Hamilton now has an aluminium anodising service, we are keen to work with companies like yours to fill any anodising requirements you might have.
Top quality work and fast turn around times are our focus, we don’t mind going the extra mile to produce the best quality work possible in our state of the art facility.
We are ready to work with you to produce the finest quality products for your customers. If you have just a few small parts or production runs in the thousands we can do it.
Flick us an email or give us a call to get your job done right and on time.
Manager: Kevin Foote
Location: 92C Duke Street, Frankton, Hamilton, 3204
Industrial Tube Manufacturing has been producing New Zealand-made steel tube since 1985. We’re New Zealand’s leading manufacturer of quality, locally-made steel and stainless precision tube.
From our purpose-built 12,500m² plant in Hamilton, New Zealand, we manufacture classleading Precision Steel Tube, Stainless Steel Tube, and tubular components. We source our steel from premier local and international mills, and continually meet the growing demands of our customers across New Zealand, Australia, and the South Pacific.
At Industrial Tube Manufacturing, our Precision and Stainless Steel Tube meets or exceeds all required industry standards and our robust in-house procedures and technology ensures we provide best-in-class product, every time. We pride ourselves on our customer service and strict adherence to the highest quality control standards.
This commitment includes the development, implementation, and continuous review of quality procedures across all aspects of our operations. We are members of NZSSDA and ASSDA to support Fabricators, Manufacturers and Engineers.
Our 30+ years combined industry experience and large, specialised contract team can give you quality, reliable engineering staff when you need them.
We excel at finding the best people for your permanent engineering roles and can provide you with highly skilled and qualified temps for projects, machinery installations/relocations, shutdowns and peak production or shift cover. We can supply mechanical fitters, machine builders, industrial electricians, fabricators, trade assistants – and many more specialised roles.
Visit our website to find out more about who we are and the wide range of roles we cover, or call Jonathon Holder on 021 194 6536 for a chat about your business needs.
Modulate portable building solutions offer flexibility and durability for demanding industries
New generations of more easily and safely portable Australian-made container-based buildings – including stackable and double-width 4.5 metre-wide types – are being introduced across Australia by the Modulate Group.
The robust cyclone-rated structures, configured from standard 20ft, 30ft, and 40ft (approximately 6, 9, and 12 metres) container templates, respond to expanding demand for comfortable, functional, and comprehensively fitted out buildings that can be readily moved from site to site as production and construction demands change in fast-moving market sectors.
“With a design life of 25 years under heavy use with low maintenance, these quality buildings can be engineered to cost-effectively meet the repeat-use needs of sectors such as mining, energy, infrastructure, construction, government projects, defence, and water and power utilities,” says Modulate general manager, Jack Adams.
Australian-manufactured reliability
Such major operations – often needing to nimbly shift resources to satisfy changing market demands – typically require a range of building types, instead of one-offs. All must be delivered reliably on time to prevent expensive downtime. Rather than providing piecemeal answers involving multiple contractors and potential delays each step of the way, Modulate Group has invested in a major 20,000 square metres, modern production facility in Mayfield, Newcastle, where production and customisation to different needs are handled in-house. The facility is divided into a series of production shed, including zones for assembly, construction, fabrication, painting, and final fit-out, to deliver efficient and high-quality final product.
Benefits of this “under one roof” approach include scrupulous premium quality control, reliability of delivery, engineering to statutory compliance requirements, and top safety and comfort features adapted to individual site needs, says Adams, whose family has decades of experience in the establishment, relocation rehabilitation of major mine, construction and infrastructure sites.
Customisations expand options
Major features of Modulate Group buildings that distinguish them from the offerings of ad hoc operation, include:
• A larger range of dimensions, including both standard width 2.4 metre container structures, or variations out to 4.5 metre wide, accommodate the needs of facilities such as site offices, accommodation, catering facilities, engineering workshops, maintenance facilities, safety and medical facilities, testing facilities, chemical stores, and electrical, switchboard, automation, and process control centres.
