Manufacturing job losses highlight pressure on local sector

Recent job losses in the food processing sector are being cited as further evidence of pressure on New Zealand manufacturing, with closures and workforce reductions highlighting wider challenges across the industry. Buy NZ Made executive director Dane Ambler says the closure of the McCain processing plant and the announcement of 300 job losses at Wattie’sContinueContinue reading “Manufacturing job losses highlight pressure on local sector”

Thermal storage system targets cold chain efficiency in manufacturing

Milk is a staple product, but maintaining temperature from processing plant to retail shelf remains a persistent challenge across the cold chain. In most cases, transport relies on diesel-powered refrigeration units, adding both cost and emissions to distribution. Work underway at the University of Auckland is exploring an alternative approach that shifts the focus fromContinueContinue reading “Thermal storage system targets cold chain efficiency in manufacturing”

Engineering in action…

Manufacturing insight: Turning advanced technology into practice at EMEX 2026 EMEX 2026 returns to Auckland Showgrounds from May 26–28, with the Knowledge Theatre powered by Epicor set to anchor the event’s focus on practical, applied technology for engineering and manufacturing businesses. At the centre of the programme is a clear shift from exploration to execution,ContinueContinue reading “Engineering in action…”

Rugged devices built for harsh environments

In the demanding landscapes of New Zealand and Australia, generic consumer technology often fails when it’s needed most, explains Paul Scoble, owner and director of Rugged Tablets (NZ) Ltd. Scoble says that since its inception as a part-time, home-based business in 2009, Rugged Tablets has evolved into a “premier specialist in high-performance, durable mobile solutions”.ContinueContinue reading “Rugged devices built for harsh environments”

Safer lifting…

Reducing workplace injury with modular workstation cranes Manual handling remains one of the most common causes of workplace injury across manufacturing, engineering, and logistics environments in New Zealand. Repetitive lifting, awkward load positioning, and the movement of heavy materials place significant strain on workers and increase the risk of musculoskeletal injuries. Matthew Prestidge, managing directorContinueContinue reading “Safer lifting…”

Reimagining the future of manufacturing at EMEX 2026

Manufacturing has entered 2026 with renewed momentum, and according to XPO Exhibitions, the timing could not be better for EMEX 2026. New data shows the sector has recorded its highest level of activity since December 2021. The latest BNZ – BusinessNZ Performance of Manufacturing Index revealed the seasonally adjusted PMI for December rose 4.4 pointsContinueContinue reading “Reimagining the future of manufacturing at EMEX 2026”

Manufacturing partnerships…

Bürkert’s global solutions aligned with NZ manufacturing realities New Zealand’s manufacturing sector is at a crossroads, says Pauline Boyd, marketing and communications manager for Bürkert Fluid Control Systems. “Facing persistent headwinds from rising operational costs, supply chain disruptions, inflation, and a tough labour market, many Kiwi manufacturers have adopted a ‘survive to ‘27’ mindset.” ButContinueContinue reading “Manufacturing partnerships…”

Kiwi innovation spotlighted as James Dyson Award opens for entries

Young engineers and designers across New Zealand are being invited to submit their ideas for the 2026 James Dyson Award, a global design engineering competition that supports inventions aimed at solving real-world problems. Now open for submissions across 28 countries and regions, the competition encourages current and recent design and engineering students to develop practicalContinueContinue reading “Kiwi innovation spotlighted as James Dyson Award opens for entries”

NZ Safety Blackwoods opens automated Drury distribution hub

NZ Safety Blackwoods has opened a new distribution centre at Drury South, creating a single national hub designed to improve how safety, engineering and workplace products are supplied across New Zealand. The facility, officially opened in March, consolidates five existing distribution centres into one purpose-built operation intended to improve order accuracy, reduce delivery complexity andContinueContinue reading “NZ Safety Blackwoods opens automated Drury distribution hub”

Procurement priorities shift as sustainability and AI reshape buying decisions

Procurement decisions across manufacturing and engineering sectors are undergoing significant change, according to Matt Hale, global business development director at HRS Heat Exchangers. Hale says that over the past decade purchasing has evolved from a relatively straightforward process focused on price and performance into a far more strategic corporate function. “Previously the goal was largelyContinueContinue reading “Procurement priorities shift as sustainability and AI reshape buying decisions”