54 | ENGINEERING Trinder Engineers T T Russell Fredric New workshop driving expansion “I guess the challenge for us has been enabling us to get involved at the start of projects; that’s very helpful so that the scientific community don’t get too far into some concepts that may not be the best solution.” T T to page 56 A newly-appointed Trinder Group chief executive officer, an even newer hightech workshop and increasing specialisation are key drivers for a forward-focused Tasman engineering business. A significant employer in Richmond, Trinder Engineers has kicked off the New Year with a lot of excitement, having moved into its new, purpose-built premises late 2024. With 2400sqm of workshop and 475sqm of office and amenities space, in addition to having a much larger yard, the new facility provides 40% more space than the previous building Trinder Engineers operated from. General manager Kerry Hill says plans for the new facility have been in the pipeline since about 2017. “We broke ground in January last year and we moved in before Christmas. It’s pretty exciting – a new era for the business.” The move is part of Trinder Engineers’ longterm strategy initiated about a decade ago to transition from a ‘reactive’ plant repair and maintenance business to being proactive in generating business, with greater specialisation in manufacturing, research and engineering design. Trinder Engineers has subsequently achieved some notable milestones through manufacturing bespoke equipment for forestry, horticulture, viticulture and aquaculture, along with providing design and manufacturing services to other sectors, including scientific research organisations. This transition is reflected in the company’s 100 staff, of which about 10% are engaged in research and innovation as a result of Trinder’s working relationships with Cawthron, Plant & Food Research, Callaghan Innovations, Canterbury University, Forest Growers Research and ACC. Aquaculture is a rising star on the company’s near horizon, Kerry says. “We see a blue economy, which is starting to grow, and the Government are putting a lot of resource into growing offshore fish farming and other types of aquaculture. It’s certainly a growing market.” In this space, Trinder is working with aquaculture scientists, who need specialised, bespoke- designed stainless steel equipment and components to undertake their research. Collaborations like these highlight the role engineers can have in bridging the gap between scientific research and the practical applications of it, Kerry says. “I guess the challenge for us has been enabling us to get involved at the start of projects; that’s very helpful so that the scientific community don’t get too far into some concepts that may not be the best solution. Revolutionise your workshop e ciency with STRATA SLR Series Laser Welding Machines. Ideal for a wide variety of welding applications, especially in thinner materials - weld up to 10x faster than traditional TIG welding technologies! • Exceptional weld appearance, eliminates expensive and di cult finishing tasks • Amazing weld speeds • Single phase input power for portability and convenience • 100% Duty cycle, built for industrial production environments • Weld from 0.2mm up to 0.9mm • Stronger welds with very minimal heat input outside the weld bead Handheld Laser Welders Get in Touch prolineindustrial.co.nz 0800 440 976
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