• Wider-than-standard floor plans offering 25-87% more space, depending on length, where more space where this is required to increase light, comfort, functionality and account for the special insulation needs of both plant and of people who must work in widely varying climates ranging from alpine to tropical.
• Stackability, to save site and yard space where required. A stackable linking kit secures the structures without the need for extensive engineering.
• Quality doors, windows, insulation, air conditioning, electrical, flooring, and roof features are standard, while structures can be custom-engineered to provide wider access, greater window and service counter openings (such as for service areas) and security.
• Robust portability. Just like standard shipping containers, Modulate buildings are easy to transport over long distances and can withstand harsh transport conditions that may buckle and twist flimsier structures. Easy to load and unload, Modulate buildings can be tilted off or lifted off using a suitable crane with spreader bar.
• Twist-lock secure fixing, adapted from standard container lock configurations, anchor buildings in place on trucks during transport, eliminating the need for extensive, expensive and time-consuming ad-hoc securing to guard against damage and accidents during relocation.
• Design life expectancies of 25 years, structural warranty of 10 years, and general warranty of a year, all backed by a substantial organisation which prides itself on premium quality and engineering.
“Modulate Group set out with a clean sheet of paper to produce flexible ranges of buildings that speak the language of markets focussed on quality, safety, compliance and cost-efficiency. This approach – many elements of which are patented – has attracted repeat interest from major mining, construction and infrastructure groups that prefer to deal with single-source suppliers who match their own world standards of performance,” says Adams.
Buying a new machine is a big commitment for anyone, and continued support throughout the life of that machine is vital.
Being an Australian and New Zealand company, we carry a vast array of parts here in New Zealand to ensure that your machine always has the spares it needs. Enjoy peace of mind knowing that you’ll be fully supported by Farnese and we’ll always have you covered.
Farnese customers don’t need to experience unnecessary machinery downtime waiting for remote assistance from other countries, as all the support and remote assistance is provided locally in New Zealand from our own qualified Technicians in New Zealand time.
Our mission here at Farnese is to give you the best support. As we grow, we continue to recruit more and more qualified technicians, to further strengthen our position in the industry.
Farnese Machinery
General Manager: Rob
Sales: Aidan
Brands: Farnese, Proform, Farvol, Maggi, Fimal, EDDA Packaging Machines, Orma and many more
Agnitek is a proudly Australian-owned and based manufacturer of passive fire protection products.
At Agnitek, we believe that “More Tested AGNI-SYSTEMS = More Reliable Fire-Rated Systems.” Our team is dedicated to continuous research and development, ensuring we offer innovative and consistently easy to specify & install AGNI-Systems.
We provide specialised solutions, including unique fire-stopping systems for CLT and fire-rated plasterboard ceilings. We also offer remediation-perfect AGNI solutions tested with AGNI-Sleeve and AGNI-Wrap. These systems are ideal for protecting services with limited access or those that can only be fire-stopped from above or below the floor/ceiling. You can explore all AGNI-Systems through the AGNI-Database on the Agnitek website.
Agnitek distributes AGNI-Products in New Zealand through Firestop Centre. You can purchase AGNI-Wrap, AGNI-Sleeve, AGNI-Seal, AGNI-Shield, AGNI-Board, and more from the Firestop Centre Penrose warehouse.
RR Fisher has more than 60 years accredited experience marketing of a wide range of Power Transmission, Conveyor, and Materials Handling products. RR Fisher import and stock a range of Power Transmission and Vibratory products from countries around the world.
Our brands include Flender, R&W, Miki Pulley, Cross & Morse, Italvibras, Netter, D&D Power, Chiaravalli, Accor, Carl Hirschmann GmbH, and SuperLube.
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) should align the business, technical, operational and commercial aspects of their organisations to create a clear case for automation and generate business growth, according to a panel of industry experts assembled by global intralogistics solutions specialist Kardex at CeMAT Australia 2024.
