs about 22t and features a 120kW engine.

The hammer piping (or auxiliary piping) Hydraulink retrofitted to the CAT 320f excavator allows for a greater range of attachments to be used with the reliable machine, including a chisel or hammer for breaking concrete and rock, as well as larger attachments like grabs or drills.

But the job isn’t as simple as most repair and maintenance jobs, adds Hydraulink Sales and Service Technician (HSST) Craig Dorling, who worked on this custom installation with fellow HSST Rob Caygill.

“Aftermarket installation work like this – where you need to make the customised hydraulics function and look like they were fitted OEM – requires a unique and highly technical skillset.

“The Hydraulink team has some of the only technicians in the country with the right skills and experience to perform the job safely and to a top standard of quality,” said Mr Dorling, who is part of

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“Standard attachments only use one-directional flow with their hydraulic piping. We installed bidirectional flow to allow the machine to use the larger attachments,” explained Mr Dorling, who is now working on a similar job for a CAT 329e excavator.

In addition to hammer piping, Mr Dorling also installed a quick hitch and hose burst protection.

The quick hitch allows for different attachments to be installed and uninstalled safely and more swiftly, and the hose burst protection – comprised of two

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valves – adds an additional level of safety to the machine during lifting tasks.

If the machine is lifting, oil is going into the cylinders to make them lift upwards. But, without burst protection, if there is a hydraulic hose failure, this oil comes out, causing the machine to fall and come crashing down.

DEVELOPMENTS ATNZ Apprentice of the Year a story of resilience Perseverance and passion were rewarded for Lachlan Hamilton-Ralph, named the Apprentice Training New Zealand (ATNZ) Apprentice of the Year 2020 at the recent awards ceremony in Auckland.

General engineering apprentice Lachlan was runner-up for the award in 2019, which celebrates an ATNZ apprentice who demonstrates outstanding performance in their work, a great attitude, is proactive on the job and demonstrates pride and enjoyment in what they do.

This is the third year of the annual awards for ATNZ, a not-for-profit group training organisation (GTO) that employs more than 330 engineering apprentices and places them with host companies around New Zealand where they do their learning.

Following feedback from the judges that year, Lachlan and his workplace Obtuse Limited worked hard to prepare him for another shot at the coveted award, and he was delighted to walk away with the trophy.

Representing the judges, ATNZ general manager Susanne Martin said they had a difficult time coming to their decision on the winner.

“I say it every year, but it’s true: the calibre of applications and the passion for their work and studies exemplified in those submissions, continues to blow the minds of the judging panel.

“This year has been the toughest yet. Our judges were spellbound by the level of detail, high standard of references, and touches of humour. On more than one occasion they were heard to remark: ‘Can’t we give it to them all?’”

Ms Martin described how they were impressed with Lachlan’s thoughtful and thorough application and glowing feedback from colleagues and customers.

“Lachlan’s exemplary references, particularly from Obtuse customers, his outstanding study performance, and the variety of extra responsibilities he has taken on, really wowed us. We were also inspired by his resilience, in the face of both a challenging year with the global pandemic and in coming back for a second crack at the award after being runner up last year. His passion for a trades career in engineering also shone through.”

In support of his application, Obtuse Director (and Lachlan’s father) Clinton Hamilton-Ralph describes Lachlan as “an exceptional tradesman in the making” and “an absolute blessing in a fast-paced, busy company.” Along with the glass trophy, which Lachlan said will proudly go on the shelf in the offices of Obtuse Limited, Lachlan receives $1,000

of power tools courtesy of sponsors Milwaukee, plus a $1,000 gift card to spend at JBHiFi. This year, ATNZ whittled the pile of Apprentice of the Year applicants down to a top four. Each travelled to Auckland for the ceremony and BBQ breakfast for local tradies, finalists, and their supporters at NZ Safety Blackwoods’ new flagship store in Penrose.

Finalists included the first female finalist in the award’s history, Erin Tong, who is working towards her New Zealand Apprenticeship in Mechanical Engineering – Machining, with Hastings host company We Can Precision Engineering.

