54 | MANUFACTURING RML Machinery T T Sue Russell At the cutting edge in robotics world RML Machinery is in the middle of another growth phase as it enjoys increased demand from customers. RML Machinery designs, develops and delivers specialised robotic equipment for the FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods) markets. The company began 40 years ago in Hamilton, designing and building equipment for the airline and pneumatics sector; however, it wasn’t long before the work evolved into servicing other industries. This meant a necessary expansion into a full in-house machinery-building service. By the early 2000s, RML again evolved into building robotics and autonomous vehicle technologies. RML Machinery is truly a one-stop-shop, where engineered solutions are future-proofed through world-leading designand-build solutions through to installation and ongoing servicing. “Because everything we build is in-house, we have total control and the flexibility to develop custom-made machinery for each customer’s specific use. We make equipment that can’t be found anywhere else on the market and it’s what sets us apart,” says CEO Daryl Joyce. The company is in the middle of another growth phase as it enjoys increased demand from customers, given the reputation it has accrued through the decades. To meet future demand as it grows, the decision has been made to relocate into a new, purpose-built factory at 6 Chafer Place. The build, located at Lot 51 Te Rapa Gateway and developed by Chalmers Properties Ltd, is due for completion by the end of October, heralding the next phase in the company’s journey. “We’re excited about this move. The warehouse space itself is just shy of 3000sqm, with 677sqm of office space and a canopy of 280sqm. It will future-proof our manufacturing capacity.” The site has access to Chalmers Road, fronts Chafer Place, is adjacent to Steel & Tube’s roofing business, and just a 10-minute walk to Hamilton’s iconic The Base shopping centre. Daryl says that one of the really important elements of RML Machinery is the long and engaging relationships they develop with their customers. “It’s a company built on mutual understanding of supplying to our customers exactly what they want. We hope our customers know that we are always here for them. We know our equipment will be in their facility for 10 to 15-plus years, so what we design and build for them is tremendously important to them and to us.” Major competitors are off-shore, and Daryl says the company is experienced and nimble enough to stand up against the best of them. This year is proving busier than last, and as a business that is engaged in building capacity for its customers, any challenges they are facing in their markets will ultimately have an impact on demand for the capital equipment RML manufactures. “We take great satisfaction in delivering manufacturing solutions to our customers and working with them to make a difference to their business.” Case in point: RML was approached by Oceania Dairy, a powdered milk exporter, to automate a manual case-packing and palletising process, replacing work undertaken manually, picking and placing 1kg foil milk powder pouches into an RSC shipping case and manually palletising these cases on to a pallet. “We implemented a solution using our D106 Intermittent RSC Top Load Case Packer with a tape-closing option and a Q102 Palletising System. “Oceania also required the track and trace of all pouches from the filling room into the cases and on to the pallets to ensure individual traceability from pouch to pallet throughout the entire process.” As a result of this technology being installed, Oceania has enjoyed a substantial increase in productivity. “They have said they will be searching for future opportunities to collaborate with us and that’s the best possible endorsement we could receive.” “We’re excited about this move. The warehouse space itself is just shy of 3000sqm, with 677sqm of office space and a canopy of 280sqm. It will future-proof our manufacturing capacity.” Daryl Joyce Get smart with SMC We are proud to support RML Machinery with our range of newgeneration wireless solutions and electric actuators, backed by superior local service and support. SMC – Your Partner in Automation
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