Is automation the key to mastering business growth for SMEs? This was the question asked during a round table event organised by global intelligent automation specialist partner Kardex at CeMAT Australia 2024. Logistics consultant Francis Meier, executive director of Trios Consulting and Arthur Dardoumbas, executive director of ThreeSixty Supply Chain Group (with more than 70 years of industry experience between them) discussed the steps growing SMEs need to take when considering automation solutions.
Dardoumbas advocates getting the balance right across four key aspects of their operations – business, technical, operational, and commercial – to help companies to “make the right decision” when it comes to automation.
In turn, Meier emphasised the importance of SMEs fully understanding their own organisation and having a clear picture of where they are and where they need to go before starting their automation journey. “The right level of automation is driven by your data, what you want to achieve, what your growth rate is going to be,” he says.
Property, labour shortages and safety were identified by Meier and Dardoumbas as the key drivers for businesses choosing automation, with the latter pointing out that in some areas of Australia costs have doubled in the past five years. “One of the key drivers to reduce footprint is via automation,” he adds. With fewer people choosing logistics as a career path, in part because of safety concerns, Meier explains that automation provides a means to make careers safer and more attractive to new recruits, in addition to enhancing efficiency and reducing headcount.
Finding the right level of automation for each SME
Both say SMEs do not have to automate everything and can instead find the “right level of automation for the business”, with automation evolving to become increasingly adaptable and solutions more standardised for easier integration both with one another and with manual operations, reducing lead and ramp up times.
They say, it is important to explore all options with respect to business objectives, growth projections and return on investment over time in order to reach the correct decision about whether and what to automate as “automation may not be for everyone”. However, it can offer huge benefits when implemented appropriately, with the right planning and dedicated resources allocated to it, in the form of project management, training, change management and preparation in the transition.
Automation to supercharge fulfillment
A video case study presented during the round table event showed one company ideally placed to benefit from automation. New Zealand pharmaceutical company Douglas – exporting to over 50 countries and selling its products through various channels (distribution partners, pharmacies and direct to consumers online) – has chosen the AutoStore systems empowered by Kardex. Douglas Group general manager of the consumer business, Katherine Douglas, emphasised the company needed a solution that could handle increased sales and orders, ranging from large pallets to single SKUs. This new setup is designed to support growth and enhance operational efficiency, particularly in handling increased sales and complex order fulfilment.
Ryan Gibbs, Douglas Pharmaceuticals warehouse operations manager, says the two key challenges the company was facing were “space and efficiency”. Douglas had looked at options ranging from extending its warehouse to using a third-party company, finally choosing Kardex for their AutoStore implementation to deliver increased capacity and throughput.
“One of the greatest things about automation is the scalability that it provides,” Gibbs says, adding, “When starting your automation journey, it’s really important to understand your data and understand your business. It’s a great opportunity to evaluate your processes and really understand where the growth is taking you.”
Commenting on the success of the round table event at CeMAT Australia 2024, Grant Smith, ANZ Kardex director of business development AutoStore, says, “The lively and engaging round table discussion highlighted how SMEs can prepare for and successfully integrate automation into their operations through careful planning and a deep understanding of their strategic business needs.
“Kardex FulfillX software (a warehouse execution system designed specifically for AutoStore empowered by Kardex systems) and the intuitive picking assistant (IPA), a user-friendly picking display responding to movements and enabling ergonomic, fast and error-free picking, were on display at CeMAT Australia, demonstrating how they deliver increased capacity, higher efficiency, scalability, safer working and enhanced accuracy to businesses of all sizes. For companies looking for the best ways to manage their business growth, automation can provide the answer and SMEs can follow the steps outlined to create a strong roadmap to success.”
CAM Solutions is an authorised ALPHACAM reseller. We have been providing CAD/CAM for CNC applications in New Zealand, since 2004.
