56 | CONTRACTING Clarke Automation Consultants EtherCAT and PC-Based Control: New Automation Technology Headquarters New Zealand Unit F3,4 Orbit Drive Albany Auckland 0632 New Zealand +64 9 281 2736 Clarke Automation Consultants +64 20 4028 4780 lyndon@clarkeautomationltd.com Proud to support: Find out more T T Karen Phelps Automation a boost for productivity Clarke Automation offers practical industrial experience in electrical systems, automation, machinery safety, and engineering support. “We take a collaborative approach with clients and focus on building long-term relationships based on trust, communication, and technical expertise.” As a growing number of New Zealand manufacturers are looking for ways to improve productivity without compromising safety, Southland-based firm Clarke Automation Consultants Limited has carved out a reputation for delivering practical, industry-focused automation and machinery safety solutions. According to company director Lyndon Clarke, what sets his business apart is the fact that solutions are built on a foundation of real-world industrial experience, working directly alongside customers. “Businesses don’t just need to tick a compliance box, they need systems that actually work in production,” explains Lyndon. “Our focus is on delivering solutions that are practical, reliable and genuinely improve the way a site operates.” The business was founded in response to a clear gap in the market. Lyndon says he recognised that many companies were receiving compliance advice that was difficult to apply in operational environments, creating frustration and inefficiencies. He set out to create a business that would bridge that divide, combining automation expertise with hands-on safety knowledge. Today, Clarke Automation Consultants provides a range of industrial automation and machinery safety consulting services. These include machinery risk assessments, machine guarding design and compliance advice, safety system reviews, automation consulting, industrial control system support, and safety improvement projects. “We also assist businesses with identifying hazards, improving machine safety, and implementing practical engineering controls that align with industry standards and workplace safety expectations,” says Lyndon. “We can support clients with automation system improvements, troubleshooting, project development, and modernisation of existing machinery and industrial processes.” He says the company is seeing growing interest in integrating smarter automation technologies into existing plants and practical machinery safety consulting, particularly around machine guarding, conveyor safety, and risk-reduction strategies for existing industrial equipment. Lyndon says a key strength lies in its ability to communicate across all levels of a business. “We take a collaborative approach with clients and focus on building long-term relationships based on trust, communication, and technical expertise. Because we work closely with both engineering and operational teams we are able to communicate effectively with everyone from management through to maintenance staff and operators.” The company’s experience spans multiple sectors, including manufacturing, food processing, timber and sawmilling, packaging, materials handling and general engineering. Lyndon says this breadth gives Clarke Automation Consultants the ability to work with both small businesses and larger industrial operations, and adapt solutions to suit the specific operational and safety requirements of each client. Lyndon says his team offers practical industrial experience in electrical systems, automation, machinery safety, and engineering support. “We place a strong emphasis on continuing professional development and staying current with evolving industry standards and safety practices. “We work closely with industry professionals, engineers, electricians, and operational teams to ensure projects are delivered to a high technical and safety standard.” Recent projects highlight the diversity of its work. These have ranged from conveyor and nip-point guarding solutions to full safety system reviews and automation improvements aimed at increasing efficiency while reducing risk. It is currently supporting clients with machinery compliance upgrades and production line safety enhancements, alongside automation projects designed to improve reliability and minimise downtime. Market conditions continue to present challenges, with many industrial operators facing pressure from rising costs, workforce shortages and increasing Health & Safety expectations. In this environment, Lyndon says, the role of well-designed automation and safety systems has become even more critical. “Good automation and safety design isn’t just about compliance, it’s about long-term performance,” he explains. “If you reduce risk and improve reliability, you’re also improving productivity.”
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