84 | Bright future predicted for meat industry Tekam Engineering is powering into a range of projects across both islands. ENGINEERING Tekam Engineering T T Hugh de Lacy ATI Engineering Diversity across three core divisions T T Karen Phelps Livestock numbers might be falling nationwide but that hasn’t lessened demand for the services of specialist meat-processing industry designer and manufacturer, Tekam Engineering of Napier. Even as South Island firm Alliance Meats has talked of the need for a restructure, Tekam Engineering is powering into a range of projects across both islands. The company’s core business is designing, building and maintaining plant for such big meat industry players as Nelson’s Affco Meats and Southland’s Silver Fern Farms, and for smaller players like Ovation. Affco, in particular, has been investing heavily in new plant and equipment in its processing factories around the country, with Tekam Engineering assisting with the installation of new chillers and boning room in its Wairoa plant, and upgrades at its others. Tekam engineers carry out maintenance and shift cover on rendering, tannery, meat and fellmongery plants for Affco, Lowe Corporation and Taranaki By-products, among others. In its Waitane Place headquarters in Napier, Tekam Engineering is building complete meat- processing plants, all to its own designs, for ATI Engineering Ltd has carved out a reputation for adaptability and comprehensive engineering solutions that are helping the company navigate through the current challenging economic conditions. Managing director Simon Dunn believes diversity is the key to the company’s resilience. “We can do most things in-house from design to finished project installed on site,” Simon explains. “This makes it easier for our clients, offering a one-stop- shop that prevents disconnect between design and practical manufacture.” A good example of how this works in practice is the company’s relationship with NZ Frost Fans, which has seen ATI Engineering assist with new designs. This ability to think outside the square, as well as provide cost-efficient design solutions, is why NZ Frost Fans Wind Machines Ltd chooses ATI to help design and build the components for its frost-fighting machines that are used around the world. “That’s where ATI Engineering excels, as we are really good at developing new and improved designs in the most timely and cost-effective way possible,” says Simon. Established in 1993 through the amalgamation of Allstyle Engineering and Treeways 2000 Ltd, ATI Engineering has developed a robust business model spanning three core divisions: stainless steel fabrication, mild steel fabrication and precision machine shop operations. Its ability to handle a wide range of projects has been crucial, allowing it to remain flexible and responsive to client needs, says Simon. The company’s 3500sqm facility in Hastings is equipped with advanced technology, including four mono rail cranes and a two-axis gantry crane, enabling it to tackle projects of varying scales, while a skilled team of over 30 staff members bring a variety of engineering experience from services across multiple industries. The company specialises in serving sectors including horticulture, viniculture, food processing, meat processing, and transport. Its client list includes major names such as Kraft Heinz Limited, Lowe Corporation Limited, and several large corporate wineries. Tank manufacturing is a specialty, and ATI Engineering has the ability to design two separate abattoirs and a pet-food plant. Beyond the meat industry, it has completed a large-scale effluent treatment plant aeration system in Rolleston, south of Christchurch, while at the same time providing Hastings District Council with maintenance on its new, portable water-pumping system. “People are reading too much into the difficulties that Alliance Meats is facing; the rest of the industry is in a good position to take advantage of a bright future as meat demand and prices overseas recover,” Tekam Engineering director Ken Evans says. “Quite apart from the work we’re doing for meat processors in their own plants, we’ve got a busy manufacturing sector here in Napier that salvages and modernises old meat-processing equipment from closed-down plants. Tekam also builds new equipment of our own design, such as hide and pelt pullers, and gut slicers.” The company currently has a staff of 25, but takes on more for large projects and shutdown work. It has also diversified into building aluminium trailer boats of 6.5m and upwards, and maintaining pleasure craft, while its scaffolding and contract services division supports contractors, and it runs its own steel frame and commercial building division. and produce stainless and mild steel tanks ranging from 500-litre food processing units to 200,000-litre wine tanks. The precision machine shop, featuring a high-speed, four-axis CNC Milling centre and lathe, can manufacture everything from prototype components to identical replacement parts. A significant technological advantage is ATI Engineering’s orbital welding capability, particularly valuable in food and beverage industries. This advanced welding technology ensures high-quality, consistent welds without the need for post-weld cleaning, meeting stringent hygiene standards in pharmaceutical and food-processing environments. The company’s strategic approach extends to building long-term relationships with regional businesses. Its ongoing work with companies like Pan Pac Forest Products and Delegat Winery demonstrates a deep understanding of local industrial needs. “We continually invest in our people, premises, and equipment,” says Simon. “This ensures we can provide quality and efficiency across all our projects.” He is particularly proud of the company’s commitment to developing future talent. Through the Gateway programme, it provides opportunities for young people to explore engineering careers, simultaneously addressing skills development and potential recruitment. As economic challenges persist, ATI Engineering’s multifaceted approach and commitment to innovation have positioned it as a resilient and adaptive business in the Hawke’s Bay region, says Simon. “By offering comprehensive in-house solutions, and maintaining a flexible, skilled workforce, we will continue to provide critical engineering services across multiple sectors.” “By offering comprehensive in-house solutions, and maintaining a flexible, skilled workforce, we will continue to provide critical engineering services across multiple sectors.” P 06 843 2299 E info@classique-plastics.com W www.classique-plastics.com 21 Wakefield Street, Onekawa, Napier Suppliers and Stockists of Engineering Plastic Materials he following at the top with the contact address at the bottom : eering Plastic Materials • 3D CNC Machining Services • Rotational Moulding • Sheet Thermoforming Our structural engineering consultancy was founded in 2019, with a focus on providing high-quality design services for residential, commercial, and industrial projects. 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