ALPHACAM is the leading CAD/CAM software solution for the metal, plastics and stone industries. ALPHACAM is intelligent and intuitive and used in the manufacture of many types of components, from simple routed parts to complex, 5-axis components.
The emphasis behind the development of ALPHACAM is to provide our customers with productivity, reliability and flexibility. Improving these attributes in any company will help increase profitability.
Managing Director: Mark Anderson
Location: Rosebank Road, Avondale, Auckland.
BRANDS: ALPHACAM, Polyboard, SketchUp
Technically oil-free compressed air…
Kaeser expands its e-power range with M10E and M13E portable compressors
Powerful, lightweight, quiet, versatile, and easy to transport – these are what Kaeser New Zealand says are the standout features of the Mobilair M10E and M13E, the newest and smallest additions to Kaeser’s popular e-power range of portable compressors.
“Designed to meet smaller compressed air requirements wherever an electrical supply is available, these compressors are a game-changer for users across a range of industries,” says the company.
The M10E and M13E are ideal for users who need a reliable and efficient portable compressor. With an air delivery volume of 1.2m³ per minute at 7-bar, the Mobilair M13E can easily power pneumatic hammers, saws, sewer robots, and impact moles. Additionally, the Mobilair M13E is available in 10-, 12-, 13-, and 15-bar pressure variants, making it suitable for various applications – from traditional hammer operations and blasting work to cable blowing and even as a temporary replacement in compressor rooms.
“When paired with the Purpac F16 support frame, which includes a compressed air aftercooler and filter combination for the 1m3 class, users can benefit from technically oil-free compressed air, ideal for sensitive applications.”
Plug-and-play simplicity with flexible power options
Equipped with a 7.5kW motor, the M13E can be plugged into a 400V three-phase socket with a 32A circuit breaker, ready for immediate operation.
For sites with limited power supply options – such as those powered by construction site distributors, generators, or external battery storage – the M10E, with its 5.5kW motor and slightly lower flow rate, is the perfect solution. It operates seamlessly on a 16A connection, significantly broadening its range of potential applications.
Durable, quiet, and easy to transport
All models feature a corrosion-resistant, soundproof enclosure made from rotation-sintered polyethylene, ensuring they are exceptionally quiet and highly durable. Their compact and lightweight design allows for easy transport in a delivery vehicle, or on the loading floor of a truck or ute, leaving the towing hitch free for other needs.
For applications requiring cool, condensate-free compressed air, an external aftercooler can be installed in a support frame equipped with fixed connections for compressed air, condensate return, and electrical power (12V supply from the compressor). The aftercooler ensures any accumulated condensate is collected in a canister within the compressor for professional disposal.
User-friendly design for easy maintenance and handling
“The M10E and M13E are designed with the user in mind, offering exceptional ease of maintenance and handling. Their manoeuvrability on-site is enhanced by a long handle, rugged wheels with pneumatic tyres, four convenient lifting-lugs, and a countersunk crane eye. Maintenance is a breeze with all service points easily accessible via the wide-opening sound enclosure.”
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Anotech Ltd
Ph:+64 (21) 0865 1151 | Website | Email
Hamilton now has an aluminium anodising service, we are keen to work with companies like yours to fill any anodising requirements you might have.
Top quality work and fast turn around times are our focus, we don’t mind going the extra mile to produce the best quality work possible in our state of the art facility.
We are ready to work with you to produce the finest quality products for your customers. If you have just a few small parts or production runs in the thousands we can do it.
Flick us an email or give us a call to get your job done right and on time.
Manager: Kevin Foote
Location: 92C Duke Street, Frankton, Hamilton, 3204
Industrial Tube Manufacturing
Ph: 07 847 5333 | Website | Email
Industrial Tube Manufacturing has been producing New Zealand-made steel tube since 1985. We’re New Zealand’s leading manufacturer of quality, locally-made steel and stainless precision tube.
