Business Central July 2026

60 | ENGINEERING Russet - 40th Anniversary Your Partners in Belt Conveyor Solutions Proudly Supporting New Zealand’s Resources IndustryTogether for 40Years Proudly Supporting Leading Specialist Supplier of rubber and ceramic products offering engineering wear protection and sealing solutions www.reglinrubber.com.au 40 years of innovation We Turn Materials into Solutions Your Partner in every Challenge For over 150 years, Continental have been innovating breakthrough rubber materials and fabric conveyor belt designs. These products have been tested in some of the toughest applications worldwide. Designed for long-term reliability, they keep your operation moving—day after day, tonne after tonne. continental-industry.com For four decades, Russet has remained Continental’s trusted New Zealand partner of choice Over the past four decades, the company has developed into a recognised leader within New Zealand’s industrial conveying sector, supplying and servicing both heavyweight and lightweight conveyor systems, along with associated industrial products and engineered solutions. Russet’s capabilities now extend well beyond product supply, incorporating conveyor design support, specialised field servicing, installation, maintenance and technical support across a broad range of industries. A major contributor to the company’s growth has been its longstanding relationships with international suppliers and manufacturing partners. Over the four decades, Russet has worked closely with globally recognised companies, including Continental Belting, Flexco, Kinder, Nord Drivesystems, Tsubaki, Ammega Group and Timken, along with Australian suppliers, including CC Components and Reglin Rubber. These partnerships have enabled Russet to bring internationally proven products, technology and engineering expertise into the New Zealand market, while also ensuring customers have access to reliable supply, technical support and modern industrial solutions. Innovation has played a critical role in the company’s evolution. Conveyor systems and industrial processing operations have changed significantly over the past 40 years, particularly in the areas of safety, efficiency, productivity and environmental performance. Russet has continually adapted alongside these changes, investing heavily in technical capability, specialised servicing, engineering support and product development. Advances in conveyor belt technology, energy-efficient drive systems, belt cleaning systems, wear protection, automated monitoring and safer maintenance procedures have all reshaped the modern bulk handling industry. The growth of the food-processing sector has also driven significant innovation in lightweight conveyor systems, hygienic belt technology and specialised product handling solutions. Working alongside its supplier partners, Russet has remained focused on bringing these innovations to New Zealand customers to help improve operational efficiency, reduce downtime and meet increasingly demanding safety and environmental standards. Russet employs approximately 85 staff across New Zealand, with the company retaining a strong people-focused culture, despite its continued growth. A unique aspect of the business is its ownership structure, with 13 staff members also being shareholders in the company. That level of employee involvement reflects a culture built around long-term commitment, accountability and shared success, while also reinforcing the company’s strong internal leadership and stability. The experience within the business remains one of Russet’s greatest strengths. Many staff members have more than 30 years of industry experience, while many others have been involved in the sector for over 20 years. This depth of knowledge provides customers with practical expertise and technical understanding that can only be developed through decades of hands-on involvement within the industrial conveying industry. The continuity of experience has enabled Russet to build a reputation for reliability, technical capability and responsive service support throughout New Zealand. In an industry where downtime can carry significant operational costs, customers continue to place high value on practical knowledge, rapid problem-solving and trusted relationships. The industrial sector often operates quietly behind the scenes, yet businesses like Russet play a critical role in keeping essential industries moving every day. From quarry conveyors and recycling plants through to manufacturing facilities, ports, forestry operations and food production sites, the company’s products and services form part of the infrastructure supporting New Zealand industry. Reaching 40 years in business is not simply about longevity. It reflects resilience, adaptability, strong supplier partnerships and the ability to consistently deliver value over time. While much has changed since 1986, the company’s core focus remains straightforward – quality products, dependable service, technical expertise and long-term relationships with customers and suppliers alike. T T from page 58 Innovation has played a critical role in the company’s evolution.

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