50 | ENGINEERING Cullimore Engineering T T Rosa Watson Future bright in thriving Canterbury Cullimore Engineering has been operating in the Mid Canterbury district for more than 40 years. Ashburton-based engineering firm Cullimore Engineering is anticipating exciting growth opportunities in the Canterbury region that will take the region forward. The award-winning company has been supporting local industries for decades and sees new industry starting to burgeon in the region. A key industry it currently supports is food processing, working with the likes of Talleys, ANZCO, Ashburton Meats, and Midland Apiaries. They also work with TerraCat to rebuild components for OceaniaGold, and manufacture and repair parts for lines companies around the country, along with agricultural service companies and a range of other manufacturing and service companies. These include Southern Jet, Replas, Bruce McIlroy Ltd and Plasback. Managing director Sam Cullimore says recently there is an increasing focus on process improvements such as more structured maintenance tracking and working to ensure part availability and reliability, as well as increasing efficiencies through automation. He says hemp products look to be a major growth area for the Canterbury region, with various companies relocating to Ashburton to be nearer to the product source. “That, combined with local investment from large firms such as Talleys and ANZCO, will provide a range of growth in the region.” He says Canterbury is a great place to operate a business. “While work has tended to slow down at times this year, overall we have seen a generally positive outlook — particularly when compared to other regions around the country.” “The opportunities here in manufacturing come from the diverse range of industries in the region, with the key challenges being getting supplies in a timely manner.” The key focus now for Cullimore Engineering is continuing to diversify the client base without losing its quality of service to its existing customers. “We’re doing this by investing in our systems and machinery, allowing us to run more jobs simultaneously, while keeping the capability for short turnaround times when required,” Sam says. Cullimore Engineering has been operating in the district for more than 40 years and has been behind several innovations including a machine built for ANZCO Foods that removes the tendons from the hock. The collagen extracted from it can be used for medical work. They also developed a truck-mounted earth rod driver unit, used by Marlborough Lines, to drive steel rods into the ground to earth to the power network. The unit can rotate to 180 degrees with full radio remote control. Other versions have been manufactured for Electricity Ashburton, lines contracting company Lemacon, PowerNet in Invercargill and NetCon in Timaru. The firm was named finalist in three categories at the 2024 ANZ Business of the Year Awards with Sam winning the emerging business leader category and the firm taking out the excellence in technology and innovation category. It also received a highly commended award in manufacturing. Founder Ian Cullimore started the business 44 years ago after starting his trade in engine reconditioning and going on to start an engineering workshop. Today, most of the work is a combination of production contracts, custom design and builds, and repairs and maintenance. Clients include Talleys, ANZCO and Hemp NZ. Terra Cat is one of the firm’s largest customers. QUALITY + EXPERIENCE = VALUE CONTACT US P: 03 981 8199 E: service@toolingsolutions.co.nz W: www.toolingsolutions.co.nz Proudly supporting Cullimore Engineering Ltd Okuma Next Generation Stock Machines Available for Quick Delivery Improve your performance and productivity with the MB-56VII Vertical Machining Centre or LB3000 CNC Lathe. These machines are well priced and will sell fast ... Call us now! Ph: 09 570 7025
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