From our purpose-built 12,500m² plant in Hamilton, New Zealand, we manufacture classleading Precision Steel Tube, Stainless Steel Tube, and tubular components. We source our steel from premier local and international mills, and continually meet the growing demands of our customers across New Zealand, Australia, and the South Pacific.
At Industrial Tube Manufacturing, our Precision and Stainless Steel Tube meets or exceeds all required industry standards and our robust in-house procedures and technology ensures we provide best-in-class product, every time. We pride ourselves on our customer service and strict adherence to the highest quality control standards.
This commitment includes the development, implementation, and continuous review of quality procedures across all aspects of our operations. We are members of NZSSDA and ASSDA to support Fabricators, Manufacturers and Engineers.
General manager: Werner Petrick
Sales & Operations Manager: Karl McInnes
Sales Manager: Jared Knapp
Branches: Hamilton, Christchurch, Brisbane
Brands: Industrial Tube, Precision Carbon Steel Tube, Hygienic Stainless Steel Tube, Galvanised Tube, AgSteel, AgBeam
Techtrade
Ph: 0800 83 24 87 | Website | Email
Trading as: Techtrade Recruitment
Our 30+ years combined industry experience and large, specialised contract team can give you quality, reliable engineering staff when you need them.
We excel at finding the best people for your permanent engineering roles and can provide you with highly skilled and qualified temps for projects, machinery installations/relocations, shutdowns and peak production or shift cover. We can supply mechanical fitters, machine builders, industrial electricians, fabricators, trade assistants – and many more specialised roles.
Visit our website to find out more about who we are and the wide range of roles we cover, or call Jonathon Holder on 021 194 6536 for a chat about your business needs.
Brands: Techtrade
Area Manager: Mike Fokkens
Manager: Paula Moore
Senior Consultant: Jonathon Holder
Recruitment & Marketing Co-ordinator: Arnelle Jenkins
Location: Auckland
‘Bigger and stronger’
Modulate portable building solutions offer flexibility and durability for demanding industries
New generations of more easily and safely portable Australian-made container-based buildings – including stackable and double-width 4.5 metre-wide types – are being introduced across Australia by the Modulate Group.
The robust cyclone-rated structures, configured from standard 20ft, 30ft, and 40ft (approximately 6, 9, and 12 metres) container templates, respond to expanding demand for comfortable, functional, and comprehensively fitted out buildings that can be readily moved from site to site as production and construction demands change in fast-moving market sectors.
“With a design life of 25 years under heavy use with low maintenance, these quality buildings can be engineered to cost-effectively meet the repeat-use needs of sectors such as mining, energy, infrastructure, construction, government projects, defence, and water and power utilities,” says Modulate general manager, Jack Adams.
Australian-manufactured reliability
Such major operations – often needing to nimbly shift resources to satisfy changing market demands – typically require a range of building types, instead of one-offs. All must be delivered reliably on time to prevent expensive downtime. Rather than providing piecemeal answers involving multiple contractors and potential delays each step of the way, Modulate Group has invested in a major 20,000 square metres, modern production facility in Mayfield, Newcastle, where production and customisation to different needs are handled in-house. The facility is divided into a series of production shed, including zones for assembly, construction, fabrication, painting, and final fit-out, to deliver efficient and high-quality final product.
Benefits of this “under one roof” approach include scrupulous premium quality control, reliability of delivery, engineering to statutory compliance requirements, and top safety and comfort features adapted to individual site needs, says Adams, whose family has decades of experience in the establishment, relocation rehabilitation of major mine, construction and infrastructure sites.
Customisations expand options
Major features of Modulate Group buildings that distinguish them from the offerings of ad hoc operation, include:
• A larger range of dimensions, including both standard width 2.4 metre container structures, or variations out to 4.5 metre wide, accommodate the needs of facilities such as site offices, accommodation, catering facilities, engineering workshops, maintenance facilities, safety and medical facilities, testing facilities, chemical stores, and electrical, switchboard, automation, and process control centres.
