Double whammy!

There really is no disputing the facts now - New Zealand's manufacturers are doing very well. The latest Performance of Manufacturing Index (PMI) survey released today hit a 9 year high for July and continues the trend of expansion for 2013. 

Coupled with this, the government's High Technology Manufacturing Report shows the sector is now growing faster than the NZ wine industry.  It has become a significant export earner - growing from $139 million in 1991 to $1.4 billion in 2012.  This report contains some useful facts and figures, and shows where the growth potential for hi-tech manufacturing lies in the NZ economy. ManufacturingNZ is working on its own report to pinpoint the best commercial attributes of successful manufacturers and identify the best government industry policy to support these companies.

See more on both of these reports below.

Catherine Beard
027 463 3212 or cbeard@businessnz.org.nz

The July PMI result provides further impetus into a continuing trend of a sector in good heart for 2013.

Positive comments from manufacturers have surged to 67.3%, highlighting an increase in foreign and domestic orders, as well as an uplift in the general economy.

Like previous months, strong new orders and production remain a key element for overall growth in the sector, which was evident in July.  In addition, deliveries of raw materials produced its highest level of activity since the survey began, further boosting the overall result. More...

The high and medium-high technology manufacturing sectors have shown growth and resilience despite global economic challenges, a new Government report shows.

Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce said, "These sectors are making a substantial and growing contribution to our economy. Both were affected by the Global Financial Crisis but, as the report shows, they have bounced back, overcome barriers and shown renewed growth since 2010.

"High-technology manufacturing has developed from small beginnings to become a significant export earner - from $139 million in 1991 to $1.4 billion in 2012 - and is now growing faster than the New Zealand wine industry." More...

Download the report here

The New Zealand Innovators Awards celebrate, recognise and profile great Kiwi innovations, inventors and organisations that have invested in developing new products, services and ventures as well as improving the performance of their people & teams.

Who or what do you believe exemplifies New Zealand Innovation at its best.? It's time to let them shine, inspire other companies, and be in to win: one of 14 crystal trophies, $5,000 worth of IP advice, and a heap of media coverage, TV, radio and magazine (including TVNZ's Seven Sharp, Idealog magazine and NZ Marketing magazine).

Nominating a business, project or team for the New Zealand Innovators Awards is easy. More... 

Kiwi light bulb manufacturer Energy Mad has received a boost for its business in the United States. The company's Ecobulb lightbulbs will be available in dedicated display cases in Walgreens stores - one of the largest retailers in the US. More...

On 29 August in Auckland, hear from industry leaders about this complex and evolving industry, and what they see as the issues we face now and what is coming. 

Hear their thoughts and recommendations about how to prepare and get ahead, and keep up to date with technology, law and system changes. More...

The first ever People’s Choice Awards are a celebration of New Zealand product excellence. Some fantastic entries have already been received from businesses of all sizes. The nomination period has now been extended until Friday 30 August, so there is still time to get your product(s) entered.

It’s free to get involved and all nominated products will receive coverage online and marketing collateral to encourage customers to vote.

The five categories are:

•         Most Iconic NZ Made Product/Brand
•         Most Innovative NZ Made Product
•         Best NZ Made Product on the World Stage (Export)
•         Best New Product
•         Most loved New Zealand Made Product.

Download a nomination form here.

All businesses need to get the most out of their physical assets - whether they’re property, plant, fleet or machinery.  The first EMA Asset Management Conference takes a comprehensive look at the latest in asset management theory and practice. Sir Robert Jones will cover the commercial property scene, and international keynote Dr Christopher Holmes will cover the optimisation of maintenance facilitated by new technology and its importance for manufacturers.

Learn how to reduce risks and costs throughout the life cycle of your business assets. More...

Appetite for Change is the third panel discussion in the Technology Challenging Society series. The free public panel discussion will look at food – how we grow it, produce it, cook it and eat it – and the way it's influenced and changing due to technology and consumer demand. The panel includes experts and speakers representing consumers, chefs, technology specialists and agriculture. More...

As a manufacturer you no doubt know the meaning of Lean. But do you know how your talent management practices can support a lean workplace? 

At first glance, your employee performance and talent management programs might not appear to have a connection to your lean initiatives. After all, isn’t talent management all about recruiting, hiring, and all things related to workforce management? Certainly true, but if you take a closer look, you’ll see that good talent management practices can also go a long way in supporting Lean. More...

Grow Wellington is looking for a Sector Development Manager (High Value Manufacturing) to work with industry leaders and businesses within the High Value Manufacturing sector to identify common issues, opportunities, and develop collective solutions.

For this position, Grow Wellington is looking for someone who is commercially astute with a good range of business skills.  They’ll also need to possess a real passion for fostering economic development in the Wellington Region, have a background in the manufacturing sector and the networks to be able to leverage the expertise of others. 

More information and position description...

The Ergonomics of Machine Guarding Guide is now available on the Business Government NZ Health and Safety group website, and is supported by an online machine guarding calculator.

The machine guarding calculator can be used to work out safe separation distances for guarding, taking into account an operator’s ability to reach into the machine or past the guarding. More...

EMEX, New Zealand’s key B2B Engineering, Machinery & Electronics sales & marketing platform will give you the opportunity to showcase new & innovative products and techniques to 3500+ industry professionals.  Providing a professional & comprehensive sales & marketing platform bringing together industry buyers, suppliers & educators to share ideas and develop business relationships. Prime locations are limited so inquire today. More...

Did you know we have a directory of contract manufacturers listed on our website? Its aim is to allow businesses to find contract manufacturers who may be able to assist them with a particular project.

If you are interested in being listed in our directory, or would like to browse it, click here.

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