Also finalists were Waikari Beckett, heavy fabrication apprentice with Kawerau host company, McKenzie & Ridley Ltd, and Liam Humm, a Christchurch-based maintenance engineering apprentice with Kraft Heinz.

Hydraulink gives wings to hope in the America’s Cup Hydraulink hydraulic hose and maintenance expertise will go on display to millions of people in 225 countries when the 36th America’s Cup begins in coming months.

The defending champion Emirates Team New Zealand – and entire field of challengers which will fight it out to meet the Kiwis in the final – all use Hydraulink hoses and fittings to control their complex hydraulic systems, such as the vital foil cant technology.

Rapid and sensitive hydraulic actuation of the foils is vital to the performance edge of each boat as it skims above the waves at speeds reaching 47-50 knots (90+kph) in what is expected to be a lightning-fast defence series from March 6-12.

The super yachts demand quality products that perform where the absolute pinnacle of engineering standards and reliability is required, in the same way that Hydraulink protects the uptime and dependability of individual pieces of expensive machinery and multi-million-dollar mobile fleets and industrial plant.

Hydraulink is the engineering services provider selected for the event, which will be seen around the world on the biggest audience ever expected in the America’s Cup’s history, when the 36th America’s Cup begins the Prada Cup Challenger from January 15-Feb 22.

Preliminary races, including the Prada Christmas Cup, commence in December, with more than 120 broadcasters already signed up in the first wave of

support announced in October. Digital platforms are expected to help make this the most widely accessible America’s Cup ever.

“I remember watching a race in 1995. A hydraulic leak on the mast boom of Team New Zealand sprayed oil into the cockpit, causing a few issues. I thought, ‘We can do better than that’, so, when the team arrived back ready to defend the Cup, I organised a visit to Team New Zealand and offered our expertise for the next defence.”

– Lee Short, Director, Hydraulink. Mr Short is pictured left, with fellow Director Noel Davies pictured right.

Hydraulink’s introduction to involvement in the America’s Cup began when Hydraulink Director Lee Short was watching a race in the build-up to the NZ win in the America’s Cup in San Diego in 1995.

“A hydraulic leak on the mast boom of Team New Zealand sprayed oil into the cockpit, causing a few issues. I thought, ‘We can do better than that’, so, when the team arrived back ready to defend the Cup, I organised a visit to Team New Zealand and offered our expertise for the next defence.

of Hydraulink’s usual line of business – the culture of excellence and innovation it inspires among Hydraulink staff benefits work teams and customers alike of the 400-plus Hydraulink service points.

“We encourage a constant improvement and a can-do attitude that accords with our national spirit.

“The win by Australia to break the US stranglehold on the America’s Cup – and the multiple successes of New Zealand since then – show just what standards of excellence can be achieved by constant dedication to team excellence, in the sporting arena and in all our workshops and customer’s workplaces.

“Lee has taken a great initiative in making this happen, and we believe this delivers a strong ethic of excellence throughout Hydraulink.”

Lee Short says that – in addition to being the world’s old trophy in international sport – “The America’s Cup is a monumental engineering achievement. The Emirates Team New Zealand Defender alone is the culmination of more than 100,000 work hours from a design-and-build team over the past six months, incorporating the knowledge from the first big boat Te Aihe and the smaller test boat Te Kau.”

“Twenty-five years on we are still the exclusive supplier. This 36th America’s Cup is a bit special though, because we are supplying the hose and fittings for each challengers foil cant system.”

Fellow Hydraulink Director Noel Davies says that – while the America’s Cup involvement is a bit out

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DEVELOPMENTS Projects showcased to PM

Government targets school leavers to enter the trades in new campaign Projects designed and engineered by ten mechanical engineering apprentices from Mulcahy Engineering in Auckland were recently showcased to the Prime Minister, coinciding with the launch of a new Government campaign to raise the profile of vocational education and training (VET).

invested in the Apprenticeship Boost Fund, which provides wage subsidies for employers to retain and take on new apprentices.

The marketing campaign targets school leavers to consider VET including apprenticeships, which were made fees-free in July.