• Wider-than-standard floor plans offering 25-87% more space, depending on length, where more space where this is required to increase light, comfort, functionality and account for the special insulation needs of both plant and of people who must work in widely varying climates ranging from alpine to tropical.
• Stackability, to save site and yard space where required. A stackable linking kit secures the structures without the need for extensive engineering.
• Quality doors, windows, insulation, air conditioning, electrical, flooring, and roof features are standard, while structures can be custom-engineered to provide wider access, greater window and service counter openings (such as for service areas) and security.
• Robust portability. Just like standard shipping containers, Modulate buildings are easy to transport over long distances and can withstand harsh transport conditions that may buckle and twist flimsier structures. Easy to load and unload, Modulate buildings can be tilted off or lifted off using a suitable crane with spreader bar.
• Twist-lock secure fixing, adapted from standard container lock configurations, anchor buildings in place on trucks during transport, eliminating the need for extensive, expensive and time-consuming ad-hoc securing to guard against damage and accidents during relocation.
• Design life expectancies of 25 years, structural warranty of 10 years, and general warranty of a year, all backed by a substantial organisation which prides itself on premium quality and engineering.
“Modulate Group set out with a clean sheet of paper to produce flexible ranges of buildings that speak the language of markets focussed on quality, safety, compliance and cost-efficiency. This approach – many elements of which are patented – has attracted repeat interest from major mining, construction and infrastructure groups that prefer to deal with single-source suppliers who match their own world standards of performance,” says Adams.
Farnese NZ LTD
Ph: 04 526 8589 | Website | Email
Trading as: Farnese
Buying a new machine is a big commitment for anyone, and continued support throughout
the life of that machine is vital.
Being an Australian and New Zealand company, we carry a vast array of parts here in New Zealand to ensure that your machine always has the spares it needs. Enjoy peace of mind knowing that you’ll be fully supported by Farnese and we’ll always have you covered.
Farnese customers don’t need to experience unnecessary machinery downtime waiting for
remote assistance from other countries, as all the support and remote assistance is provided
locally in New Zealand from our own qualified Technicians in New Zealand time.
Our mission here at Farnese is to give you the best support. As we grow, we continue to recruit more and more qualified technicians, to further strengthen our position in the industry.
General Manager: Rob
Sales: Aidan
Brands: Farnese, Proform, Farvol, Maggi, Fimal, EDDA Packaging Machines, Orma and many more
Location: 68 Montgomery Cres Upper Hutt and 10/38 Eaglehurst st, Ellerslie, Auckland
Agnitek PTY Ltd
Ph: +61 (03) 7045 4242 | Website | Email
Trading as: Agnitek
Agnitek is a proudly Australian-owned and based manufacturer of passive fire protection products.
At Agnitek, we believe that “More Tested AGNI-SYSTEMS = More Reliable Fire-Rated Systems.” Our team is dedicated to continuous research and development, ensuring we offer innovative and consistently easy to specify & install AGNI-Systems.
We provide specialised solutions, including unique fire-stopping systems for CLT and fire-rated plasterboard ceilings. We also offer remediation-perfect AGNI solutions tested with AGNI-Sleeve and AGNI-Wrap. These systems are ideal for protecting services with limited access or those that can only be fire-stopped from above or below the floor/ceiling. You can explore all AGNI-Systems through the AGNI-Database on the Agnitek website.
Agnitek distributes AGNI-Products in New Zealand through Firestop Centre. You can purchase AGNI-Wrap, AGNI-Sleeve, AGNI-Seal, AGNI-Shield, AGNI-Board, and more from the Firestop Centre Penrose warehouse.
Operations Manager: Dennis Davidson
Brands: AGNI-Products & AGNI-Systems
RR Fisher
Ph: 09 278 4059 | Website | Email
RR Fisher has more than 60 years accredited experience marketing of a wide range of Power Transmission, Conveyor, and Materials Handling products. RR Fisher import and stock a range of Power Transmission and Vibratory products from countries around the world.
