April/May 2020 - BAY OF PLENTY BUSINESS NEWS

More documents

Recommendations

Info

6 BAY OF PLENTY BUSINESS NEWS April/May 2020 Bay company makes the cut in global agri-tech list Making the cut in a list of the top 50 global agri-tech companies is likely to pay big dividends for Bay of Plenty company Robotics Plus. By RICHARD RENNIE The company has been named in the THRIVE Top 50 list, an annual ranking of leading global agritech companies, and is the only New Zealand company to make the list. The Silicon Valley-based THRIVE SVG Ventures enterprise is a platform for global agri-food investment and innovation that works with investors, entrepreneurs and corporates to help commercialise new technology. Based in Te Puna, Robotics Plus has become well known for developing a prototype robotic kiwifruit picker and two years ago received a $10 million funding injection from Yamaha Group to help commercialise its technology. Founded in 2013 by Steve Saunders and Dr Alistair Scarfe the business has since also developed ground breaking apple packing technology and log volume assessment equipment. Getting on the radar Robotics Plus chief executive Matt Glenn said the recognition the company gained by making the Top 50 list was invaluable for putting the company on the radar of other potential investors. “It’s a huge deal for us for attracting the attention of large investors and we have already had some big fish approach us,” he said. Yamaha’s focus on robotics stepped into the agri-tech sector with its investment in Robotics Plus, the first and largest the company had made outside of full merger and acquisition deals. Glenn said while the robotic kiwifruit picker had been good for raising the company’s profile, making the leap from a proof of concept prototype to full commercially scaled production was a big one. From its initial intention to be a dedicated kiwifruit picker the robot was adapted to become more of an autonomous platform, with multiple applications including picking, pollinating and spraying. The technology developed with the robot today forms one of three planks in the business, known as unmanned vehicles. Alongside this sits forestry logistics and produce packing technology. Apple packer successfully commercialised Robotics Plus chief executive Matt Glenn: global focus. Photo/Supplied. It’s a huge deal for us for attracting the attention of large investors and we have already had some big fish approach us.” – Matt Glenn The company’s Aporo apple packers have been successfully commercialised in the last two years with 50 in place around the world. The machine is capable of identifying and placing 120 apples a minute in display trays, and is marketed by Global Pac Technologies globally. Here in the Bay of Plenty, log marshalling company ISO was the first to install Robotic Plus’s log scaling machines, which scan logging truck loads for accurate volume calculations of log loads. Seven other units have been installed around New Zealand, with export opportunities beckoning. Glenn said the company remains focused on being a company committed to growth and development, rather than only seeking organic growth over time through existing commercialised technology. With that comes significant funding demands, and an ongoing need for highly skilled engineers and developers. “We have worked closely with Waikato University’s head of robotics Professor Mike Duke, and we would have about 25 percent of our staff coming from Waikato,” said Glenn. Many staff at Robotics Plus are completing a Masters or PhD in areas of computing and robotics. Glenn said the challenge is often to source staff who have those skills, tempered with some commercial experience. “We have 65 staff now, and aim to be close to 80 by the end of the year.” He said much of the company’s technology is now highly valued IP and kept secure from prying eyes. However, he expected to be able to make a significant announcement later this year about another major commercial development. With its pool of talented staff built up in the Bay, Glenn was confident Robotics Plus would remain a local company. But it would maintain a global focus on the many opportunities that existed beyond New Zealand to develop broad acre robotic equipment that would help deal with the growing labour shortages faced by primary producers all over the globe.
April/May 2020 BAY OF PLENTY BUSINESS NEWS 7 Young professionals bring fresh governance perspective The traditional image of the boardroom table being surrounded by people in middleage and older, is increasingly becoming outdated. The modern boardroom is about bringing diversity to the fore – not just in terms of age and ethnicity, but in diversity of thought, says Priority One. By DAVID PORTER Diversity is seen as bringing positive, lasting results to organisations. Boards all over the world are taking notice of younger voices that bring new perspectives and fresh experiences. Locally, Priority One, is leading the way with the appointment of two Young Professional Board Members who have been co-opted onto the governance board. Jack Christianson from Zespri and Kelly Williams from Cucumber have joined the Priority One board. Chair Brett Hewlett said bringing in Young Professional Members reflects the broader company