Ms Kingsford says she’s excited to see what this new campaign does, in shining a spotlight on the opportunities available.

Competenz chief executive, Fiona Kingsford, says apprenticeship sign-ups have doubled in the last six months.

“Showcasing the trades in a relevant and dynamic way will hopefully reframe how some youth perceive working in a trade. This couldn’t come at a better time, when our sectors are still crying out for skilled people, and demand continues to be strong.

“Employers and apprentices are benefiting from the most significant investment in vocational training we have seen. Since July, all apprenticeships and traineeships in targeted industries became free as part of the $320 million Targeted Training and Apprenticeship Fund. $380 million has also been

“These funds began on July 1 this year – since then, 14,000 people have started apprenticeships. That’s up from 7,500 people a year ago,” she says.

“Vocational education and training plays a key role in New Zealand’s recovery from Covid-19. We know that many of the new signups this year are New Zealanders now retraining, and from our employers

who are hungry to train more skilled people.”

The first phase of the campaign includes social media influencer activity targeted at school leavers and learners under the age of 25, and radio announcer ad-libs.

The second phase of the campaign will include TV, radio and social media ads, digital displays and online videos.

Life memberships honour long-term contribution Two former board members were presented with life memberships at the EMA Annual General Meeting (AGM) this afternoon to honour their contribution to guiding the member business organisation.

Presented by current EMA Board Chairman Andrew Hunt, the first was to Margaret Brown who was on the board for 14 years, retiring from it earlier this year. During her time on the Board Mrs Brown, who is currently Managing Director at ViAGO International Ltd, was Chairwoman of the IT Committee and also a member of the BusinessNZ Council.

Acknowledgement of Holdson Games’ Simon Holdsworth’s contribution to the EMA Board was accepted posthumously by his wife Florence and daughter Victoria. Mr Holdsworth was previously an employee and President of the Auckland Employers Association from 1992 to 1995, and also President of the NZ Employers Federation. Holdson Games has

been a business member of the EMA since 1964.

Andrew Hunt says both Mrs Brown and Mr Holdsworth made huge contributions and thanked them and their families for their invaluable service.

“The EMA’s strength is its members, and their willingness to contribute to the wider business community. We acknowledge the work of Simon and Margaret by giving freely of their time, and willingly sharing their extensive and practical business experience to guide the business member-focused strategy of the EMA,” he says.

Mr Hunt says the EMA has been re-inventing itself to keep up to date with its business members’ needs for 134 years and will continue to do so by continually refreshing and diversifying its Board now and into the future.

Margaret Brown’s husband Ulu Aiono accepts her life membership on her behalf from EMA Board Chairman Andrew Hunt and Chief Executive Brett O’Riley.

Simon Holdsworth’s daughter Victoria accepts his posthumous life membership from EMA Board Chairman Andrew Hunt and Chief Executive Brett O’Riley.

Also at the AGM the EMA’s first online-only Annual Report for the financial year to June 30 2020 was released. It highlights a challenging year amid Covid-19 for the EMA and the business community as a whole, and agile initiatives to support them.

Mechanical engineering apprentices strut their stuff - and get Auckland moving again Last month, Competenz heavy fabrication apprentices Reagan Barnett and Krisnil Prasad (kneeling) worked on a super-important project - the much anticipated design, build and installation of a new strut for the Auckland Harbour Bridge.

It replaced a strut damaged by high winds in September that caused a three-week shut down of several lanes on the country’s largest bridge.

fourth year apprentice Reagan worked on assembly and welding of the NZ made steel strut which is a like-for-like replacement.

Reagan and Krisnil are employed by Culham Engineering in Whangarei.

The 22.7m strut was engineered at Culham Engineering in Whangarei and transported on an articulated flatbed truck on the 160km journey to Auckland where it is now safely installed.

In his third year of learning on the job, Krisnil worked on match drilling parts and assembly, and

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REAR VIEW ‘Courageous’ investment means innovation stays in NZ, not sold off overseas New Zealand is in an economic recession and the government is trying to spend its way through it with direct investment to boost the economy and jobs.

