48 | ENGINEERING Page Macrae Engineering Karen Phelps Ports, forestry, big growth areas Recent product developments include a log vessel grab (LVG) which can pick up a full truck or trailer load of logs and place it in a ship’s hold. Page Macrae Engineering is redefining its unique value proposition for clients. “We’ve spent a lot of time speaking to our clients to form a clear picture of their future direction and challenges and that is informing our strategy around how we might support those clients in the future,” says Page Macrae Engineering general manager sales and marketing Peter Swan. “Rather than being reactive to challenges as they arise, it is about working together to identify and provide solutions ahead of time.” He says that this has seen some exciting new developments for the company’s products recently with Page Macrae’s port and forestry products experiencing substantial growth. “There are potential expansion opportunities, not only in the domestic and Australian markets but also further afield, as the new product innovations become centre stage in terms of performance and reputation,” says Peter. This includes a recent product development that has seen the company produce a market leading log vessel grab (LVG) for a key client, which can pick up a full truck or trailer load of logs and place it in the hold of a ship. The smart grapple is equipped with innovative technology capable of positioning itself in the optimal way for the pickup and placement of the logs. Peter says that this results in not only increased efficiencies but also significant health and safety benefits. The product was developed in conjunction with client C3, and it has already won an industry innovation award. Peter believes that considerable opportunities exist for Page Macrae Engineering to develop products that help companies operate more sustainably and meet potential climate change targets. One such product is the electric log loader (ELL) grapple. The ELL operates and is powered from shore based, rather than ship based, cranes. Page Macrae Engineering has already manufactured three units and commissioned them for Port of Napier. Page Macrae Engineering has also recently been to Australia to see its port clients to show them disruptive new product concepts around its dust suppression hoppers as well as bulk grabs and log handling equipment. “The new concept hoppers will be a game changer for the industry in terms of functionality and technology. We are at the early stages with our clients on these,” says Peter. Regarding engineering projects, the company has likewise been busy working for the pulp, paper and process industries undertaking compliance related work via mechanical maintenance shutdowns or expansion projects for additional capacity. For example, it is manufacturing pressure vessels for Evonik Industries in Morrinsville and process strainer vessels for Fuji Electric for Contact Energy’s Tauhara geothermal station. A privately owned and operated company, Page Macrae Engineering was established in Tauranga in 1955 and has grown from a small marine engineering business servicing local industry and ship repair to its current status as one of New Zealand’s premium multi-disciplined engineering companies. Page Macrae Engineering offers a full range of engineering services from design and build to mechanical installation and brings extensive knowledge and experience in such industries as power generation, petro-chemical, pulp and paper, food processing and materials handling. With many businesses making a big push regarding their business operations in relation to climate change, Peter sees on-going opportunity for Page Macrae Engineering. “We attended a Ports Australia conference recently and everyone was talking about “There are potential expansion opportunities, not only in the domestic and Australian markets but also further afield, as the new product innovations become centre stage ...” alternate fuels for ships, electrics and battery tech. The environment is ripe for Page Macrae Engineering to come into our own. There is a willingness from businesses now to invest in environmentally considerate equipment.” He says that for port clients, future climate change challenges could involve the likes of tide height increases, which would in turn pose challenges for existing equipment and infrastructure. He adds that around the world, there is increasing demand for alternative eco-friendly solutions like battery technology and electric powered products “Our innovative approach to product design places Page Macrae Engineering in a position to continue to be recognised as a market leader and clients are now more willing than ever to investigate these solutions. Page Macrae truly is focussed on engineering a better tomorrow.”
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