Our brands include Flender, R&W, Miki Pulley, Cross & Morse, Italvibras, Netter, D&D Power, Chiaravalli, Accor, Carl Hirschmann GmbH, and SuperLube.
Branches: Christchurch – Tel: 03 377 0025 Email: Christchruchsales@rrfisher.co.nz
Sydney Tel: 02 9540 4533 Email: Sydney@rrfisher.com.au
Four key things for SMEs
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) should align the business, technical, operational and commercial aspects of their organisations to create a clear case for automation and generate business growth, according to a panel of industry experts assembled by global intralogistics solutions specialist Kardex at CeMAT Australia 2024.
Is automation the key to mastering business growth for SMEs? This was the question asked during a round table event organised by global intelligent automation specialist partner Kardex at CeMAT Australia 2024. Logistics consultant Francis Meier, executive director of Trios Consulting and Arthur Dardoumbas, executive director of ThreeSixty Supply Chain Group (with more than 70 years of industry experience between them) discussed the steps growing SMEs need to take when considering automation solutions.
Dardoumbas advocates getting the balance right across four key aspects of their operations – business, technical, operational, and commercial – to help companies to “make the right decision” when it comes to automation.
In turn, Meier emphasised the importance of SMEs fully understanding their own organisation and having a clear picture of where they are and where they need to go before starting their automation journey. “The right level of automation is driven by your data, what you want to achieve, what your growth rate is going to be,” he says.
Property, labour shortages and safety were identified by Meier and Dardoumbas as the key drivers for businesses choosing automation, with the latter pointing out that in some areas of Australia costs have doubled in the past five years. “One of the key drivers to reduce footprint is via automation,” he adds. With fewer people choosing logistics as a career path, in part because of safety concerns, Meier explains that automation provides a means to make careers safer and more attractive to new recruits, in addition to enhancing efficiency and reducing headcount.
Finding the right level of automation for each SME
Both say SMEs do not have to automate everything and can instead find the “right level of automation for the business”, with automation evolving to become increasingly adaptable and solutions more standardised for easier integration both with one another and with manual operations, reducing lead and ramp up times.
They say, it is important to explore all options with respect to business objectives, growth projections and return on investment over time in order to reach the correct decision about whether and what to automate as “automation may not be for everyone”. However, it can offer huge benefits when implemented appropriately, with the right planning and dedicated resources allocated to it, in the form of project management, training, change management and preparation in the transition.
Automation to supercharge fulfillment
A video case study presented during the round table event showed one company ideally placed to benefit from automation. New Zealand pharmaceutical company Douglas – exporting to over 50 countries and selling its products through various channels (distribution partners, pharmacies and direct to consumers online) – has chosen the AutoStore systems empowered by Kardex. Douglas Group general manager of the consumer business, Katherine Douglas, emphasised the company needed a solution that could handle increased sales and orders, ranging from large pallets to single SKUs. This new setup is designed to support growth and enhance operational efficiency, particularly in handling increased sales and complex order fulfilment.
Ryan Gibbs, Douglas Pharmaceuticals warehouse operations manager, says the two key challenges the company was facing were “space and efficiency”. Douglas had looked at options ranging from extending its warehouse to using a third-party company, finally choosing Kardex for their AutoStore implementation to deliver increased capacity and throughput.
“One of the greatest things about automation is the scalability that it provides,” Gibbs says, adding, “When starting your automation journey, it’s really important to understand your data and understand your business. It’s a great opportunity to evaluate your processes and really understand where the growth is taking you.”
Commenting on the success of the round table event at CeMAT Australia 2024, Grant Smith, ANZ Kardex director of business development AutoStore, says, “The lively and engaging round table discussion highlighted how SMEs can prepare for and successfully integrate automation into their operations through careful planning and a deep understanding of their strategic business needs.
