50 | ENGINEERING Turntech NZ Supporting industry innovation Turntech operates as a contract manufacturing partner, producing CNC-machined components. T T Anne Boswell When Turntech NZ Limited was established as a precision CNC machining company in July of 2022, it had a clear purpose: to drive New Zealand’s manufacturing industry forward. In this pursuit, the founders and owners of the Hamilton-based company, Derrick and Vicki Turner, have leveraged their extensive engineering experience to support New Zealand’s innovative minds, and keep manufacturing in New Zealand ticking along. “We have some incredible innovators in this country, and we form part of the support team necessary for the manufacturing industry,” Derrick says. Although the launch was during one of the toughest economic periods in recent years, the business has steadily built momentum, earning the trust of major original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) across a diverse range of industries, from dairy, to agriculture, food processing and packaging. “I felt with our experience we had a lot to offer the manufacturing industry, with our service, quality and knowledge,” Derrick says. Turntech operates as a contract manufacturing partner, producing the CNC-machined components that enable customers to bring their products to market. While clients focus on design, assembly and marketing, Turntech delivers the intricate, high-quality parts that form the backbone of their equipment. Equipped with modern CNC machines and using the latest CAD/CAM software, Turntech offers CNC machining, CAD design and prototyping across many industries, such as engineering plastics, stainless steel, aluminium, brass and specialised steels. Additionally, Turntech introduced a 3D printing division to help customers transform ideas into working prototypes faster than ever. The company’s premises reflect the innovative and professional qualities of its work. Flooded with natural light from skylights, with white walls and epoxy-coated floors, the workshop is a far cry from a stereotypical engineering shop. With a team of four currently on board, Derrick says Turntech has plans to expand by adding a few more machines and capacity to become a “highly dynamic, quality-driven machining company”. Part of the growth strategy is to encourage talented young staff into the business, with training and mentoring a key focus. In 2025, Turntech welcomed a Wintec mechanical design student into the business, upskilling him from a basic understanding of CNC programming and machining to a higher level of competency. “We now have a new trainee, who has been with us for six months,” Derrick says. “It’s a win-win situation. It’s great to see how they enjoy taking a design from a computer and making the product with their hands; it’s incredibly rewarding. It is so important to keep the youth interested in manufacturing.” Turntech NZ has worked with several internationally recognised companies on specialised projects, particularly the design and development of glass bottle inspection equipment, and is looking to expand its export markets further, while continuing to support fabrication and engineering businesses throughout the Waikato.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=