culture, which values mixing young professionals with generations of local knowledge and experience. “There are positive and lasting results in organisations governed by diverse boards,” he said. “While years of experience often translates to effective board service, so too can the ground-level perspective that young professionals bring.” Crafting the future Priority One was helping to craft the future of Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty, said Hewlett. “It’s important for us to ensure we have diversity of voice at the boardroom level, and across the business, to keep driving us forward.” Young professionals brought a different perspective to the board table, often offering new ideas, a deeper understanding of emerging technologies, cultural trends and the increasingly important role of social networks, he said. “For Priority One in particular we want to know what attracts young people to Tauranga and how to retain those we already have… we need to maximise the opportunities available to young people so they want to stay and grow their careers here, or start their own businesses here.” Bryan Graham, chair of the Institute of Director’s Bay of Plenty Branch, said the IoD was pleased to see Priority One initiate the programme. . “Diversity of thought is crucial around the board table,” he said. “The IoD, which has the Future Directors and Mentoring for Diversity programmes, supports initiatives like this which help develop director talent.” First-hand experience Zespri’s Christianson credited the company’s chief global Kelly Williams, Jack Christianson and Brett Hewlett. Photo/Priority One While years of experience often translates to effective board service, so too can the ground-level perspective that young professionals bring.” – Brett Hewlett supply officer Blair Hamil for nominating him for the position. “This opportunity provides first-hand experience of what is required to shape the strategic direction of an organisation,” he said. “I’ll be learning from existing board members; it’s a unique opportunity to get involved in the development of our region and to interact with the wider Western Bay of Plenty business community. Kelly Williams, a junior software developer at digital services company Cucumber, said she took a broad interest in the economic growth of the wider region, with a particular interest in the hort-tech industry. “I moved to Tauranga two years ago and have been amazed at the quality of our local tech industry,” said Williams. “With the passion of our local industry and the amount of growth we’re experiencing, Tauranga has the potential to be New Zealand’s innovation hub. “I’m looking forward to being able to use the experience and knowledge I gain through working with the Priority One board to enable me to give back to and support the community in a meaningful and thoughtful way.” Christianson and Williams will hold their Young Professional Memberships on the Board until the end of 2020. Tauranga Airport wins Canstar Blue top award As it faces challenging trading conditions in the wake of the virusinduced downturn in business, Tauranga Airport has had some good news. It recently topped the Canstar Blue 2020 Most Satisfied Customers Award for domestic airports. By DAVID PORTER The airport – which recently completed a major rebuild and refurbishment – received a five-star rating for overall satisfaction, waiting areas and communication, as well as four stars for facilities, parking and ease of check-in. Tauranga outscored all other domestic airports including major terminals such as Auckland, Christchurch, Queenstown, Dunedin and Wellington. Well-received news Tauranga Airport chief executive Ray Dumble said winning the Customer Satisfaction Award was the best praise the airport could get, and would be well-received by all staff and contractors involved in the recent upgrade. ‘We take great pride in putting our customers first, and to win this award during a year of major construction is testament to the effort our staff put into minimising disruption to travellers.’ The original terminal was constructed in 1967, and although it had served the region well, passenger volume has been increasing and the upgrade was needed to future proof the airport. The $12.7 million redevelopment was completed last year and doubled the floor area of the terminal, making room for a larger lounge, new check-in area and café space. The improvements also created a shorter walk from the terminal for boarding. ‘Our focus was to create a Tauranga Airport during its recent rebuild. Photo/Supplied space that both customers and staff enjoyed, and this award is proof we have achieved that’ explained Ray. Although the terminal upgrade is complete, a proposal has been approved to expand the car rental depot and the number of car parks to meet demand. Although the airport is owned by Tauranga City Council, it is self-funded with no ratepayer assistance.
Page 1 and 2: APRIL/MAY 2020 VOLUME 4: ISSUE 4 WW
Page 3 and 4: April/May 2020 BAY OF PLENTY BUSINE
Page 5: April/May 2020 BAY OF PLENTY BUSINE
Page 11 and 12: SPECIAL FOCUS - COVID-19 April/May
Page 13 and 14: SPECIAL FOCUS - COVID-19 April/May

April/May 2020 - BAY OF PLENTY BUSINESS NEWS

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?