“Kardex FulfillX software (a warehouse execution system designed specifically for AutoStore empowered by Kardex systems) and the intuitive picking assistant (IPA), a user-friendly picking display responding to movements and enabling ergonomic, fast and error-free picking, were on display at CeMAT Australia, demonstrating how they deliver increased capacity, higher efficiency, scalability, safer working and enhanced accuracy to businesses of all sizes. For companies looking for the best ways to manage their business growth, automation can provide the answer and SMEs can follow the steps outlined to create a strong roadmap to success.”
CAM Solutions (NZ) Ltd
Ph: 09 947-4288 | Website | Email
CAM Solutions is an authorised ALPHACAM reseller. We have been providing CAD/CAM for CNC applications in New Zealand, since 2004.
ALPHACAM is the leading CAD/CAM software solution for the metal, plastics and stone industries. ALPHACAM is intelligent and intuitive and used in the manufacture of many types of components, from simple routed parts to complex, 5-axis components.
The emphasis behind the development of ALPHACAM is to provide our customers with productivity, reliability and flexibility. Improving these attributes in any company will help increase profitability.
Managing Director: Mark Anderson
Location: Rosebank Road, Avondale, Auckland.
BRANDS: ALPHACAM, Polyboard, SketchUp
Technically oil-free compressed air…
Kaeser expands its e-power range with M10E and M13E portable compressors
Powerful, lightweight, quiet, versatile, and easy to transport – these are what Kaeser New Zealand says are the standout features of the Mobilair M10E and M13E, the newest and smallest additions to Kaeser’s popular e-power range of portable compressors.
“Designed to meet smaller compressed air requirements wherever an electrical supply is available, these compressors are a game-changer for users across a range of industries,” says the company.
The M10E and M13E are ideal for users who need a reliable and efficient portable compressor. With an air delivery volume of 1.2m³ per minute at 7-bar, the Mobilair M13E can easily power pneumatic hammers, saws, sewer robots, and impact moles. Additionally, the Mobilair M13E is available in 10-, 12-, 13-, and 15-bar pressure variants, making it suitable for various applications – from traditional hammer operations and blasting work to cable blowing and even as a temporary replacement in compressor rooms.
“When paired with the Purpac F16 support frame, which includes a compressed air aftercooler and filter combination for the 1m3 class, users can benefit from technically oil-free compressed air, ideal for sensitive applications.”
Plug-and-play simplicity with flexible power options
Equipped with a 7.5kW motor, the M13E can be plugged into a 400V three-phase socket with a 32A circuit breaker, ready for immediate operation.
For sites with limited power supply options – such as those powered by construction site distributors, generators, or external battery storage – the M10E, with its 5.5kW motor and slightly lower flow rate, is the perfect solution. It operates seamlessly on a 16A connection, significantly broadening its range of potential applications.
Durable, quiet, and easy to transport
All models feature a corrosion-resistant, soundproof enclosure made from rotation-sintered polyethylene, ensuring they are exceptionally quiet and highly durable. Their compact and lightweight design allows for easy transport in a delivery vehicle, or on the loading floor of a truck or ute, leaving the towing hitch free for other needs.
For applications requiring cool, condensate-free compressed air, an external aftercooler can be installed in a support frame equipped with fixed connections for compressed air, condensate return, and electrical power (12V supply from the compressor). The aftercooler ensures any accumulated condensate is collected in a canister within the compressor for professional disposal.
User-friendly design for easy maintenance and handling
“The M10E and M13E are designed with the user in mind, offering exceptional ease of maintenance and handling. Their manoeuvrability on-site is enhanced by a long handle, rugged wheels with pneumatic tyres, four convenient lifting-lugs, and a countersunk crane eye. Maintenance is a breeze with all service points easily accessible via the wide-opening sound enclosure.”
Newsletter
Sign up here and keep updated with what's going on in your industry!