72 | Marlborough-based mechanical and plumbing business Hydramech provides specialist engineering solutions across the wine industry. Hydramech T T Alexia Anderson “Hydramech have a reputation for getting things done...” REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Hydramech Ltd, a Marlborough-based mechanical and plumbing business, is providing specialist engineering solutions across the wine industry, offering more than off-the-shelf solutions. The company’s practical engineering skills, hands-on approach and commitment to quality, has made it a one-stop-shop that many across the industry are relying on. Hydramech was established in 2002 by Stephen Brooke-Taylor, initially as a small operation, but as it expanded he employed friends and family to help meet demand. Hydramech still retains this family feel and, as such, goes above and beyond for their clients. Over the past five years, the company has transitioned, with four senior managers stepping back slightly, allowing management training for younger staff members as part of a long-term transition. A recognised leader in winery mechanical expertise, the company offers a complete design- and-build service. Water and waste manager, Willy Roundhill, says the team works closely with clients from concept through to installation and ongoing maintenance, ensuring systems are designed as a cohesive whole, with all operational variables considered. Getting the fundamentals right is critical in winery environments, particularly when systems are operating under pressure. Hydramech places a strong emphasis on correct pump and pipework sizing to eliminate any flow disturbances. System reliability is built in at the design stage. Willy says consideration of the full system is made from the outset, with the aim of preventing issues before they arise. However, if challenges do occur during construction, the team responds quickly to minimise any disruption to any operation. “Hydramech have a reputation for getting things done, and any or all problems that arise during construction will be sorted as quick and painlessly as possible.” Filtration is another important area of Hydramech’s expertise, particularly when upgrading existing winery infrastructure. While new builds allow for straightforward system integration, working within established sites requires careful planning to avoid unnecessary delays or costs. “When doing a new build, things are easy, but when tying into an existing system with any other upgrades, we work to get everything operating correctly with as few hold-ups and changes to the existing infrastructure as possible,” Willy says. Wastewater management is another area of focus for wineries, driven by compliance, sustainability and operational efficiency. Hydramech designs, builds and maintains wastewater treatment systems specifically for winery applications, with a focus on reducing labour and resource input. “To do this, we work with gravity systems and simple flow solutions. “ We minimise mechanical filtering, which requires a plant operator to spend large amounts of time cleaning screens to prevent blockages,” Willy explains. Hydramech, which uses a hands-on engineering approach for all of its projects, also specialises in industrial plumbing. While the company is primarily based in Marlborough, it has also completed projects throughout the country, mainly within the wine industry. Looking ahead, the team is preparing to support wineries through various challenges, particularly around wastewater and winery sludge disposal. As part of that innovation, Hydramech will be trialling new dewatering technology alongside current solutions and can also assist with energy audits, plant optimisation and decarbonisation initiatives. By combining practical engineering expertise with long-term strategies, Hydramech continues to play a vital role in supporting efficient, reliable and highperforming winery operations across New Zealand. » PLC Pr og r ammi ng , Commi s i on i ng and Con f i gu r a t i on » HMI V i sua l i za t i on and Deve l opmen t » SCADA Sys t em Des i gn and Imp l emen t a t i on » Cus t om Con t r o l Sys t em Des i gn www . e c a d . c o . n z E . z a k@e c a d . c o . n z 0 2 1 3 3 0 1 4 4 | c o n o r@e c a d . c o . n z 0 2 1 4 4 5 3 5 3 | s am@e c a d . c o . n z 0 2 1 3 9 9 7 9 2 We value being associated wi th Hydramech, a company that values innovat ion and excel lence. MICO BLENHEIM 16 HERBERT STREET, BLENHEIM, 7201 03 577 5071 WWW.MICO.CO.NZ Proudly supporting Hydramech Ltd for 25 years PLUMBING, MECHANICAL & INDUSTRIAL SUPPLY Keeping wineries running smoothly
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