Maintenance Society Lifts the Hood on Callaghan Innovation

Maintenance Society Lifts the Hood on Callaghan Innovation

The forces of nature were on full display in New Zealand but so also were the forces of engineering when the Maintenance Engineering Society visited the Callaghan Institute in Lower Hutt for their Kaeser Compressors Network Evening in April.

A hardy bunch of souls braving inclement weather that had shut down the entire North Island were well rewarded for their endeavour with a firsthand look at the cutting edge of engineering materials at the sprawling Lower Hutt facility. Ian Brown presented the facility to the group before handing over to his multinational team of boffins to explain their particular areas of expertise.

The government funded advanced material group conduct foundation studies on materials in a bid to match material solutions to industry demands. In many ways they take over the risk component of solution development and, not unlike MESNZ, act as a connective solution supplier. Their material choice and selection expertise can provide solutions to a myriad of engineering issues and innovations.

From ceramics to metal injection moulding and 3D additive manufacturing, the group were presented with the intimate workings of these speciality and leading edge disciplines by Ian’s team. More impressive than the technology on show was the passion of the individuals, leaving a lasting impression on those that braved the Wellington weather.

The MESNZ Kaeser Compressors Network Evenings are hosted to showcase local operations and provide networking opportunities for engineers across all regions of New Zealand. The evenings offer the opportunity to take a look at the host operation and discuss common issues and solutions in a relaxed after work environment. Open to interested members of the public, the nights are well patronised. There is no cost to attend and non-MESNZ can attend up to 2 meetings. Evenings are constantly being planned, with the current schedule showing Auckland, Napier, Christchurch and Masterton. Readers can find the latest schedule by going to http://www.mesnz.org.nz/activities/network-evenings/

The Maintenance Engineering Society is active across New Zealand, providing opportunities for maintenance engineers and manufacturing operations to network and share innovations and experiences; both at a national level at their annual national conference or at these regional events. The 2018 National Maintenance Engineering Conference will be held at the Energy Events Centre, Rotorua on November 13-15

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