At the same time, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RNBZ) plans to lend retail banks money at low interest rates in the hope they are — as the reserve bank governor, Adrian Orr, put it — “courageous” in their lending choices.

But as the money does not need to be used for any particular type of venture, there are concerns it will inflame the already overheated property market.

Part of the problem is New Zealanders do not have many investment options. There is little to be “courageous” about.

This lack of investment options is partly due to the average New Zealander’s model of successful innovation.

Most of the big successful New Zealand innovation stories we see in the media are about people who sold their innovation to an overseas – typically American – company. This success allows the innovator to buy their “three Bs”: the Beamer, the boat and the bach.

exemplifies this.

Learn from the Ma-ori perspective We need not look far to find an alternative model of successful innovation.

Talk to Ma-ori communities and you hear that successful innovation is something that is implemented locally and creates value throughout the community.

During community consultation to develop Te Mitarai a Ma-ui – a regional Ma-ori economic development strategy for the greater Wellington region – we were told time and again that the common strategic goal of “play to win” was too narrow.

A Ma-ori perspective on innovation does not focus on winners and losers, but on a vibrant blossoming innovation ecosystem. Innovation from this perspective is tied up with cultural knowledge and community identity.

But is this a true measure of successful innovation? Or could we do better to create more investment options and allow for more “courageous” investment?

This kind of innovation model leads to better distributed and long-term wealth creation, since value is embedded within and spread throughout the community.

Investment in local industry

Yet the tools, such as the Business Model Canvas, that we use to explore business ideas are based on hyper-individualistic, win-at-all-costs businesses.

Innovation involves creating and capturing value from new things – whether products, services or processes.

The New Zealand model of successful innovation is narrowly about creation, perhaps setting up and then selling a start-up. This model is shaped by skill shortages, funding issues and risk aversion, which limit innovative growth.

Big ideas struggle to grow in New Zealand. The model is about innovators capturing short-term value for their creations.

What might be beneficial to New Zealand is if innovations stayed here and more risks were taken locally.

If more investment was directed at commercialisation of local innovations they could be used to create and grow local industries. The resulting products or services could then be exported or licensed internationally to bring more wealth into New Zealand.

This would create more investment opportunities, as well as jobs and local know-how. In turn, wealth could be created and distributed across communities for a sustained period.

It is worth pointing out that innovation is selfperpetuating. Once an innovative industry is developed in an area, this can generate further innovation in that area, because of skill development and the localisation of these skills. Silicon Valley

New Zealand needs entrepreneurship and innovation tools that embed a richer perspective on success, more in line with the aspirations of the wellbeing economy and the Ma-oricommunities that developed Te Mataura a Ma-ui.

A look to the future We are not saying individual innovators should not be rewarded for their innovations. They should be.

Nor are we saying that there aren’t success stories that involve local commercialisation. There are.

Moreover, we are not suggesting New Zealanders do not look outwards. They absolutely should.

But perhaps New Zealanders could shift their understanding of a success story for innovation, because we could have more innovation stories that involve further growth and benefit the well-being of communities.

Such a shift cannot happen until there is money to undertake the necessary risk to produce Kiwi innovations locally. International intellectual property portfolios should be developed in important markets, but we should invest in local capabilities to maintain operations in New Zealand.

This would feed the New Zealand economy.

More provocatively, keeping innovations local would create more business opportunities that New

Jessica C Lai

Jesse Pirini

Associate Professor in Commercial Law, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington

Lecturer in Management, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington

Zealanders could invest in, aside from real estate.

Perhaps this could help to cool down the property market.

So in light of RBNZ’s role to “promote the prosperity and well-being of New Zealanders”, contribute to a “sustainable and productive economy” and support “maximum sustainable employment”, perhaps it should think about tying its lending scheme to making sure local innovation stays local. Otherwise, we might be letting a good crisis go to waste.

Most of the big successful New Zealand innovation stories we see in the media are about people who sold their innovation to an overseas – typically American – company.

This success allows the innovator to buy their “three Bs”: the Beamer, the boat and the bach.

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