Smart evolution – AI takes automation from assistance to autonomy

Artificial intelligence (AI) is now one of the most significant forces shaping industrial automation. Across manufacturing, design and maintenance, AI is shifting from a future concept to an everyday tool. A recent survey found that 40% of manufacturers have prioritised AI and automation above other digital transformation projects, with 80% allocating resources to implementation. However,ContinueContinue reading “Smart evolution – AI takes automation from assistance to autonomy”

How better bearings can cut farm fuel use

With diesel costs and emissions pressures tightening across agriculture, bearings may not be the first place farmers look for savings – but they should be, says Chris Johnson, managing director at specialist supplier SMB Bearings. “Every tractor, combine, baler or conveyor depends on bearings to keep parts moving, but those same bearings also create resistance,”ContinueContinue reading “How better bearings can cut farm fuel use”

Nationwide search for NZ’s top trades coach closes soon

With entries closing on November 30 for the inaugural Most Valuable Coach (MVC) award, nominations from across New Zealand have highlighted a remarkable group of workplace mentors shaping New Zealand’s skilled workforce. More than 165 entries have been received by industry training organisation Competenz, covering every corner of the country and every section of theContinueContinue reading “Nationwide search for NZ’s top trades coach closes soon”

Cutting edge…

THE LERO LASER RANGE: ‘PRECISION FOR NEW ZEALAND MANUFACTURERS’ Lero Innovation has unveiled its most ambitious release yet. “I am proud to introduce the Lero Laser range,” says director Andrew Leabourn. “We are helping to shape the future of cutting and fabrication technology in New Zealand. The Lero Laser range delivers a complete suite ofContinueContinue reading “Cutting edge…”

Digitalweld…

For over three decades, Auckland-based Digitalweld Ltd has supplied New Zealand’s industries with advanced welding technologies and “dependable technical support”. Founded in 1993 under the name Eutectic NZ Ltd, the company initially operated in partnership with the Messer Eutectic+Castolin Group. That partnership came to a close in 2005, marking a new chapter for the businessContinueContinue reading “Digitalweld…”

Built to last, designed to evolve

New Zealand’s food industry adheres to rigorous quality and safety standards recognised globally. Concurrently, the nation demonstrates leadership in sustainability, as manufacturers continually strive to balance operational efficiency with environmental stewardship. Advanced inspection systems play an integral role in supporting these objectives. Fortress Technology understands this dual challenge. Too often, large-scale machinery is excluded fromContinueContinue reading “Built to last, designed to evolve”

Collaboration the key in marathon effort to restore West Wind Farm

More than two years after the loss of a key piece of machinery, Meridian’s West Wind Farm is back to full health and once again making the most of Wellington’s wild wind. In May 2023, West Wind Farm – on Wellington’s western hills – developed a problem with one of its two transformers that meantContinueContinue reading “Collaboration the key in marathon effort to restore West Wind Farm”

Asbestos: The danger we still don’t see

By Brett Murray, chief executive, Site Safe NZ Asbestos is often seen as a problem of the past. New Zealand banned imports of asbestos products in 2016, but the truth is more confronting: asbestos remains our leading work-related killer, claiming the lives of around 220 people every year. Those deaths are today’s toll from pastContinueContinue reading “Asbestos: The danger we still don’t see”

Ashburton father overcomes challenges and thrives in engineering apprenticeship

When it comes to inspirational tradies, it’s hard to go past recently qualified general engineering apprentice Billy Robinson. The Ashburton 37-year-old dropped out of school at just 14, after years spent struggling with numeracy and literacy. He tried his hand at a host of different jobs (from dairy and crop farming to gold mining andContinueContinue reading “Ashburton father overcomes challenges and thrives in engineering apprenticeship”

Rising star: Kiwi engineer recognised on global stage

Mount Maunganui-based aerospace engineer Keshika Warnakula has been named a 2025 Aerospace & Defence Rising Star by SAE Media Group, with the announcement published in Aerospace & Defence Technology magazine in the United States. The award recognises outstanding emerging talent shaping the future of the global aerospace industry. As a senior flight mechanics design engineerContinueContinue reading “Rising star: Kiwi engineer recognised on global stage”