20 | REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT The Tasman Tanning Company T T From page 18 Tasman Tanning produces aviation grade leather for aircraft in New Zealand, and in automotive products. Focus on sustainability “We’ve had some highs and lows and they’ve been there all the time.” Moving forward, the company has a focus on sustainability and have invested heavily in new plant and equipment, assisted by a fund available through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA), Neville said. “Where possible we’re transitioning away from gas and more towards renewable electricity.” Gas and steam supplied drying systems have been replaced by infrared banks that have reduced energy use by 30 per cent with more modern design and technology. We have also upgraded tanning and drying equipment which uses new technology in the way they operate which enable us to reduce water, chemical and energy usage. Further improvements are planned in the new year when a vacuum drying unit will be installed which will use a heat pump to provide its energy. “To be competitive, we need to build on the New Zealand story and look for more sustainable and environmentally friendly ways of operating. In some cases, it’s non-negotiable. “Some of our customers require us to be carbon neutral and provide plans to achieve this within the next 5- 10 years. Work with the EECA has been part of this program and is ongoing. “EECA supported us with our projects on this journey. We are currently working with them on other initiatives to reduce our carbon footprint and energy usage.” Another move towards sustainability was to use more bio-based chemicals and reducing dependency on fossil fuel derived products. “There’s new technology becoming available all the time and it is a constant challenge to adapt.” By its nature, leather was a sustainable product. “We often say we are one of the largest repurposing and recycling industries. We take a by-product from the food industry, and we repurpose it.” The company was a significant contributor to the local economy, employing up to 250 people. It also engaged local contractors where possible. “Where we can, we work local, and this helps the community as a whole.” Since establishing itself as Whanganui’s largest engineering company, Elite Mechanical and Engineering Services is proud to have built a strong relationship with Tasman Leathers. EMES supplies everything from labour for shift cover, guarding on new machinery, overhauling old equipment and project work for the global leather producer. They companies have worked together since Elite’s beginnings in 2011. “We enjoy working with any company as it covers a wide variety of work, but more importantly because Tasman has a vision to be the best,” managing director Michael Mooney said. The company is a one stop shop from sheet metal work to machine shop to structural steel fabrication and erection. This is accompanied by 10 and 50-tonne cranes and hiab Trucks. “We strive to give our customers what they want and more.” EMES is Whanganui’s largest and most accomplished multi-disciplined engineering company with a wealth of expertise and experience in both fabrication and site installation. Michael formed the company back in 2011, and since then it has grown year on year, serving both the local and national market. The company is as local as it comes when employing and training sta . The entire workforce of 41 sta , including 11 apprentices, lives in Whanganui. EMES is a vibrant and progressive part of Whanganui’s engineering landscape and fully supports its apprentice programme, Strong relationship built between iconic Whanganui firms encouraging and mentoring a wide range of rangatahi pakeke into the workforce. The company’s head o ice and large production facility sits in the heart of Whanganui’s industrial area. O ering a full suite of modern plant and equipment, it is committed to continuous improvement with recent signi icant investment into new items to improve production and safety, and is working towards inal audits to gain CC3 certi ication for steel fabrication. The company is also committed to the health and safety and to the quality of the services. It is also focused on reducing its environmental impact and lowering emissions, and is committed to seeking out and using environmentally-friendly materials. EMES is committed to Te Awa Tupua – legislation protecting the Whanganui River- and the location of the head o ice and plant close to the Awa adds signi icance to this. “At a core value level, it means the company acknowledges the need to make decisions based on what’s best for the Awa, the community and environment over and above economics,” Michael said. EMES has created a senior management role that is dedicated to abundant outcomes from both the Quality Management and the Health, Safety and Environmental Systems, in-line with Te Awa Tupua Act 2017, placing Iwi and Community at the centre of decisions made. The company focuses on engaging a large network of local businesses for the supply of goods and services, and is an active supporter of many local initiatives.
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